Open Window's Insight Articles

Uncover your Financial Elements with a quick, powerful, and private financial health assessment available to clients and friends at www.openwindowFS.com/financialelements.

The biggest tax law since 2017 is here. The “OBBBA” reshapes tax rates, deductions, student loans, business rules, and estate planning, all while cutting social support and adding to the deficit. Our new guide breaks it all down and shows what steps might make sense for you and your family.

Every U.S. state holds unclaimed money. From forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payouts and more, all just waiting to be returned. If you’ve ever moved, changed your name, or closed an account, you could have money in your name. The best part? It’s free and easy to check. Whether you're in Nevada, California, or beyond, this guide shows you exactly how to search and claim what’s yours.

The best financial gift you can give a child isn’t money, it’s knowledge. Simple conversations today can spark confident, capable investors tomorrow. Here are some practical ideas we use, and that you can start using today.

Our unconscious rules and beliefs about money—also known as “money scripts”—can have a big impact on the financial decisions we make. Part one in this two-part series introduced the idea of money scripts. In this part two, we’ll offer strategies for flipping the script on these common beliefs. If you're curious about your personal money scripts, reach out to us, or click through to take our private and clinically tested money script evaluation at www.openwindowFS.com/moneyscripts.

With fresh IRS updates, inflation-adjusted brackets, and potential legislation on the horizon, now’s an ideal time to get ahead, sidestep surprises, and keep more of the money you’ve worked so hard to earn. In this Insight Article, we highlight key tax changes, explore Roth conversions in down markets, and revisit a longtime favorite—the strategic use of Health Savings Accounts for Medicare—to help you maximize deductions, avoid penalties, and make confident, tax-smart decisions in 2025.

Trade wars, tariffs, and economic uncertainty, while unsettling, are unfortunately nothing new. History shows that disruptive events often cause short-term market declines. Fortunately, they don’t necessarily spell disaster for long-term investors. Despite sharp "intra-year" drops, markets have finished in positive territory 17 of the last 20 years. The key? A disciplined, well-structured investment strategy that anticipates bumps before they appear. Ensure your portfolio is built to weather uncertainty. Need guidance? We’re here to help.

Do you see tax season as a chore—something to endure, not optimize? When done right, filing your tax return isn’t just about compliance, it’s a chance to celebrate the tax-smart moves you made last year and uncover new ways to maximize your future financial success. From strategic planning to hidden savings, your tax return holds valuable insights that can shape your financial future. Don’t just file—plan. Here’s how smart tax planning can put more money in your pocket now and for years to come.

The repeal of WEP and GPO means higher Social Security benefits for millions of public employees. Teachers, firefighters, and healthcare workers are already seeing higher Social Security benefits, including lump sum payments averaging $6,710 and monthly increases starting in April 2025. See how these changes might impact you.

Spring is an ideal time to clean up clutter. To assist you, Open Window is offering free document destruction from April 7th to 25th. Drop your documents by any time, or schedule a 'Secure Recycling' timeslot at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.

Our unconscious rules and beliefs about money—also known as “money scripts”—can have a big impact on the financial decisions we make. Part one in this two-part series introduces the idea of money scripts, so you can start to identify where these ideas may have an impact on your life. In the second part, we’ll offer strategies for flipping the script on these common beliefs. Stay tuned! In the meantime, if you're curious about your personal money scripts, click through to take our private and clinically tested money script evaluation at www.openwindowFS.com/moneyscripts.

It is not whether your financial professional is your fiduciary or not - it's how their fiduciary status actually works (and when).

An illustrated world review of capital market results in 2024, along with timeless advice for informing investment decisions.

Is your money stuck in places it shouldn’t be, like low-yield banks, outdated investments, or even forgotten accounts? Just as WD-40 reduces mechanical friction and keeps things moving smoothly, the right financial insights can help you "unstick" your finances, optimize performance, and smooth the way to greater financial peace of mind. Within, we explore a few of our favorite practical strategies to reduce common inefficiencies, tackle gritty challenges, and unlock your financial potential. Let’s make this year one of your best yet!

Each year, the IRS reviews and adjusts specific tax provisions for inflation. Below are the latest updates for the 2025 tax year, including common income, dividend, and capital gain tax brackets. What is your strategy to make the most of these brackets (in 2025 and beyond)?

Here are the tax policies we're watching and what they could mean for the high-earners, diligent savers, and charitable givers with which we work best. Proactive and adaptable tax and financial planning remain essential, especially since political and policy landscapes could shift yet again post-2026.

No matter which political party is in power, your best chance for achieving your personal financial intentions remains the same. Above all, we hope you continue living according to your values while remembering this time-tested advice about your lifetime investments.

Were you surprised to receive a Medicare IRMAA letter from the Social Security Administration? Beware that certain income levels can increase your Medicare premium by up to 286% - an increase called "IRMAA." And yet, some people might still pursue this increase. If you're among the 8% of all Medicare participants who received an "IRMAA" letter, here's what you need to know.

Although the outcome of the presidential election remains uncertain, one thing is guaranteed: a flood of opinions and predictions will emerge in the days ahead. With that in mind, let’s take a look back at how U.S. markets have historically reacted during or after elections. Can you spot any consistent patterns?

The tax policies proposed by former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris highlight and contrast their different economic visions. Awareness of these policies and proposals is part of making an informed decision on Election Day. Although these tax proposals could have significant impacts on individuals, businesses, and the overall economy, a balanced approach in your personal planning remains a prudent way forward.