Invest with Tess - Tessa Steinemann

11/03/2026

Want to max your 401(k) this year? The math is simpler than you’d think.

Take the 2026 limit of $24,500, subtract what you’ve contributed so far, and divide by the paychecks you have left. That’s what you need to put in from each paycheck to get there.

A few things to know:

- Your employer match doesn’t count toward the $24,500
- If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute up to $8,000 more
- If you’re 60 to 63, that catch-up goes up to $11,250
- Starting this year, higher earners have to make catch-up contributions as Roth

Payroll changes can take a cycle or two to show up, so if you want to finish the year strong, now is the time to update your contribution.

Questions about your plan? Send me a DM.

11/03/2026

Just because you’re under 65 years of age doesn’t mean you don’t qualify for Medicare. There are a few specific scenarios where you are eligible earlier. Learn more:

You might qualify for Medicare if you’re under 65-years-old. This article will explain the conditions where you may qualify for Medicare early.

11/02/2026

A Roth conversion means paying tax on retirement money now so you won’t owe tax when you take it out later. Whether that’s a smart move depends on timing, and for some people this is the year it lines up.

It may be worth a look if:

- Your income is lower than usual this year
- You expect to be in a higher tax bracket later
- You can pay the tax from savings instead of from the account

It may be worth waiting if you need the money soon or this is one of your highest-earning years.

A few things to know before you decide: a conversion can’t be undone, the extra income can affect things like Medicare premiums, and if you’re under 59½, converted money generally needs to stay put for five years to avoid a penalty.

The deadline for this tax year is December 31. Save this, and send me a DM if you’d like to talk through whether it fits your situation.

10/28/2026

HSA or FSA, they both let you pay for healthcare with pre-tax dollars. The big difference is what happens to the money you don't spend.

HSA
- Rolls over every year
- Stays with you if you change jobs
- Can be invested for the long term
- Only available with an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan

FSA
- Generally use it or lose it
- Usually stays with your employer if you leave
- Built for this year's expenses
- Some plans offer a short grace period or a small carryover, so check yours

Before you set your contribution for next year, find out which account you have and what your plan allows. A little planning now keeps money from slipping away later.

Questions about which one makes sense for you? Send me a DM.

10/27/2026

What role would taxes play in your investment decisions? Find out in this message.

What role would taxes play in your investment decisions?

10/26/2026

Most people open their benefits package, skim the premiums, and pick the same plan as last year. But your benefits are part of your pay, and reading them the right way can save you money and stress all year.

Here's what to look for:

Start with the Summary of Benefits and Coverage
Find your out-of-pocket max, your worst-case number
Look for employer money like HSA contributions and retirement matches
Check that your doctors and pharmacies are in network
Look past health insurance to disability, life, and employee assistance programs
Note your enrollment deadlines

Save this for when your enrollment window opens, and send me a DM if you have questions about your package.

10/22/2026

Last Thursday I chaired the Sandusky Education Foundation’s first Fund the Future event at the Sandusky Yacht Club.

Guests chose which teacher grants to fund, and together we raised over $18,000 for classroom projects and a new literacy initiative for Sandusky City Schools.

A lot of the work I do is centered around helping people decide where their money should go. It was a great night watching our community put theirs toward local classrooms.

Thank you to the teachers who submitted grants, everyone who came out, and our sponsors for making it possible. 📚

10/21/2026

Is AI’s infrastructure boom beginning to reshape the bond market? In the latest Money with Murphy, our CIO Kara Murphy examines how hyper-scalers are financing their enormous capital needs, why borrowing costs are rising and whether future AI revenues can justify the growing debt supporting the buildout.

10/20/2026

Do you have old retirement plans from your former employers? Our video offer tips on how to search for your missing money like a Retirement Plan Detective!

Watch this fun video for tips on how to search for missing money.

10/18/2026

If your child earned money this year, whether it's babysitting, mowing lawns, or a summer job, they may be eligible for a custodial Roth IRA.

You can contribute up to what they earned that year (up to the annual limit), and the money can come from you, so they keep their paycheck. It grows tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free too.

Starting at 15 gives compounding decades to work. And the lesson that a paycheck can build something is worth just as much as the account itself.

Have a working teen at home? Send me a message and I'll help you set one up the right way.