Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire? quiz gives you an idea of where you stand and a starting point to think about your long-term planning.

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It's open enrollment season, and the temptation to click "same as last year" is real. But your employee benefits are a form of compensation, and small tweaks can add up to real money, even for high earners in tech and biotech.

In this episode, Scott walks through the biggest choices on your enrollment form. He compares PPO and high-deductible health plans using a total cost lens, explains why the HSA's triple tax advantage makes it a powerful savings tool, and discusses when an FSA or dependent care account may be fit.

He also covers 2026 and 2027 401(k) limits, how to decide between pre-tax and Roth contributions based on where your income is headed, the new Roth catch-up rule for higher earners, and how after-tax contributions with in-plan Roth conversions (the "mega backdoor Roth") can fit into your strategy.

If you want to be intentional with your benefits instead of running on autopilot, this episode offers a clear, practical checklist before you hit submit.

Ready to learn more?

• Scott Frank on LinkedIn
• Stone Steps Financial

Leave us a question!

Money can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.

Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire? quiz gives you an idea of where you stand and a starting point to think about your long-term planning.

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Paying taxes is no one’s favorite activity, but did you know it is possible to significantly lower your tax liability in retirement? Sometimes all the way down to zero?

In this episode, Scott and Nick break down how progressive tax brackets, capital gains, and standard deductions work together to create opportunities for tax-free income. They explore how combining standard deductions with the 0% capital gains bracket, and leveraging bonus deductions for those over age 65, can open up strategic windows for tax-free living or low-cost Roth conversions.

They also discuss why building a flexible balance sheet today matters, how asset location across brokerage and 401(k) accounts impacts your options, and how managing your reported income can assist with pre-Medicare healthcare costs.

If you want to keep more of what you earn and build flexibility into your future retirement plan, this episode provides a clear, practical guide to navigating your tax options.

Ready to learn more?

• Scott Frank on LinkedIn
• Stone Steps Financial
• Nick Covyeau on LinkedIn
• Swell Financial

Leave us a question!

Money can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.

Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire? quiz gives you an idea of where you stand and a starting point to think about your long-term planning.

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Most savings accounts for kids sit in low-yield cash or come with restrictions on how the money can be used. With the rollout of the new "Trump account,” a tax-deferred savings vehicle for minors that allows parents, grandparents, employers, and friends to contribute a combined maximum of $5,000 annually. But is it worth jumping on right away?

In this episode, Scott and Nick unpack everything you need to know about this new minor IRA. They walk through who is eligible for the $1,000 government seed money, how time and compounding can turn max contributions into an estimated $20 million by retirement, and the clever Roth conversion strategy that could make those millions completely tax-free. They explore where this new tool might fit into your overall financial order of operations and how grandparents and parents can use it as a mini generation-skipping wealth builder.

Whether you're expecting a newborn or looking to jumpstart your teenager's financial future, this conversation breaks down the numbers and strategies so you can make the right move for your family.

Ready to learn more?

• Scott Frank on LinkedIn
• Stone Steps Financial
• Nick Covyeau on LinkedIn
• Swell Financial

Leave us a question!

Money can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.