Oak Partners, Inc.

10/15/2026

10/13/2026

One of our favorite events of the year! 🦉

Oak Partners, a wealth and retirement planning agency in Northwest Indiana, hosted their Ways to Give Back Event on Thursday, October 8. The event gathered impactful organizations throughout the Region that were in need of volunteers, including Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Phil’s Friends...

10/12/2026

Naming a favorite charity as the beneficiary of an IRA or transfer-on-death account is a generous goal, but getting the money to the organization after death can be slow and complicated.

In this week's Mind on Money column, Marc Ruiz explains why charity beneficiary designations can stall, and how naming a donor-advised fund as the beneficiary, paired with a giving memo, can keep a charitable legacy straightforward for the people handling your estate.

Marc Ruiz explains why naming a charity on an IRA or TOD account can stall after death, and how a donor-advised fund can simplify a charitable legacy.

10/05/2026

When a retirement portfolio ends up larger than planned, should the monthly withdrawal rise with it?

In this week's Mind on Money, Marc Ruiz looks at the 4% guideline, where it came from, and why its creator never meant it as a hard rule. He also shares the middle ground he prefers: using gains for one-time priorities, like paying off a mortgage or replacing a car, instead of redesigning the monthly paycheck.

Read the full column:

Marc Ruiz on the 4% withdrawal guideline, why larger portfolios and 5% bond yields tempt retirees to spend more, and a middle-ground way to use gains.

10/02/2026

We are hoping for more clients to join us next week. Bring a friend or 5!
RSVP HERE: https://us11.list-manage.com/survey?u=c8a83dc41403889f2fe38ad1d&id=31ba37ecca&attribution=false

10/01/2026

🏈 Sharing a fun local event happening this Saturday!
One of our friends, Allen Pinkett, is hosting a Tailgate & Football Social at St. Bridget in Hobart this Saturday, October 3rd.

Tickets are $40/person or 2 for $60 if purchased by October 1. Check out the flyer for all the details and QR code.

If you love a good football Saturday—this looks like a great time! ☘️🏈
Sharing to support a client and a great local event.
This event is not affiliated with or sponsored by Oak Partner

09/28/2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill opened a four-year planning window for retirees. For tax years 2025 through 2028, anyone 65 or older can claim a new $6,000 senior deduction ($12,000 for a couple where both spouses qualify), which may make Roth IRA conversions worth a closer look this year, in 2027, and in 2028.

In this week's Mind on Money column, Marc Ruiz walks through how to size a conversion around the tax brackets and the senior deduction phaseout, why the window is most relevant for retirees between 65 and 73 who aren't yet taking Required Minimum Distributions, and how the two-year IRMAA look-back can raise Medicare premiums if the math isn't dialed in.

Marc Ruiz explains how the new $6,000 senior deduction opens a 2025 to 2028 window for Roth IRA conversions, and how phaseouts and IRMAA shape the math.