This website may include commentary, summaries, or links to articles from independent third-party publishers. Such materials are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Solutions First Financial Group. Information believed to be reliable cannot be guaranteed as to accuracy, timeliness, or completeness. Certain educational content may be created with the assistance of AI tools (including ChatGPT) and is edited and reviewed before posting. Nothing herein should be construed as individualized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Consult your financial, tax, and legal professionals regarding your specific situation.
Understanding Fixed Indexed Annuities: Balancing Growth Potential and Protection
In today’s unpredictable financial environment, many retirees and pre-retirees are searching for ways to protect their savings while still maintaining the opportunity for growth. One financial tool that continues to gain attention is the Fixed Indexed Annuity, often...
Why Retirement Planning Should Start Earlier Than Most People Think
When people hear the words “retirement planning,” many immediately picture someone in their 60s preparing to leave the workforce. The reality is very different. The most successful retirement strategies often begin decades before retirement is even on the horizon....
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan
For many people, financial confidence is not about having millions of dollars or a perfect investment strategy. It is about feeling secure, prepared, and in control of what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. Expenses appear unexpectedly, markets fluctuate, health...
Protecting Your Wealth Through Every Stage of Life
When people think about financial planning, they often focus only on retirement accounts or investment strategies. While these are important pieces of the puzzle, true financial security comes from creating a complete plan that protects your wealth through every stage...
The Hidden Risk of “Waiting Too Long” to Get Your Financial House in Order
Most people do not ignore their finances because they do not care.They ignore them because life gets busy. Work takes over. Family needs attention. Retirement feels far away. Insurance paperwork feels confusing. Estate planning gets pushed to “later.” Before long,...
What Inflation Is Quietly Doing to Your Retirement Plan
When most people think about retirement planning, they focus on the big numbers. How much they have saved. How much income they will need. When they want to retire. But there is one factor that quietly works in the background year after year, and if it is not...
Last-Minute Tax Moves Before April 15: IRA, HSA, and Retirement Planning Tips
As April 15 approaches, many people assume the window for tax planning has already closed. The truth is, there may still be time to make a few smart financial moves that could help reduce taxable income, strengthen retirement savings, and improve long-term financial...
Building a Stronger Financial Future with the Right Guidance
When it comes to your financial future, confidence does not come from guessing. It comes from having a clear strategy, trusted guidance, and a plan built around your goals. Whether you are preparing for retirement, protecting your family, growing your wealth, or...
Why Financial and Insurance Planning Should Work Together
When people think about financial planning, they often focus on investments, retirement accounts, and growing wealth. When they think about insurance, they usually think about protecting their home, health, or family. The truth is, these two areas should never be...
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. Hotter-than-expected inflation data, coupled with increased tensions in the Middle East, sent US Treasury yields significantly higher. The US-China summit ended with both sides with no real incremental...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets hit record highs as Q1 earnings continued to exceed expectations. Despite continued tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, investors bought mega-cap technology issues alongside Semiconductor companies. AMD posted...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets had mixed results last week as headlines about the US-Iran conflict continued to affect trade. Conflicting reports of the US and Iran meeting to negotiate a ceasefire came and went without the two sides meeting. The Strait of Hormuz continued to be...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets continued to rally in hopes of an extended ceasefire and Friday’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the rally will be tested on Monday after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, with the ceasefire ending on Tuesday. Negotiations...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets rose for a second week as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. The two sides met in Pakistan on Saturday to negotiate an end to the war, but talks ended without a resolution. The fragile ceasefire will be tested on Monday as markets reopen,...
Weekly Market Commentary
The holiday-shortened week saw US equities advance even as oil prices surged amid uncertainty about the duration of the Iranian conflict. Early in the week, investors bid up risk assets on hopes of a ceasefire. President Trump's assessment of the ongoing...
Weekly Market Commentary
US markets fell for the fourth consecutive week as the US-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 5th week. President Trump’s announcement that he would extend the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a couple of days sent markets soaring on Monday, but gains were met...
Weekly Market Commentary
US markets fell for a third consecutive week as investors continued to assess the implications of the Iran conflict. Headlines related to Iran continued to dominate market attention. Energy markets traded higher as the military's focus shifted to energy...
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets remained volatile, driven by headlines related to the Iran war. Whipsaw action was prominent across multiple asset classes, while several historically safe-haven assets offered no cover for investors. Questions about the duration of the war and the closure...
Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Professional Group (Ed Slott Group) is a membership organization owned by Ed Slott and Company, LLC. Logos and/or trademarks are property of their respective owners and no endorsement of (Solutions First Financial Group) is stated or implied. Ed Slott Group and Ed Slott and Company, LLC are not affiliated with Solutions First Financial Group.
For the detailed requirements of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Professional Group, please visit: https://www.irahelp.com/
New “Trump IRA” Is Fake News
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education On April 30, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order to promote retirement savings for American workers. In its aftermath, we have had a flurry of questions about a new savings option called a “Trump...
Reporting a Recharacterization
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst We know that Roth conversions are permanent. Recharacterization of a conversion is no longer allowed. Once the conversion is done, there is no going back. However, recharacterization is still available for IRA contributions. A...
A Cheat Sheet for Retirement Account Beneficiary RMDs
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst The SECURE Act completely changed the rules for beneficiary IRA (and workplace retirement plan) required minimum distributions (RMDs). It’s now been more than 6 years since the SECURE Act became law and almost 2 years since the IRS...
Required Minimum Distributions and Inherited IRAs Prior to 2020: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: My spouse and I have a combined six-figure required minimum distribution (RMD) from my two IRAs and her smaller IRA. Our CPA suggested that for 2026 we only withdraw 50% of her smaller RMD, and that I...
The Once-Per-Year Rollover Rule: Multiple Deposits vs. Multiple Distributions
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The once-per-year IRA rollover rule sounds easy. However, there are many ways to go wrong. One common confusion with this rule occurs when there are multiple distributions or multiple deposits. These two...
The Simultaneous QCD/RMD Transaction
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and required minimum distributions (RMDs) are two separate and distinct transactions. Here are some of the basics of each: QCDs are only available to IRA owners and beneficiaries age...
Backdoor Roth IRAs and Inherited IRAs: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: When someone under age 59½ uses the “backdoor” method of making Roth IRA contributions, does the 10% penalty apply to subsequent withdrawals if the IRA contribution was non-deductible? Thank you, John ANSWER: John,...
Grandparents Should Be Very Careful Before Opening Trump Accounts
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Contributions to Trump Accounts, the new tax-deferred savings vehicle for children, can’t be made until July 4, 2026. However, the opportunity to open a Trump Account, either through filing Form 4547 or using a dedicated IRS...
5 Steps to Spring-Clean Your IRA
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Spring is here! Now is the time when many people spring-clean their homes. It is an opportunity to get organized, get rid of clutter, and simplify. This year, consider taking the same approach with your retirement...
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Both options are designed to help manage healthcare costs during retirement, but they work very differently. Understanding how each type...
read more
Medicare in 2026: What Every Senior Should Know Before Choosing a Plan
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with plan options, deadlines, and yearly changes. For many retirees, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make. Working with a trusted advisor can help...
read more
2026 Medicare Coverage Gaps Seniors Should Know About
Medicare provides valuable health coverage for millions of Americans, but many beneficiaries are surprised to discover that it does not cover everything. Understanding where coverage gaps exist can help seniors plan ahead, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed...
read more
Why a Medicare Review Each Year Can Save You Money and Stress
Medicare is not something most people should set once and forget. Your health needs can change, your prescriptions can change, and Medicare plan costs and coverage can change too. That is why an annual Medicare review is one of the smartest steps a beneficiary can...
read more
Why Waiting Too Long to Enroll in Medicare Can Cost You
For many people approaching age 65, Medicare feels like something they can figure out later. After all, if you are still working, covered by a spouse’s plan, or simply feeling healthy, it may seem easy to put off enrollment and deal with it when the time feels right....
read more
What Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit Covers — And What It Does Not
Many people on Medicare have heard of the Annual Wellness Visit, but there is still a lot of confusion about what it actually includes. One of the biggest misunderstandings is thinking it is the same as a full yearly physical. It is not. For Medicare beneficiaries,...
read more
Medicare Made Simple: How to Choose the Right Coverage for Your Future
For many people, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make in retirement. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Between enrollment deadlines, coverage options, prescription plans, and out-of-pocket costs, it is...
read more
Understanding Medicare: What Every Retiree Should Know Before Enrolling
Turning 65 is a milestone — and for many Americans, it’s the moment when Medicare enters the conversation. While Medicare provides valuable health coverage for retirees, the system can feel confusing. With multiple parts, enrollment windows, and coverage options, many...
read more
Medicare and Retirement: What You Need to Know Before You Leave Your Employer Plan
For many Americans, retirement brings freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to enjoy the next chapter of life. But before leaving an employer health plan behind, it’s important to understand how Medicare works alongside retirement planning. Healthcare is one of...
read more
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Both options are designed to help manage healthcare costs during retirement, but they work very differently. Understanding how each type...
Medicare in 2026: What Every Senior Should Know Before Choosing a Plan
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with plan options, deadlines, and yearly changes. For many retirees, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make. Working with a trusted advisor can help...
2026 Medicare Coverage Gaps Seniors Should Know About
Medicare provides valuable health coverage for millions of Americans, but many beneficiaries are surprised to discover that it does not cover everything. Understanding where coverage gaps exist can help seniors plan ahead, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed...
Why a Medicare Review Each Year Can Save You Money and Stress
Medicare is not something most people should set once and forget. Your health needs can change, your prescriptions can change, and Medicare plan costs and coverage can change too. That is why an annual Medicare review is one of the smartest steps a beneficiary can...
Why Waiting Too Long to Enroll in Medicare Can Cost You
For many people approaching age 65, Medicare feels like something they can figure out later. After all, if you are still working, covered by a spouse’s plan, or simply feeling healthy, it may seem easy to put off enrollment and deal with it when the time feels right....
What Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit Covers — And What It Does Not
Many people on Medicare have heard of the Annual Wellness Visit, but there is still a lot of confusion about what it actually includes. One of the biggest misunderstandings is thinking it is the same as a full yearly physical. It is not. For Medicare beneficiaries,...
Medicare Made Simple: How to Choose the Right Coverage for Your Future
For many people, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make in retirement. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Between enrollment deadlines, coverage options, prescription plans, and out-of-pocket costs, it is...
Understanding Medicare: What Every Retiree Should Know Before Enrolling
Turning 65 is a milestone — and for many Americans, it’s the moment when Medicare enters the conversation. While Medicare provides valuable health coverage for retirees, the system can feel confusing. With multiple parts, enrollment windows, and coverage options, many...
Medicare and Retirement: What You Need to Know Before You Leave Your Employer Plan
For many Americans, retirement brings freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to enjoy the next chapter of life. But before leaving an employer health plan behind, it’s important to understand how Medicare works alongside retirement planning. Healthcare is one of...