If January was about fresh starts, February is about staying steady. Between snow days, sick days, and gray skies, this month asks a little more of us. It’s the season of extra blankets, warm meals, and checking in on the people we care about.
It’s also a reminder that stability matters: in our homes, in our health, and in our finances. When life feels unpredictable, having a plan brings peace. And peace is something we could all use a little more of this time of year.
We’re grateful to walk alongside you in every season.
A Note from Bri
Thank you for your patience as we’ve transitioned our behind-the-scenes operations to better support you. We’ve partnered with Fiduciary Alliance, who has replaced Invst, and now oversees our compliance, billing, trading, and service support. The transition has been seamless, and we’re grateful to have such a strong team working alongside us.
Many of you have already connected with members of their team for account maintenance or signatures, and we’re excited to officially introduce the people helping us deliver the high level of service you expect and deserve.
Emily Edwards
Caroline Lord
2026 Contributions Limits
| Contribution | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional/Roth IRA Contribution | $7,000 | $7,500 |
| Traditional/Roth IRA Catch-Up Contribution | $1,000 | $1,100 |
| 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) Employee Contribution* | $23,500 | $24,500 |
| 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) Catch-Up Contribution* | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA Contribution | $16,500 | $17,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA Catch-Up Contribution* | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| HSA Contribution (Single) | $4,300 | $4,400 |
| HSA Contribution (Family) | $8,550 | $8,750 |
*Under the SECURE Act 2.0, certain participants may qualify for higher contributions. Make sure to check in the IRS website.
Source: “2026 Amounts Relating to Retirement Plans and IRAs, as Adjusted for Changes in Cost-of-Living,” IRS
Financial New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Move the Needle
As we are in month two of a new year, how are those New Year’s Resolutions going? It’s tempting to set big goals, but the resolutions that stick are the ones that are simple, realistic, and measurable.
Here are a few high-impact financial habits to consider as you reset for 2026:
1. Get clear on your numbers. Take one hour to review your cash flow, subscriptions, savings rate, and debt. Clarity creates confidence, and confidence leads to better decisions.
2. Automate what you can. Whether it’s retirement contributions, monthly savings, or paying down debt, automation removes the guesswork and keeps you consistent even when life gets busy.
3. Revisit your goals. Your life changes, and your financial goals should too. Update timelines, adjust priorities, and make sure your money is aligned with what matters most right now.
4. Build or rebuild your safety nets. A strong emergency fund and appropriate insurance coverage help you move through the year with peace of mind.
5. Commit to one new financial habit. Read a finance book, schedule regular reviews, or work on reducing impulse spending… pick something achievable and stick with it.
A fresh year is a perfect chance to reset your financial life with intention. And if you’ve already set a financial resolution for the new year, we’d love to hear it. Tell us what you’re focusing on so we can support you, keep you accountable, and help you start the year with momentum.
Have you heard of the new “Trump Accounts”?
Do you have a child under age 18?
Trump Accounts give the next generation a jump start on saving. The Working Families Tax Cuts allows parents, guardians and other authorized individuals to establish a new type of individual retirement account for their children, called Trump Accounts. The account is for a child who has not turned age 18 before the end of the calendar year in which the election is made and has a valid Social Security number.
The account features a pilot program contribution of $1,000 for children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, and who are U.S. citizens with a valid Social Security number.
| Feature | Trump Account |
|---|---|
| Who owns it? | Child owns (custodial until adulthood) |
| Control at age of majority | Child gains control at age 18 |
| Contribution Limits | $5,000/yr |
| Tax treatment of growth | Tax-deferred |
| Tax treatment of qualified distributions | Ordinary Income |
| FAFSA Impact Assessment | Treated as student asset |
| Investment Flexibility | “US stock index fund” |
Source: IRS
Special Announcement From Elizabeth
Caleb and I welcomed our little bundle of joy,
Charlotte Sue Whitlock,
on January 20th.
We are truly overwhelmed with love and over the past couple of weeks, our hearts have grown tenfold. We are soaking in every moment of getting to know her and cannot wait to meet the girl she blossoms into! So far, she loves her car rides and tummy time. She is the sweetest baby and the perfect addition to our family.
If you’d like to send them congratulations, you can email her at elizabeth@madrenfinancial.com