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Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: Protecting Your Heirs from the 4.5% (or 15%) Bite

January 24, 2026 at 6:15:32 PM

If you're a Pennsylvania resident planning your estate, there's one tax you absolutely need to understand: the Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Unlike most states that have eliminated this tax, Pennsylvania is one of only six states that still imposes it, and it affects estates of all sizes, not just the wealthy. Here's what makes this particularly important for Pennsylvania retirees: while you won't pay a state estate tax (Pennsylvania eliminated that), and most people won't face federal estate...

Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: Protecting Your Heirs from the 4.5% (or 15%) Bite

January 24, 2026 at 6:15:32 PM

Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: Protecting Your Heirs from the 4.5% (or 15%) Bite

If you're a Pennsylvania resident planning your estate, there's one tax you absolutely need to understand: the Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Unlike most states that have eliminated this tax, Pennsylvania is one of only six states that still imposes it, and it affects estates of all sizes, not just the wealthy. Here's what makes this particularly important for Pennsylvania retirees: while you won't pay a state estate tax (Pennsylvania eliminated that), and most people won't face federal estate...

The Other Side of Retirement: Preparing for the Social and Emotional Journey

October 17, 2025 at 12:22:43 PM

The Other Side of Retirement: Preparing for the Social and Emotional Journey

Article by Dr. Lisa J Lucas Author, Speaker, and Life Transition Coach When most of us think about retirement, we focus on the tangible: savings goals, pensions, healthcare, and whether our financial plan will sustain the lifestyle we envision. We imagine freedom, travel, and leisure — a long-awaited exhale after decades of structure and responsibility. But what few people prepare for, and what too few conversations address, is the social and emotional reality that comes after the celebration...

Understanding Medicare Part D: An Overview With Pennsylvania Examples

August 5, 2025 at 12:32:24 PM

Understanding Medicare Part D: An Overview With Pennsylvania Examples

Medicare Part D is the portion of Medicare that covers prescription drugs —a crucial benefit for anyone managing chronic conditions or...

Stay One Step Ahead: Recognizing and Avoiding Scams in Retirement

May 28, 2025 at 3:27:50 PM

Stay One Step Ahead: Recognizing and Avoiding Scams in Retirement

As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, it also opens new doors for scammers—and unfortunately, those nearing or already...

The Real Story About Retirement Expenses: What Changes and What Doesn't

January 21, 2026 at 1:31:12 PM

The Real Story About Retirement Expenses: What Changes and What Doesn't

One of the most common questions I hear from clients approaching retirement is: "How much will I actually spend each year?" It's a deceptively simple question with a complex answer, because retirement expenses don't follow a straight line. They shift, evolve, and sometimes surprise you in ways that working years never prepared you for. This article will walk you through what commonly happens with expenses in retirement and how to project expenses in a way that works in the real world. The...

When Fed Interest Rate Cuts Begin With Stock Markets Near All-time Highs, What Happens Next?

September 17, 2025 at 3:26:23 PM

When Fed Interest Rate Cuts Begin With Stock Markets Near All-time Highs, What Happens Next?

With the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates yesterday, I thought some may be wondering how stock markets have performed in the 12...

New Age 65+ Tax Deduction Under the OBBBA: A Short Summary

July 23, 2025 at 5:11:16 PM

New Age 65+ Tax Deduction Under the OBBBA: A Short Summary

Beginning in 2025, a new provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)  introduces a new tax deduction aimed at those age 65+. This...

Should You Transfer Your House Title to Your Children As You Age? An In-Depth Guide

May 9, 2025 at 5:25:52 PM

Should You Transfer Your House Title to Your Children As You Age? An In-Depth Guide

As you approach retirement and begin thinking seriously about your legacy, one question often surfaces: "Should I put my house in my kids' names now, or wait until I pass away?" It's a deceptively simple question that many parents grapple with, often prompted by well-meaning advice from friends or concerns about making things "easier" for their children. On the surface, transferring your home's title to your children might seem like a straightforward estate planning strategy. After all,...

2026 Retirement Account Contribution Limits: Essential Guide for Those 50+

November 16, 2025 at 5:14:19 PM

2026 Retirement Account Contribution Limits: Essential Guide for Those 50+

The IRS has announced higher contribution limits for 2026, giving those ages 50 and above more opportunities to boost their retirement savings. If you're approaching retirement, understanding these changes—especially the enhanced catch-up provisions—can help you maximize your tax-advantaged savings in the final stretch. 401(k), 403(b), and 457 Plans: Room to Save More Standard Contributions The base contribution limit for workplace retirement plans is increasing across the board: 2026:...

The Psychology of Retirement: Who Are You Without the Job?

August 7, 2025 at 10:16:26 AM

The Psychology of Retirement: Who Are You Without the Job?

Retirement isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a deeply personal transition. For decades, your job gave you a routine, a sense of...

How Expenses Change in Retirement: What to Expect When the Paychecks Stop

June 6, 2025 at 3:02:26 PM

How Expenses Change in Retirement: What to Expect When the Paychecks Stop

One of the biggest questions people have when preparing for retirement is: Will I spend more or less than I do now? The answer isn’t the...

Discovering New Hobbies in Retirement: A Guide to Lifelong Learning

February 20, 2025 at 6:44:28 PM

Discovering New Hobbies in Retirement: A Guide to Lifelong Learning

Retirement is often seen as a time to relax, travel, and enjoy the fruits of years of hard work. But it’s also an excellent opportunity...

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