April 2026

Earlier this month, I sent a note about a technology issue that caused some March 31st statements to look off. That issue has been fully resolved. Schwab worked diligently to correct the error and backdate the affected trades to the original date, so no one missed out on investment return as a result of the timing. Farther was also instrumental in helping reconcile everything and keeping things moving toward a resolution. If you log in to your portal now, your account will reflect the correct values and allocation. Situations like this are a good reminder of why having the right infrastructure and partners in place matters. Now, here's what else has been on my mind this spring.

Back in January, I had the opportunity to speak with a group of parents at a Young Men's Service League meeting about teaching financial responsibility to teens. Walking into that room, I knew I'd be wearing two hats - the financial advisor hat, sure, but more importantly, my dad hat. Because before I'm a CFP®, I'm a father of four kids ranging from elementary age to college, and I'm figuring this stuff out right alongside you.

What struck me most about the evening wasn't the questions about Roth IRAs or custodial accounts (though we covered those). It was the shared recognition that we're raising kids in a world where money has become invisible. Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle… our teens rarely actually see or feel the money changing hands. So how do we teach them that it's finite? That spending decisions have weight? That saving early creates massive advantages?

The framework I've been using with my own kids is pretty simple: the 50-40-10 rule. Every dollar that comes in, whether it's allowance, birthday money, or summer job earnings, gets divided: 50% spend, 40% save, 10% give. It's important to stress that it’s not about perfection, rather it’s about consistency and building habits that will serve them for decades.

If you're interested in the details, I've put together a one-page guide that breaks down the framework, practical implementation tips, and how to set up the right accounts for teens at different ages. You can download it here.

Your 2026 Financial Priorities

While I was preparing for that presentation, I was reminded that many of the same principles we're trying to teach our kids, like intentionality, long-term thinking, and making our financial lives visible rather than invisible, apply to us as adults, too.

As we move into spring, this is a perfect time to make sure you're positioned well for the year ahead. Here are a few areas worth your attention:

What Tax Season Taught You

By now, most of you have filed your 2025 tax returns (or filed an extension). Whether you owed more than expected, got a bigger refund than planned, or saw your tax situation shift due to life changes, those surprises are actually planning opportunities.

Take 15 minutes to think about what caught you off guard. Did a job change affect your withholding? Did investment gains create an unexpected tax bill? Did you miss deductions you could have captured?

These aren't just hindsight observations. They're guideposts for 2026. Early coordination with your CPA and financial advisor means you can adjust withholding, time income strategically, or consider moves like Roth conversions before the December scramble.

The best tax planning happens in April, not December. If you'd like to explore how coordinated tax and financial planning could benefit you, you can learn more about that partnership here. In addition, I’m always looking for a good CPA to partner with. If you’re happy with your CPA, I’d be appreciative of an introduction.

Roth Conversion Opportunities

Even though we're a few months into the year, it's still early enough to take advantage of strategic planning opportunities. Early in the year is often the best time to consider Roth conversions. You have the full year ahead to manage your taxable income, and you're not scrambling in December trying to figure out if a conversion makes sense.

The basic idea: converting traditional IRA dollars to Roth IRA means paying taxes now on that amount, but then enjoying tax-free growth and withdrawals later. Whether this makes sense for you depends on your current tax bracket, your expected future tax bracket, your timeline, and how a conversion fits into your broader plan.

If you've been curious about whether Roth conversions could be part of your strategy, let's talk through it, and potentially loop in your CPA to provide projections.

Estate Planning: Don't Wait for a Crisis

Last month, I sent out a comprehensive guide on estate settlement after helping multiple families navigate this process over the past few years. The response was overwhelming. Clients reached out not just because they're currently dealing with a loved one's estate, but because it prompted them to get their own affairs in order.

If you haven't reviewed your estate plan lately, or if you don't have one yet, spring is a good time to address it. Simple steps like updating beneficiary designations, creating a master document of your accounts, or having the conversation with your family about your wishes can make an enormous difference.

If you missed the guide, you can read it here. It includes two downloadable resources: a step-by-step checklist and a personal information organizer you can fill out for your own family.

Looking Ahead

At CWM, I believe financial planning works best when it's approached thoughtfully rather than reactively. Good financial planning doesn't require dramatic changes, just intentional decisions that align with where you want to go.

If you're thinking about any of these areas, or if you have questions about how changes in tax law or contribution limits affect your specific situation, I'm here to help you evaluate your options.

All the best,

Joel

Certus Wealth Management