Andrew Doan, CFP, EA

06/11/2026

"A long life, even a long life in good health, doesn't mean much if you don't love your life."

That line stopped me. A new study found that fulfillment — purpose, connection, emotional security — is one of the strongest predictors of how well we age. And here's the kicker: fulfillment tends to drop right at retirement age, when those things shift most.

We spend a lot of time planning the finances of retirement. This is a good reminder to plan the life too.

A new report from CenterWell suggests that purpose, connection, and emotional well-being are critical predictors of how we age.

06/09/2026

What does a happy retirement actually look like? Harvard spent 88 years trying to answer that. Spoiler: it wasn't about the portfolio balance. It was about the people around you. Worth a read — and worth a conversation.

Finding the secrets to a happy life can literally take a lifetime.

05/13/2026

Extended care is one of the biggest wild cards in retirement.

Costs vary by location, care type, and health needs—but they've all been rising faster than many realize.

These five insights can help you understand what drives costs and why they often catch retirees by surprise.



Sources:
CareScout, Cost of Care Report, July–December 2024
AALTCI, Long-Term Care Insurance Statistics & Data 2025
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

05/02/2026

Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home...🎶

Louisville, it’s the most exciting two minutes in sports, but your financial future lasts a whole lot longer. Whether you’re betting on the ponies or just enjoying a mint julep, remember:

- Smart investments age better than bourbon.

- Budgeting keeps you in the race, even when the odds are long.

- Retirement planning is the ultimate photo finish you want to win.

- Financial confidence feels better than cashing a trifecta ticket.

So while the horses thunder down the track, let’s make sure your money is pacing strong too. 🏇💵

Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and prosperous Kentucky Derby weekend! 🌹✨

04/08/2026

Wealth preservation isn’t “set it and forget it.” Tax laws, markets, and family needs shift over time. Establish a rhythm for reviewing your estate, tax, and investment plans. A proactive approach keeps your legacy strong.

03/30/2026

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement choices you’ll face. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some factors to consider:

📌 Are you still working?
📌 How long do you expect to live based on health and family history?
📌 How do early or delayed benefits fit into your retirement picture?

This guide walks through the basics to help you start thinking about your options.

03/24/2026

Planning for retirement is about more than preserving wealth, it’s about preparing to enjoy it confidently. With habits like regular check-ins, smart contributions, and streamlined accounts, you can thrive in this new chapter.

03/19/2026

Helping you navigate the complexities of the tax code and keep more of the money you’ve earned is incredibly rewarding, but there may be more we can plan together. Besides taxes, we can discuss additional financial guidance to help sketch out future plans and ultimately, pursue your goals.

03/16/2026

What if your most expensive tax decision in 2026 happens long before you file your return?
Tax prep looks backward; tax strategy looks ahead, and that gap is where real after-tax outcomes get decided.

A few high-impact levers to keep on the radar:
➡️ When Income Lands: Timing bonuses, self-employment income, and retirement distributions can help manage brackets.

➡️ How You Might Save: Consider taking advantage of the higher 401(k) limits in 2026 and catch-up provisions—but be sure to look into whether you need to use a Roth for those catch-up contributions.

➡️ Where Giving Shows Up: New rules change how charitable gifts and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits work together.

➡️ What You Do in Down Markets: Tax-loss harvesting can turn volatility into a tool, not just noise.

➡️ With most retirement accounts, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Roth accounts are the exception. Withdrawal penalties may apply if you take the money before age 59½. Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after the account holder reaches age 59½.

Preparing year-round can help shape future cash flow, flexibility, and choices.



Sources:
➡️ https://www.affiancefinancial.com/news/tax-planning-or-tax-preparation-which-do-i-need
➡️ https://www.bdo.com/insights/tax/irs-issues-final-catch-up-contribution-regulations-for-salary-deferrals-in-retirement-plans
➡️https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-67.pdf
https://silvertaxgroup.com/donor-advised-funds-strategy/
➡️ https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/charitable-tax-strategies/bunching-charitable-donations.html
➡️ https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/convert-to-roth-ira/

03/12/2026

Retirement isn’t the end of planning—it’s a new beginning. The distribution phase focuses on preserving savings, creating reliable income, and preparing for surprises. Start with six key habits: budget wisely, plan for special expenses, review withdrawals, budget for health care, update insurance and estate plans, and schedule regular check-ins.