The Cardinal Semester on Long-Term Care Insurance — Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating a Complex Landscape

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Introduction: Why a “Cardinal Semester”?

Hey there, and welcome to what we’re calling “The Cardinal Semester.” You may be wondering, why the semester moniker? Well, usually, we offer Cardinal Lessons—short, concise educational pieces. But today, we’ve got something extra special for you—a full-blown 90-minute educational feast!

That’s right, this content was originally designed as a Continuing Education (CE) course for CPAs. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, from understanding the very basics to diving deep into tax considerations and wrapping up with real-life examples. So, let’s jump right in!

Why 90 Minutes?

Before we go further, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why would anyone create a 90-minute video about long-term care insurance? Simple! We were honored to design a CE program for CPAs, focusing on this very subject.

The program’s aim is comprehensive education, so we’re treating you just like we would a CPA—in-depth, detailed, and thorough.

Who Needs Long-Term Care Insurance Anyway?

If you’re like most people, the question isn’t IF you’ll need long-term care, but WHEN. So before we dive into complex topics like tax considerations, let’s discuss the basics of why long-term care insurance is important in the first place.

Tax Considerations in Long-Term Care Insurance

Tax considerations are crucial for CPAs but equally vital for you. We explore the tax implications that come into play when you decide to buy long-term care insurance. Whether you are self-employed, have a high net worth, or are just an average Joe, you’ll find these insights beneficial.

8 Ways to Approach Long-Term Care Insurance Based on Health Conditions

One of the key highlights of our video and this blog is the section where we walk you through 8 detailed examples of different approaches to buying long-term care insurance. These examples take into account various health scenarios, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your options.

Breaking It Down: How to Consume This Content

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of a 90-minute commitment? No worries! You have options:

Watch in Segments:
Take it slow, watch parts of it when you can.

Check Out Shorter Videos:
We have a series of 10-20 minute videos on long-term care topics. Watch five of them, and you’re all caught up!

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Long-Term Care Needs

Long-term care insurance may not be the most exciting topic, but it’s essential. We’ve put our heart and soul into making this “Cardinal Semester” as enlightening as possible. Whether you’re new to this topic or looking for more advanced advice, we’ve got you covered.

Long-Term Care Insurance (Long Version)

Welcome to a unique experience we’re calling “The Cardinal Semester!” In this extensive 90-minute video, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of long-term care insurance. Why so long? We initially designed this as a Continuing Education (CE) course for CPAs, so trust us—it’s thorough! From the basics to tax considerations and innovative approaches to choosing the right policy for your health situation, we’ve got it covered. The cherry on top? We provide 8 detailed examples illustrating different ways to go about securing long-term care insurance. This is your ultimate guide to understanding this complex subject!

Get In Touch

Contact us today with any questions, concerns, or just to stay connected.

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Have questions? Contact us today.

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The Cardinal Semester on Long-Term Care Insurance — Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating a Complex Landscape

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Understanding the Upcoming 2026 Income Tax Increase: What You Need to Know

A Brief History of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)

In today’s Cardinal lesson, we’re discussing the significant changes coming to income tax rates in 2026. This isn’t a proposal but a law already set in motion. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017 and effective from January 1, 2018, brought about substantial reductions in income taxes. However, these reductions were only funded for eight years, meaning they will expire at the end of 2025.

What Changes to Expect in 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the tax rates will revert to their 2017 levels, adjusted for inflation. Key changes include:

  • The 12% bracket will increase to 15%.
  • The 22% bracket will rise to 25%.
  • The top rate of 37% will revert to 39.6%.

Not Just a Proposal

It’s crucial to understand that this change is already the law. Many people mistakenly believe that the tax rate increases are still under discussion. However, unless Congress enacts new legislation, these higher rates will take effect as scheduled.

Implications for Your Financial Planning

Impact on IRAs and 401(k)s

With the current lower tax rates, now is the time to consider strategies like Roth conversions. By converting funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA now, you can potentially save a significant amount in taxes over the long term.

Why Planning Ahead is Crucial

For individuals with substantial retirement savings, understanding these changes is vital for effective tax planning. The window to take advantage of the current lower tax rates is closing, and planning ahead can make a significant difference.

Case Studies and Planning Opportunities

Hans Scheil and Tom Griffith discuss specific case studies and planning strategies in our latest video. These examples illustrate how different scenarios can be managed effectively:

  • Case Study 1: A married couple with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 in 2024 can convert part of their IRA to a Roth IRA, taking advantage of the lower current tax rates.
  • Case Study 2: High-net-worth individuals with large IRAs can save substantial amounts in taxes by planning conversions over the next two years.

Estate Tax Considerations

The TCJA also doubled the estate tax exemption, which will revert in 2026. This change can significantly impact high-net-worth individuals, making estate planning more crucial than ever.

Action Steps to Take Now

  • Review Your Current Tax Situation: Analyze how the upcoming changes will affect your finances.
  • Consider Roth Conversions: Take advantage of the lower tax rates before they expire.
  • Plan for Estate Taxes: Assess your estate plans in light of the changing exemptions.

Conclusion

The changes coming in 2026 are significant, but with proper planning and informed decision-making, you can navigate these changes effectively. Watch our video for more detailed insights and personalized advice.

Get In Touch

Contact us today with any questions, concerns, or just to stay connected.

Contact Us

Have questions? Contact us today.

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