Mark Martiak, Financial Advisor

12/05/2025

🚀 Recent News for Your 2026 Retirement Plans! 🚀

ICYMI or your advisor or accountant didn't mention it to you, the IRS announced new contribution limits for 2026 in November, and there's a lot to look forward to! Here's a quick breakdown:

🔹 401(k), 403(b), 457 Plans & TSP: Contribution limit increased to $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025). If you're 50 or older, you can contribute up to $32,500 annually!

🔹 IRA Contributions: Limit increased to $7,500. Catch-up contributions for those 50 and older are now $1,100.

🔹 Roth IRA & Saver’s Credit: Income phase-out ranges have increased, making it easier to qualify and maximize your savings.

🔹 SIMPLE Accounts: Contribution limit up to $17,000, with higher limits for certain accounts.

🔹 Medicare Part B: Monthly premiums will rise to $202.90, impacting how much of your Social Security COLA you'll see.

Stay up-to-date with details about your retirement savings! For full details, check out Notice 2025-67 on the IRS website.

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.



Sources:
IRS.gov, November 13, 2025
CNBC, November 17, 2025

12/05/2025

While the US and China have reached a new trade deal, their fierce race to achieve tech superiority remains as intense as ever, with both pursuing policies to develop self-sufficient tech stacks.

12/05/2025

According to Bloomberg: Sales of luxury homes in Manhattan jumped in November, with buyers signing contracts on 176 homes priced at $4 million or more.
The increase in sales counters fears that the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor would drive out wealthy residents, with some experts saying "there is no Mamdani effect".
Despite worries about proposed taxes on millionaires, affluent homebuyers seem unfazed, with the recent stock market rally and generous Wall Street bonuses prompting more wealthy residents to go home-shopping. ne month after Mamdani’s victory, affluent homebuyers seem unfazed. If anything, the recent stock market rally and generous Wall Street bonuses have prompted more wealthy residents to go home-shopping this fall, according to Donna Olshan, president and founder of Olshan Realty.

“There is no Mamdani effect,” she said. “The idea that people would flee New York was overblown. The numbers just aren’t bearing that out.”

Her firm’s luxury market report showed that Manhattan buyers signed contracts for 41 homes priced at $4 million or more in the week of the mayoral election. More than half of those were signed in the days after Mamdani’s victory. Contrary to the feeling out there that Manhattanites and observers with a keen interest in Manhattan real estate were worried about the new Democrat Socialist Mayor elect and the impact on real estate values.

12/05/2025

The minutes to the FOMC’s October meeting noted that there were “strongly differing views” about the Committee’s policy decision in December scheduled for next week. The minutes noted that “several” participants thought a December cut “could well be appropriate,” while “many” participants thought that it would likely be appropriate to keep the fed funds rate unchanged. The minutes also noted that “most” participants thought that further rate cuts would likely be appropriate “over time,” but “most” participants worried that further rate cuts could either “add to the risk of higher inflation” or “be misinterpreted as implying a lack of policymaker commitment” to the Fed’s 2% target.

11/29/2025

11/07/2025

Instant Karma reminds us that love and peace ripple through generations. With Audrey, Sumair, and parents, we imagine together, harmonize as one family, and let Lennon & Yoko’s spirit guide us toward unity.✨

11/07/2025

We all shine on

11/07/2025

T.G.I.F. Saturday after party in the air

11/04/2025

and 11/12025

10/29/2025

Thinking about retirement? You're not alone—and the numbers might give you something to think about.

From how much people rely on Social Security to what retirees actually spend, these stats highlight why it’s important to look at the full picture. It’s not about having every answer—it’s about starting a conversation that helps you feel more confident about what’s ahead.

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💬 Questions? I’m always here to talk things through

10/29/2025

Money is one of the top sources of tension in relationships — but experts say even strong couples can stumble if they avoid key conversations.

After studying more than 60 couples, money expert Heather Boneparth found that the happiest partners share five habits:

1. They adapt when circumstances change, rather than sticking to outdated money routines.

2. They don’t dwell on financial regrets or let shame define their decisions.

3. They avoid holding past mistakes over each other’s heads.

4. They focus on shared priorities instead of constant comparison.

5. They stay honest about spending and goals, building trust through transparency.

The takeaway? Communication matters as much as cash flow. Open conversations can help partners align values and expectations — and reduce unnecessary stress around money.


Source:

"You can love each other deeply and still allow money to erode your relationship if you're talking about the wrong issues, or not talking at all," writes money expert Heather Boneparth.