Neil Manning, CFP of Gateway Financial Partners

10/31/2026

For many executives, company stock builds up quietly. A grant here, an ESPP purchase there, and before long a big share of their net worth is tied to one employer.

That isn’t automatically a problem. But it’s worth knowing how much you hold, when it vests, and what happens to unvested shares if you retire, leave, or pass away.

Year-end is a good time to look at the full picture, with your CPA in the loop on taxes. If you’d like to talk it through, let’s talk.

860.430.8141
[email protected]

10/30/2026

It’s open enrollment season at a lot of companies, and it’s tempting to roll everything over from last year.

Before you do, take five minutes to check:

Who’s listed as beneficiary on your group life insurance?
Does your disability coverage still match your income?
Are you using your HSA, if you have one?

Your workplace benefits are a big part of your safety net. They deserve more than a quick click.

10/29/2026

If you’re 70½ or older and already give to charity, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) may be worth a look.

A QCD sends money directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, up to $111,000 per person in 2026. The amount isn’t included in your taxable income, and it can count toward your required minimum distribution.

Timing matters. The money has to leave your IRA by December 31, and transfers can take a few weeks. Your CPA can help you decide if it makes sense for you.

10/28/2026

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7.

Prescription drug plans can change their costs and covered medications every year. A plan that worked well in 2026 may not fit as well in 2027.

Check your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, compare your options, and make sure your current prescriptions are still covered.

10/27/2026

You've planned for your financial future. But have you planned for what happens to your digital life?

Most of us run our lives online now, from bank accounts and bills to insurance and even the thermostat. If you couldn’t manage things tomorrow, would your family know where to start?

A will and power of attorney matter. But so does a secure plan for your digital accounts. A simple, current list kept in a safe place can spare your loved ones a lot of stress.

Not sure where to start? I’m happy to help you think through the details and how they fit into your bigger financial picture.

860.430.8141
[email protected]

10/26/2026

Turkey day is one month away. And Thanksgiving may be the one day this year when the whole family is in the same room.

I’m not suggesting you bring up estate planning between the turkey and the pie. But if your parents are getting older, a quiet conversation over the weekend can go a long way.

A few gentle questions to start with:

•Where do you keep your important papers?
•Who have you named to make decisions if you can’t?
•Have you thought about where you’d want to live if you need more care?

These talks are rarely easy, and they’re much harder in a crisis. If you’d like help thinking through how to start, let’s talk.

860.430.8141
[email protected]

10/22/2026

Trusts and taxes often overlap in estate planning, shaping how wealth and generosity are carried forward.

If you’ve ever wondered how these tools fit together, this Morningstar article offers a clear overview and a good starting point for learning more.

https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/how-do-taxes-trusts-fit-into-your-estate-plan

Estate planning attorney Jenny Rozelle discusses which asset types are best for loved ones or charity and when trusts can make sense.

10/21/2026

This time of year, a lot of us stop to think about what we’re thankful for. I think the same mindset belongs in planning.

A good plan isn’t about chasing more. It’s about knowing what “enough” looks like for you, then building around it.

I wrote about this in my blog, Neil’s Nook. Check it out: https://mygfpartner.com/2023/03/16/the-disciplined-pursuit-of-enough-financial-conversations/

10/19/2026

Quick update for Connecticut families. The federal estate and gift tax exemption is $15 million per person in 2026, and Connecticut’s exemption follows the federal number.

Above that line, federal rates can reach 40%, and Connecticut adds its own 12% tax on the amount over the exemption.

Connecticut is also the only state with its own gift tax, so large lifetime gifts count here too.

If your estate includes a home, a business, or retirement accounts that have grown over the years, it helps to know where you stand.

860.430.8141
[email protected]

10/14/2026

Talking to your parents about money isn't always easy, but it's an important conversation to have.

Understanding their financial wishes, plans, and important documents can help your family feel more prepared for whatever comes next.

Use these tips to help you open the door to conversations about their financial health before it’s too late.