Tax season has a way of sneaking up on people, just like a late winter snowstorm. One minute you think you're in the clear… the next, deadlines are piling up, and forms keep showing up in the mailbox. In this episode, Don walks through the most important April 15 tax updates for 2026 and new rules that could impact higher earners. Whether you're filing, extending, contributing, or adjusting withholdings, Don provides a practical checklist to reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes before the deadline hits.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📅 Deadlines & Extensions: What must be paid by April 15 (even with an extension)

📊 Refund Shifts & Tax Law Changes: Why lower brackets may see bigger refunds

🏡 New Jersey Tax Updates: Property tax relief, retirement exclusions, and PAS-1 filing

🎁 Charitable & QCD Planning: Smart giving strategies before filing

💰 Catch-Up Contribution Changes: Roth requirements for higher earners

✅ Final April 15 Checklist: IRA, HSA, SEP, Solo 401(k), and tax credit review

Resources for this episode:

Tax estimates –

https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals-2

OBBBA – Tax changes –

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-law-and-policy/one-big-beautiful-bill-taxes/?srsltid=AfmBOoocoe8Os9sGXLBBmzoSWSFq8guezLiJLObMGUi5UHfPQ4jK-HD3

SALT Deduction change –

https://blog.taxact.com/what-is-the-salt-tax-deduction/

What Tax Forms Do I Need to Keep for My Taxes –

https://share.google/aimode/Dir3OK4dgTglBT8rQ

NJ PAS – 1

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/propertyreliefforms.shtml

QCD forms –

https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/irs-adds-new-reporting-code-charitable-ira-gifts

Paper Checks Going Away –

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers

Trump Accounts –

https://trumpaccounts.gov/

Some investments shine brightly, until they burn the people holding them. Don explores how emotional decisions, flashy advertisements, and market hype can quietly derail long-term financial security. Protecting your future often means resisting what looks exciting in the moment.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Emotional Investing: Fear and greed shape outcomes

📺 Financial Advertising: Hype versus real risk

₿ Crypto & Meme Stocks: Volatility and speculation

💰 Income Planning: Stability beyond market swings

⚖️ Risk Balance: Performance without overexposure

Resources:

Yrefy – Lawsuit

https://advertisinglaw.fkks.com/post/102jz6l/yrefy-enters-into-750k-settlement-with-massachusetts-over-use-of-celebrity-endor

Bitcoin Crash –

https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:aaa5b3d71094b:0-why-the-bitcoin-price-crash-toward-60-000-was-necessary/

Meme Stock Crash –

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/gamestop-meme-stocks-retail-investors-wall-street-young-investors.html

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Winter storms have a way of revealing weak spots, just like life’s storms bring financial surprises in retirement. In this episode, Don uses recent winter weather events as a backdrop to highlight the expenses and risks that often catch retirees off guard. The focus isn’t on panic, but preparation, and planning ahead for when life’s storms hit.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

❄️ Financial Storms: Why unexpected costs hit harder in retirement

🧰 Storm Preparation: Planning before problems appear

🔌 Backup Systems: Home generators as a planning metaphor

🧾 Expense Pressure: Healthcare and insurance costs adding up

🏠 Insurance Coverage: Knowing what policies you actually need

🛡️ Long-Term Care: Planning for one of retirement’s biggest risks

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/