Red Barn Financial

10/15/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, if your 2025 F**A (social security wages) from your current job (as shown in box 3 of your W-2) exceed $150,000*, your age 50+ catch-up contributions must be designated as Roth after-tax. This amount may change in future years due to cost-of-living adjustments.

If you work for a large corporation, they likely already have this worked out. If it's a smaller one, you will want to make sure you do your diligence.

Why is this change being made?

This change is required by Section 603 of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. To learn more about the SECURE 2.0 Act, feel free to reach out to us at Red Barn Financial.

10/12/2026

Another interest-rate hike may be coming this year. The question is when.

Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s September meeting show that most officials believe another increase in the federal funds rate will likely be appropriate before the end of 2026. But policymakers stopped short of signaling whether that could happen at their October 28 meeting or the final meeting of the year on December 9.

📌 Of the 18 Fed officials who submitted rate projections, 16 expected another increase this year.

Why the caution? Inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, while officials described the labor market as close to maximum employment and noted that economic growth has picked up.

At the same time, Fed officials emphasized that future decisions will depend on incoming economic data rather than a predetermined timeline.

For now, another hike appears to be on the table, but the timing is still an open question.



Source:

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released minutes from its Sept. 15-16 policy meeting.

10/12/2026

We are on The Front Door - a list of Smyrna and Murfreesboro businesses Kate Parker recommends. Check out our page and find other local favorites. frontdoortn.com/listing/red-barn-financial"

09/30/2026

Life insurance is not just about protecting income. It is about helping protect the people who matter most.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, a good time to revisit your coverage and consider whether it still reflects your family's needs and future goals.

I’m here to help; please reach out.

09/26/2026

Not sure how much life insurance is needed or what type of coverage makes sense? You are not alone.

One in four Americans says uncertainty around coverage needs has kept them from purchasing life insurance.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Take some time this month to learn more about your options and review whether your current coverage aligns with your needs.

Reach out; we are here to help.

09/25/2026

This month is Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) and I wanted to memorialize a few true stories of the importance of protecting your family. Check out our blog post on our website.

Discover how life insurance protected real families during the unexpected. Call Red Barn Financial today for affordable, trusted coverage built for your future.

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

Most grandparents want to be part of the grandchildren’s life, but for years they were told to stay on the sidelines when it came to helping with college costs. Money from a grandparent-owned 529 college savings plan could count as...

FAFSA Simplification Act, distributions from grandparent-owned 529s no longer appear on the FAFSA as student income

09/24/2026

According to LIMRA’s 2025 Insurance Barometer Study, 40% of American adults say they need more life insurance — that’s nearly 100 million people. And nearly half say they would struggle to cover expenses within six months if their primary wage earner died.

Don't let this be your family. Red Barn Financial can help.

09/23/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about "just in case."

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.