Open Window's Insight Articles

Is your money stuck in places it shouldn’t be, like low-yield banks, outdated investments, or even forgotten accounts?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.

It's the time of year again to review Medicare options. The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15 and runs through December 7 —is an opportunity to switch to a better Medicare health and prescription drug plan. Let's review the Open Enrollment Period options and look at changes to Medicare benefits for 2025.

The Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) has honored Dr. Joe Hollen with its 2024 President’s Award. Dr. Hollen, who practiced as an Emergency Physician for two decades before serving the next two decades as a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, was recognized on September 21, 2024, for his contributions to both the physical and financial well-being of others.

The anticipation building up to elections often brings with it questions about how financial markets will respond. Fortunately, the outcome of an election is only one of many inputs to the market. This interactive exhibit examines data for nearly 100 years of US presidential terms and shows a consistent upward march for US stocks regardless of the administration in place.

“Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American” in a recent data breach. While you shouldn’t live in fear, it’s wise to assume that your personal data may be accessible online in some form. Here are the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of identity theft and other forms of misuse. Chief among those steps is freezing your credit.

By January 1, 2025, nearly every small business owner must file an online "beneficial ownership information" (BOI) report. Filed just once (or with any ownership changes) and for free, nearly every business except certain sole proprietors and other limited exceptions should consider itself required to file (including LLCs, corporations, s-corporations, limited partnerships, family limited partnerships, even some HOAs, and others). Within, we review how we would file a BOI report as a ≥ 25% owner or control person and answer common questions we hear regarding the online form at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/boir/html.

Tax changes are on the horizon with the "TCJA sunset". Within, we highlight how the rules are scheduled by law to change. Use our Comparison Guide and Personalized Checklist to review how your taxes might change with this major potential revision of tax law. Let's consider these changes together as opportunities to avoid reacting to them later as threats.

Nobody wants to make mistakes. And yet, we’re human; mistakes happen. Mistakes are part of life. So, here’s how to minimize the investment mistakes that matter the most, and make the most of the ones that remain. And since some misfortunes are just bad luck, here is a link to Charity Navigator's "Give Now" page, a collection of the most critical charitable issues that need a helping hand right now.

Paying taxes is part of life, but did you know that when you choose to pay them might make a difference in your tax bill, and in your quality of life? Consider these must-know facts about your taxes, especially if you owe "quarterlies" or estimated "voucher payments."

Open Window was founded 20 years ago today. Created by Joe Hollen, MD, CFP®, and led by his son, Eric Hollen, CFP®, join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary as a fee-only fiduciary—a stronghold for your family's financial journey.

Let's explore how you can maximize the benefits of your HSA to effectively manage healthcare costs during your Medicare journey, including using HSA funds to pay for certain Medicare premiums, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket drug costs.

The negative effect of holding too much cash (or bonds) for even a short time can be profound. Missing a period of strong returns can drastically impact overall performance, as we show within.

Spring is an ideal time to clean up clutter. To assist you, Open Window is offering free document destruction from April 15th to 26th. Drop your documents by any time, or schedule a 'Secure Recycling' timeslot at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.

Although yields on cash pay more than ever, don't assume your cash savings automatically receive a higher rate. Within, we help you weigh your cash bank account options, including the ideal use of checking, savings, and money market accounts for "retirees" and those "not yet retired."