Brown & Stromecki Agency, Inc.

06/10/2026

Explore the ins-and-outs of 529 plans and how to maximize educational savings.

Congress continues to increase the tax and estate planning benefits of 529 plans, making them a must-consider tool for parents and grandparents.

06/09/2026

Claiming Social Security as early as possible sounds like a no-brainer. But for many people, it's not the right move.

Factors like how long you expect to work, your overall health, and your spouse's plans can all play a role in figuring out what makes sense for your situation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

If you haven't thought through your Social Security strategy yet, it's worth a conversation.

06/08/2026

Your 20s can feel like a lot of firsts: first full-time job, first benefits package, first student loan payment. It’s also a great time to start building habits that can impact your lifetime financial wellness.

Here are a few areas to focus on:

• Open checking and savings accounts
• Build a budget you can stick with
• Start an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses
• Enroll in your company’s 401(k) plan and contribute at least the minimum needed to qualify for the full employer match
• Begin paying down debt like credit cards or student loans
• Check your credit report and correct any errors
• Consider purchasing life insurance and disability income insurance to lock in a lower rate

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Getting started is the win.

06/05/2026

June 6 is National Higher Education Day, and it's a great reminder to check in on your education savings strategy!

One of the more exciting updates from SECURE 2.0: 529 plan funds can now be rolled over into a Roth IRA under qualifying circumstances. For families who've been diligently saving for college, this adds a meaningful layer of flexibility.

A few things to keep in mind:
✅ The 529 must have been open for at least 15 years
✅ There are annual and lifetime limits on how much can be rolled over
✅ The rollover counts toward the Roth IRA contribution limit for that year

It's a great example of how financial planning rules are evolving to give families more flexibility. Have questions about how this applies to your situation? Let's chat!

06/04/2026

Retirement choices often surprise us. A report reveals 59% of retirees left work earlier than planned. Let's discuss!📊

A new survey underscores a common misconception about retirement: that we get to choose when and how we leave the workforce.

06/03/2026

When one partner earns significantly more than the other, money conversations can get complicated.

It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about communication, expectations, and feeling like you’re on the same team. A few things that can help include aligning on shared goals, being open about finances, and agreeing on how decisions are made, whether that’s jointly or with defined roles.

At the end of the day, a strong financial partnership is less about who earns more. It’s about how you plan together.

06/02/2026

Filing your taxes isn't the finish line. It's actually a good time to ask: did anything change this year?

Your W-4 determines how much tax is withheld from each paycheck, and it should reflect your life as it is today, not as it was when you first filled it out. A new job, a marriage, a divorce, a new child, or even a spouse returning to work can all shift your tax situation in ways that matter.

If something changed this year, it's worth a second look. Reach out and we can help you figure out if an adjustment makes sense.

06/01/2026

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06/01/2026

What if you could “test-drive” retirement before it actually begins?

One simple idea: try living on your planned retirement income for a month while you’re still working. It can help you better understand your spending and make adjustments ahead of time.

You might also use vacation time to see what your days actually look like without work, or even spend a few weeks in a place you’re considering for retirement.

A little real-world testing now can go a long way in helping you feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

05/29/2026

Thinking about college costs? You're not alone.

Here are a few things worth thinking through when it comes to education funding:

• Most families know starting early helps, but few have a clear target. How much is "enough" depends on the type of school, potential financial aid, and your broader financial picture.
• College savings can offer real tax advantages, but the details around contribution limits and qualified expenses are worth understanding before you dive in.
• The right plan today may not be the right plan in five years. As your child's path becomes clearer, it's worth building in room to adjust.
• There are tradeoffs to consider. Saving aggressively for education could mean making sacrifices elsewhere, like retirement savings or an emergency fund. Balance is key.

If you're not sure where to start, reach out to get the conversation started.