Sarah C. Cuddy, CFP, CDFA - Baird Private Wealth Management

06/09/2026

3 Tax Numbers Pre-Retirees Should Know

If you are working and building your wealth, there are three key numbers you need to know.

1️⃣ Your Adjusted Gross Income - This is your income after certain deductions.

🤔 Why does it matter? Because your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) drives the certain deductions and the credits that you qualify for. Knowing your AGI will help you decide which tax strategies to pursue.

2️⃣ Your Margain Tax Rate - This is the rate of tax you pay on the last dollar of income you earn.

🤔 Why does it matter? Knowing this number will help you decide what strategies you might want to pursue (like owning municipal bonds) or avoid (like a Roth IRA Conversion).

3️⃣ Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rate - This is the rate you pay on long-term capital gains when you have them.

🤔 Why does it matter? Knowing this number can help you avoid unpleasant surprises at tax time. If you have a large, realized gain, being able to estimate the tax liability means you don't get an unplanned tax bill.

Robert W. Baird & Co. does not give tax or legal advice. Always talk with your tax advisor before implementing any tax strategy.

06/08/2026

🌈 Celebrating Alan Turing: A Power of Community Icon 🌈

Alan Turing, a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, is hailed as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. His remarkable codebreaking work at Bletchley Park is credited with significantly shortening the duration of World War II. Despite his monumental contributions, Turing faced persecution by the British government due to his homosexuality. His story has since become a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Today, Turing graces the UK's £50 note, standing as a powerful symbol of redemption, recognition, and the enduring strength of community.

Join us in honoring his legacy and the ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance. 🏳️‍🌈

06/05/2026

Strategas Chief Investment Strategist Jason Trennert analyzes the recent S&P 500 streak of positive weeks (and what it means for future returns), whether the Federal Reserve is the greatest risk to the rally, and how populism interfaces with today’s market.

Strategas Chief Investment Strategist Jason Trennert analyzes the r...

06/05/2026

🌈 Celebrating Pride Month: The Power of Community 🌈

This Pride Month, we honor the strength, resilience, and unity of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, this community is a vibrant tapestry of diverse identities, experiences, and voices that create a powerful force for acceptance.

The Power of Community lies in its ability to uplift, support, and inspire. It's about standing together, celebrating our differences, and championing the rights and dignity of every individual. 🏳️‍🌈

Join us in embracing love, inclusivity, and equality for all. 💪❤️

06/02/2026

3 Tax Numbers Retirees Should Know

If you are retired and living from your wealth, there are three key tax numbers you need to know.

1️⃣ Your Marginal Tax Rate - This is the rate of tax you pay on the last dollar of income you earn.

🤔Why does it matter? Because when you take money out of an IRA or 401(k) you need to decide how much to withhold for taxes. Your Marginal Tax Rate can help inform that choice.

2️⃣ Your Safe Harbour - Your tax bill can vary a lot year to year in retirement depending on where you draw income from. Your Safe Harbour is 110% of your prior year's tax liability.

🤔 Why does it matter? If you pay at least your Safe Harbour each year, you can help avoid underpayment penalties in a year when your tax bill is higher than expected.

3️⃣ Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) - Your MAGI determines if you pay extra premiums for Medicare.

🤔 Why does it matter? Your MAGI from 2025 determines your 2027 Medicare premiums. Knowing your MAGI can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise when your first bill arrives for your new plan year.

Robert W. Baird & Co does not give tax or legal advice. Always talk with your tax advisor before implementing any tax strategy.

06/01/2026

Love, identity, and authenticity deserve to be celebrated. 🌈

This Pride Month, we recognize and honor the LGBTQIA+ community for the strength, courage, and joy they bring to the world.

05/29/2026

Strategas Chief Economist Don Rissmiller talks through the firm’s decision to reduce the odds of a 2026 recession, how the consumer backdrop is shaping up, and what the Fed’s next move might be.

Strategas Chief Economist Don Rissmiller talks through the firm’s d...

05/28/2026

The Balance for May 2026 is here!

This month is all about partnership and preparation. I'm also highlighting IRAs as part of your wealth building strategy.

Check it out! 👇

Sign up for The Balance Newsletter, curated by Financial Advisor Sarah Cuddy, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional (CFP®). Sign up today!

05/26/2026

Your Health Savings Account (HSA) can be a powerful compliment to your 401(k) and IRA on your wealth building journey.

🤑 HSAs are triple tax exempt.
✅ Your contributions avoid income tax.
✅ Investments in an HSA grow tax deferred.
✅ Distributions for Qualified Medical Expenses are tax free.

To make the most of your HSA, fund it fully each year and pay for your Qualified Medical Expenses from other funds if you can afford to do so.

❗To qualify to contribute to an HSA, you must have a High-Deductible Health Plan. Make sure that a High-Deductible Health Plan fits your needs before committing to funding an HSA.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave everything in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day.