A Note From the Team
Happy New Year!
As we welcome January and step into 2026 with renewed energy and purpose, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. A new year brings a fresh start; a chance to reset, refocus, and reprioritize what matters most, both personally and financially.
January is also the perfect time to take proactive steps toward your goals. Whether you are planning for retirement, saving for a major milestone, or simply seeking more clarity around your financial picture, now is a wonderful moment to revisit your strategy and ensure it aligns with your long-term vision.
Our team is here to support you with insights, tools, and personalized guidance to help you make 2026 a year of intentions and progress. Together, let's build momentum and set the foundation for a strong financial year ahead.
Wishing you a bright, healthy, and prosperous start to 2026!
Action Items & Info
Important Dates
- January 15, 2026 - If you are self-employed or have other fourth-quarter income that requires you to pay quarterly estimated taxes, postmark this payment by January 15, 2026.
- March 31, 2026 - End of open enrollment period for Medicare Part A/B and Advantage
- April 15, 2026 -
- First quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due
- 2025 Individual tax returns due
- Last day to make a 2025 IRA contribution
- Individual tax return extension form due
2026 IRA & 401k Contribution
Changes to contribution amounts often stem from IRS adjustments, age-based catch-up contributions, and compliance with new regulations and tax laws. This year we especially want to highlight a change made that says the catch-up contributions made by people whose income has exceeded $150,000 need to be done as Roth (post-tax) contributions.
401k, 403b, 457 Plans
- Standard employee elective deferral: $24,500 (Up from $23,500 in 2025)
- Employer & employee total limit: $72,000 (Increased from $70,000)
Catch-Up Contributions
- Age 50-59+ : Additional $8,000 (Up from $7,500)
- "Super" Catch-Up (Ages 60-63): Up to $11,250 (Same as 2025)
High-Earner Catch-Up Rule
- Starting 2026, individuals with wages over $150,000 in 2025 must make catch-up contributions as "Roth," meaning after-tax
Traditional & Roth IRA
- Standard contribution limit: $7,500 (Up from $7,000 in 2025)
- Catch-up for age 50+ : Additional $1,100 (Up from $1,000)
Income Phase-Out Ranges for 2026
- Traditional IRA Deduction (covered by a workplace plan):
- Single: $81,000-$91,000 (Up from $79,000-$89,000)
- Married filing jointly (contributor covered): $129,000-$149,000 (Up from $126,000-$146,000)
- Roth IRA Contribution Eligibility:
- Single/Head of Household: $153,000-$168,000
- Married filing jointly: $242,000-$252,000
This Quarter's Featured Content
2026 Market and Policy Outlook
8 Tips for Managing Sudden Wealth
We simply want to remind you that we're here for you every step of the way. Check out our website for more details. The Dahlberg, Knott & Brandt Group Website
Keeping Up with Our Team
Over the holidays, all of our team members were able to enjoy spending time with their families. We were also able to relax a bit once the New Year hit as well.
Ethan and his family welcomed a new baby boy in December. They are soaking up all of the baby snuggles and adjusting to this new adventure.
Our team also enjoyed being together to walk through the beautiful Rotary Botanical Garden's Holiday Light Show in December. We had a lovely time socializing and being together.
One last note: If you would like to talk with an advisor to ask them questions over the phone, please click the following link. We're always here and happy to help. Ask Us Anything