Barnett Financial & Tax

11/02/2026

Retired this year?

While you were working, taxes were automatically taken out of each paycheck. Retirement changes that. Social Security, pension payments, and IRA withdrawals may have little or no tax withheld unless you choose it.

That can come as an unpleasant surprise when you file your return in the spring. In some cases, owing too little throughout the year can also lead to an underpayment penalty.

There's still time to make an adjustment for 2026. And for next year, you can ask Social Security to withhold federal tax from your monthly benefit by filing a short form (Form W-4V).

If you'd like our affiliated tax team to review your numbers before year-end, schedule a no-cost visit with our team:https://bftwealth.com/schedule-a-meeting/

10/27/2026

Be honest: are your accounts working together, or did they just pile up over the years?

An old 401(k) from two jobs ago, a CD from when rates jumped, a fund a friend recommended. It happens to a lot of people, and each choice made sense at the time.

Our approach is called the Barnett Advantage. Our advisors start by giving every dollar a job, whether that's paying the bills in retirement, growing for the years ahead, or going to family someday. Then our in-house CPA looks at how each account will be taxed when you use it.

Tell us in the comments: how many accounts are you juggling right now?

Would you like our advisors in Grand Blanc, Auburn Hills, and Charlotte and our in-house CPA to help you line them up? Call (800) 425-7044 or schedule a no-cost visit: https://bftwealth.com/schedule-a-meeting/

10/22/2026

The national average savings rate sits at 0.38% while inflation runs 3.4%. On a $400,000 balance, that gap costs roughly $12,000 in purchasing power over a year, and your statement never shows it.

In our quick video, Financial Planner Gage Harris explains how much cash belongs in the bank and how to put the rest to work for growth, income, and tax efficiency. Watch now: https://youtu.be/npyf_cxwXUg?si=2pMKZH85ME4FjkF0

Is your cash balance actually costing you? In August 2026, the FDIC...

10/20/2026

Paid off the house? That's worth celebrating. Just don't retire your credit score along with the mortgage.

Many people are surprised to learn their score can still affect home insurance rates in many states, a future refinance, or a move closer to the grandkids. Swipe through for 3 credit myths, and tell us in the comments which one surprised you most.

10/12/2026

Anyone else in the "filed an extension" club? Your return is due today, October 15, and we won't blame you if you'd rather not think about taxes again until spring.

But remember: once January 1 arrives, most of what shapes your 2026 tax bill is already set. That still leaves about 11 weeks to look at things like a Roth conversion, the timing of your charitable giving, or selling an investment that's down to offset one that's up.

Are you finishing that extension this week? Schedule a no-cost visit before year-end: https://bftwealth.com/schedule-a-meeting/

10/08/2026

Quick math for anyone who moved their savings to cash "just to be safe":

At 3% inflation, $100,000 of spending today costs more than $180,000 in 20 years. Groceries, property taxes, the grandkids' birthdays. All of it.

Sitting still feels safe in a rough market, but over a 30-year retirement it’s a slow way to fall behind. The goal is not to avoid every dip, it’s to have enough stability to ride out the bad years, enough growth to keep up with rising costs, and a smart plan for the taxes on the way out.

How do you think about "safe" in retirement? We would love to hear it in the comments.

If it has been a while since anyone looked at how your money is positioned, our team offers a no-cost visit. Call (800) 425-7044 or visit bftwealth.com/schedule-a-meeting.

10/05/2026

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is one of the most overlooked tools for charitable giving.

How it works: You give a lump sum to the fund this year and get the tax deduction now, then recommend grants to your favorite charities over time. You control the timing of both the donation and the distribution.

Why this matters:

→ If you're in a high-income year, you can max out your deduction now.
→ You can donate appreciated stock and avoid capital gains taxes entirely.
→ You have time to think through which causes matter most.

If charitable giving is part of your plan, schedule a no-cost visit:
https://bftwealth.com/schedule-a-meeting/

10/05/2026

Quick question: If you had to give each dollar you've saved a job, what would the jobs be?

Your answers might sound like "Cover the bills until Medicare kicks in," "Help my son buy his first house," or "Finally visit the grandkids more often." Every one of those is a good answer, and each points to a different way of investing and a different tax bill when the money comes out.

Here's a small Financial Planning Month assignment: jot down a few jobs for your money this week, then share one in the comments.

If you'd like help matching your investments to those jobs, call (800) 425-7044 or schedule a no-cost visit with our advisors and in-house CPA:
https://bftwealth.com/schedule-a-meeting/

10/02/2026

How would you pay for care if you couldn’t live independently?

Long-term care can mean paying for help at home, assisted living, or a nursing facility. Medicare generally does not cover ongoing custodial care, so the expense may come from your own assets, income, or insurance.

There are several ways to plan for it:

- Long-term care insurance
- Hybrid life insurance with a long-term care benefit
- Setting aside assets specifically for future care

The right approach depends on your health, finances, family, and the type of care you would want.

If you’re approaching retirement and haven’t addressed long-term care, let’s add it to your planning list. It’s much easier to evaluate your options before you need them.

10/01/2026

🎉 Celebrating 37 Years in Business!

We're excited to share that Barnett Financial & Tax is celebrating our 37th year in business!

Thank you to our clients, many of whom have trusted us for years, and to the new faces who've joined us along the way. Your confidence in us is what has kept us going strong. We're grateful for every relationship and every conversation.

Here's to helping you plan, prepare, and move forward with confidence for many years to come.

📞 Have questions about your financial plan or taxes? Call or message us today, we'd love to hear from you.