Planned Solutions

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, Many financial models are communicated to the public as if they are completely factual. However, the accuracy of these modelsrequires that the assumptions at the heart of these models hold true, which does not always happen. This can cause investors and business decision makers to put too much confidence in the output of financial models because they donot understand the flaws in these models’ assumptions. The future is uncertain; it can be modeled, but the model output is only as good as the assumptions used for the model.

There appears to be a divide between how the US economy and financial markets are actually performing and how people feel about it. This has led to a big divergence in quantifiable economic data and the economic survey results that track how people are feeling. The result is headlines, based on survey data results, that paint a very different picture than what economists are actually seeing.

The expansion of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction from $10,000 per year to $40,000 per year may change tax strategy for some taxpayers. Taxpayers who have not maxed out the $40,000 limit for 2025 and are likely to itemize their deductions may benefit from paying any state estimated tax payments due before year-end to claim the deduction in 2025 rather than making the payment when it is due on January 15th, 2026.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

As a reminder, financial planners are not allowed to conduct business using mediums of communication that cannot be efficiently captured and archived. This most typically applies to text messages sent to a planner’s personal phone. We agree that this seems excessive given that text messages are a common form of communication, but often, government regulations do not keep up with societal changes. .

Cybersecurity is a hot topic as incidents of cybercrime continue to increase. Planned Solutions invests a lot of time and effort to make sure our systems are as safe and secure as possible and to safeguard our clients’ information using industry best practices.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nothing new. In fact, the term dates back to the 1950s, and many AI solutions have been implemented since then. The difference between then and now is that the capabilities, and therefore the investment in AI, have accelerated, leading to a period of rapid change. This follows the pattern of many other technological advancements, including the internet, which was invented well before the technological capabilities and societal norms were in place to enable mass adoption.

Bitcoin prices have declined by 33% from its high in early October. This loss of wealth may be adversely impacting the US stock market as risky investors, those more inclined to invest in cryptocurrencies, may be taking losses on Bitcoin, which causes them to de-risk other assets, including riskier stock holdings. Also, companies that supply cryptocurrency companies or investors may be repricing as well.

The annual gift tax exclusion amount remains $19,000 for 2026. This allows anyone to give anyone else a gift up to $19,000 without having to report it. The lifetime gift and estate tax exemption for 2026 will be $15 million per person. This is the total amount that can be gifted (over and above the annual exclusion amount) or left to heirs at death without paying gift or estate tax.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

With the holidays quickly approaching, we want to make sure you are aware of our holiday schedule for this year. Planned Solutions will be closed on December 24th, December 25th, December 26th, and January 1st.

Given the above holiday schedule, as well as the holiday schedule of many of the companies that we work with, we ask that any forms or other requests that must be completed before year-end be submitted as soon as possible.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, with the reopening of the federal government, the Department of Labor is once again publishing jobs data. The most recent reports show that the job market remains reasonably strong and may be accelerating after a brief period of weakness earlier in the year. The US economy added 119,000 jobs in September, the unemployment rate ticked up but remains fairly low, and initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits, the forward-looking indicator, remain at low levels.

The IRS increased the standard deduction that taxpayers are allowed to use to shelter income from taxation for 2026. In addition, the limitation on the amount of State and Local Taxes (SALT) that can be claimed as an itemized deduction was increased. So, going forward, taxpayers will need to pay closer attention to whether they will benefit from claiming the standard deduction or should itemize their deductions.

Retirement plan contribution limits will increase in 2026 in most cases. Therefore, those who seek to contribute the maximum amount allowable under the law should make sure to adjust their contributions to ensure that they will contribute the maximum amount by the end of the 2026 tax year. In addition, some new rules for taxpayers age 60-63 will be implemented, which may impact the amount that those taxpayers may contribute for 2026.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

A client recently used Planned Solutions tickets to take his son to the Kings game. His son was excited to see one of his favorite players, Domantas Sabonis, play live. They got there early and were fortunate enough to run into Sabonis coming out of the tunnel. The Kings’ star was gracious enough to take a picture and sign the young man’s hat. What a great heart-warming moment. Go Kings!

Carter and Matt both sat for the Certified Financial Planner ® exam recently. After years of studying and hours of preparing for the exam, we are excited to announce that they both passed. Now they just need to complete the required number of hours working in financial planning to fulfill the requirements to hold the Certified Financial Planner ® designation. Great jobguys!

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, with the official government economic data currently unavailable, the private data sources are getting more attention. This includes the ISM reports on the manufacturing and services sectors in the US. These reports show that the manufacturing sector is contracting at a slow pace, while the services sector is growing at a slow pace. Given that the US is primarily a services-centric economy, the whole of this data is slightly positive. However, this data is based on surveys, which have become decreasingly useful over time.

The advantages of using a private fiduciary rather than tasking friends or family with the difficult job of overseeing the administration of a trust and/or will have made this option increasingly popular. Private fiduciaries bring a professionalism to the tasks of making financial and health care decisions for an individual without the influence of family dynamics that can sometimes make the process even more difficult.

The Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be 2.8%, a number in line with the official inflation statistics. However, Medicare premiums will increase 11.6% which means the average Social Security recipient will see their take-home Social Security benefit increase by much less than the 2.8% COLA.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Daryl, Carter, and Matt recently attended a Pension and 401k Seminar hosted by a local Third-Party Administrator. This is an annual event that we look forward to so that we can stay up to date with current Retirement Plan rules and limits.

This is the 400th newsletter Planned Solutions has produced since we started publishing our own newsletter in-house over 15 years ago. If you are enjoying the newsletter or have some feedback on how we can improve it, please feel free to let us know.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

⁠Intro 00:00

Institution for Supply Management Reports 01:46

Private Fiduciaries 11:09

Social Security Updates 16:45

Bulletin Board 19:42

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, even with the federal government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the September inflation data. The headline inflation rate rose slightly from 2.9% in August to 3.0% in September, but continues to show signs that inflation has stabilized in the 2-3% level. The impact of tariffs remains uncertain as the annual numbers are low but recent months have been elevated. Shelter prices show the opposite, with higher annual numbers but lower monthly numbers in consecutive reports.

Despite a high level of political, economic, and financial uncertainty, US businesses continue to report strong earnings. Second-quarter earnings increased 11%. So far, 85% of companies that have reported for the third quarter have beaten their earnings expectations. Now, analysts estimate that earnings will increase 18% year-over-year in the third quarter.

Medicare open enrollment started on October 15th and runs until December 7th. This is the time period that individuals can make changes to their Medicare insurance plans. Those who are happy with their current plan do not need to take any action. Those who are not happy with their current plan because they want to see different providers, had a change in their health status, or want to switch to a lower cost plan, should take action to review their options during open enrollment.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Chase and Daryl attended the Financial Planning Association of Northern California Winter Symposium. This year, the program consisted of a presentation on the costs of aging and how to prepare clients for those costs, a panel discussion on the benefits of working with a private fiduciary, and the need for succession planning within financial planning firms.

Matt traveled to Philadelphia to attend an in-person program to prepare him to take the Certified Financial Planner exam. This is after Carter attended a similar event in Southern California. With the exam date in November approaching quickly, they are both cramming to be as prepared as possible.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, Gold prices have surged in recent years, causing some to ask: What is driving the increase in prices? While there is no single factor alone that is driving the demand for gold, there are several possible reasons why gold prices have increased. These trends may also reverse, which could make buying gold at such elevated levels very risky, as many of the investment manias of the past that led to sharp increases in prices also led to equally sharp corrections.

The US government is entering its third week of the government shutdown. So far, the impact of the shutdown has been fairly limited, with some areas impacted more than others, but the impact will likely grow if the shutdown continues. Most important are the upcoming payroll deadlines for the military and other federal workers, which make up a meaningful amount of US employment and consumer spending.

Recent tax law changes include a provision that will allow taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on a loan for the purchase of a new vehicle. However, vehicles must meet the provisions of the law to qualify. In addition, higher-income taxpayers will not be eligible, as the deduction begins to phase out at higher income levels.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

The Harlan D. Wood and Debbie Druivenga Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament was once again a big success! The tournament was full of new twists, including a professional long driver on Hole 15 that helped raise additional funds for cancer charities. The dinner was great as always, and the staff at Rancho Murieta Country Club did a great job of making everyone feel welcome.

More importantly, this year we raised over $10,890 for cancer charities, bringing our cumulative total to $189,199. We would like to thank everyone who supported the event this year, and in past years, by attending the tournament, bidding on auction items, and contributing to cancer charities.

We look forward to next year, when hopefully we will be able to continue to grow the tournament and the donations raised for cancer charities.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, Labor market data has been questioned recently, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics announcing that it is having difficulty obtaining the necessary data and has been forced to make significant revisions to past data. However, there are other data sources that economists and financial analysts can utilize to gain a better understanding of the labor market's health. While these other sources have their flaws as well, the preponderance of the evidence appears to point to a fairly healthy and stable labor market in the US.

Financial planning can be a very long journey as it often takes many years, or even decades, of consistent saving, investment, and debt payments to reach long-term financial goals. This can make progress appear slow at times and become disheartening when it feels like the finish line is still so far away. For this reason, it is important to track progress to see the cumulative success over time and celebrate small wins along the way.

The IRS recently issued new guidance that suspends the implementation of a new rule until 2027. The rule in question will require higher-income savers who are eligible for the catch-up contributions for those age 50 and over to make their catch-up contributions to the Roth plan. So, the delay of implementation will give savers one more year of potential tax deferral on their catch-up contributions and will give businesses more time to make sure their 401 (k) plan is ready for these changes.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Planned Solutions recently did a two-day workshop with consultant Lori Frasier. The first day of the workshop was focused on helping team members understand each other’s personality types and preferred communication methods.

Planned Solutions sponsored the Future Foundation of Sacramento Charity Golf Tournament recently.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

The national inflation rate was 2.9% year-over-year in August. The higher-than-desired inflation rate was primarily due to stubborn services prices, especially shelter prices, rather than goods prices, which include the volatile food and energy categories. Other goods were up just 1.5% showing the year-over-year impact of tariffs was likely limited, although the category did increase 0.4% in the month of August showing a possible acceleration in goods inflation may be starting.

A report by Fidelity shows that the number of people with a 401(k) balance of $1 million or more reached an all-time high of 595,000. The average age of a 401(k) millionaire is 59 years old, and the average amount of time participating in the plan is 25 years. This shows that the 401(k) can be a valuable retirement savings tool, especially for those who start early and continue to contribute consistently for many years.

In 2017, the TCJA expanded the qualified use of 529 Educational Savings Plans to include certain K-12 expenses up to a limit of $10,000 per student. The OBBB Act, passed this year, expanded the ability to use 529 plans in two ways. The annual limit that can be used for K-12 education was doubled from $10,000 to $20,000. The expenses that are allowed as qualified educational expenses were also expanded to include many ancillary items and services that may be incurred.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

We are now taking registrations for our annual charity golf tournament.

The Harlan D. Wood and Debbie Druivenga Memorial Cancer Charity Golf TournamentDate: Friday, October 10, 2025Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course7000 Alameda DriveRancho Murieta, CA 95683Time: 1:00pm shotgun start (boxed lunch included), 5:30pm reception

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

The long-awaited Jackson Hole speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Powell gave the markets the news investors were hoping to hear. In the speech, Chairman Powell noted weakness in the US labor market and subdued inflation more broadly. The Fed is concerned about the risk of tariffs creating a one-time increase in the prices of some goods, but may err on the side of caution by lowering interest rates to promote economic growth and full employment due to the belief that the inflationary impacts may be contained..

Of the four inputs to economic growth: land, labor, capital, and productivity, the US is facing some constraints and is counting on an unproven opportunity. The reduction in the labor force due to decreased immigration and the constraints to capital from high interest rates may stifle growth. Land is abundant but less important. Therefore, productivity through technological innovation, such as AI, may become the most important..

To follow up on some of the tax law changes in the recently passed tax and budget bill, there are a number of changes to the tax deductibility of charitable contributions taking effect in 2026. One change is that it will be easier for some taxpayers to deduct small amounts that they contribute to charity. However, higher-income taxpayers may have their deduction limited, which could offset any additional benefit. .

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -We are now taking registrations for our annual charity golf tournament. .

The Harlan D. Wood and Debbie Druivenga Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament.

Date: Friday, October 10, 2025Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course7000 Alameda DriveRancho Murieta, CA 95683 .

Time: 1:00 pm shotgun start (boxed lunch included), 5:30 pm reception. .

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ .

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠ .

Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

The stock market has done well so far this year, but with that has come an increase in speculation that makes the market appear riskier. This year, there have been a number of companies that have gone public for the first time and experienced a big surge in their stock price in the first few days of trading. The speculative meme stock has also reemerged this year. Finally, the amount of money borrowed to invest in stocks, generally a speculative investment activity, surged in June to a new all-time high.

So far, the increase in tariffs, which are basically a tax on imported goods, has not led to an increase in consumer prices. This has puzzled economists who expected that at least a portion of the increase in costs would be passed on to consumers. However, a new theory and new data show that due to the complexity of trade law and existing trade agreements, the actual tariffs applied may be lower than previously announced.

The US government has shifted policy from focusing on taxing imports into the US in the form of tariffs to taxing US exports to certain countries. While this may bring in additional funds to help improve the US deficit, it could also set a dangerous precedent in which the most successful US companies have restricted access to foreign markets that don’t originate from the destinationmarket, as has been the case in the past, but rather from the country of origin. This could reduce new companies’ ability to access capital to grow.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -As the labor market tightens, fraudsters have found a new way to steal job hunters’ personal information. It is now estimated that millions of jobs posted online are “ghost jobs.” Ghost jobs are job postings where there is no actual job available.

Those who have received an email from Planned Solutions recently will likely notice an addition at the bottom of the email. As a reminder, please do not attach documents or send information via email if it contains personally identifiable information (including social security numbers, bank information, account numbers, etc.). Please get in touch with our office, and a secure link can be provided.

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed biweekly by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Plan...

⁠Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630

PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠

FAX: (916) 361-0191

WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com