How Does a Roth IRA Work?
Looking to maximize retirement flexibility? Understand how Roth IRAs work, who can contribute, and how conversions or backdoor strategies may fit your plan.
IRMAA Update: Key Numbers for High-Income Retirees
New IRMAA thresholds could raise your 2026 Medicare premiums. Find out how income impacts your costs and the steps you can take to manage them.
How Does the Los Angeles Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) Work?
DROP lets you boost retirement savings without leaving your job. Learn how it works and what to watch for when it’s time to cash out.
Fraud on the Rise—Be Careful!
From social media pump-and-dump schemes to phony bank texts, financial fraud is evolving. Here’s what to watch for and how to stay safe.
2025 Third Quarter Letter
Strong Q3 gains came with puzzling economic signals. Learn why contradictions are common and why we believe a disciplined approach works best.
Giving to Charity? Start Now!
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects charitable giving. Discover ways itemizers can maximize impact with DAFs and QCDs.
What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Your Taxes
Explore the key One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) tax changes most likely to affect you now.
So You’ve Inherited an Inherited IRA
In this updated blog, learn the complex IRS rules for "inherited inherited IRAs" in 2025, including RMDs and the 10-year rule for successor beneficiaries.
Extra Payment from Social Security? Watch Your Tax!
Receiving extra Social Security payments? Learn how lump sums could impact your taxes and ways to avoid unexpected penalties.
A First Look at the OBBB Act
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been signed into law, although as with all tax legislation there are many details to be ironed out.
2025 Second Quarter Letter
Large cap U.S. stocks had an outstanding quarter with the S&P 500 up 11% driven by strong corporate earnings and optimism about tax cuts.
Staying Alive to 95?
“Will I run out of money in retirement?” It’s a question that’s at the heart of the financial planning process.
2024 Fourth Quarterly Letter
The markets and economy proved resilient in 2024. Despite numerous headwinds, stocks climbed to new highs and risk assets broadly performed well.
Government Pension? You Could Get More From Social Security
For many years, we have helped our clients with government pension plan around two policies that reduced or completely eliminated their Social Security benefits.
The Long-Term Case for Investing in Stocks
Since Eclectic’s inception in 1984, investing in stocks has been a pillar of most (if not all) financial plans we put together for our clients with long term goals. We find it helpful to periodically step back and review the assumptions underpinning our long-term investment philosophy which is what follows in this article.
Why Pay 1% To A Financial Advisor?
We hope this article presents a realistic view that falls somewhere in the middle. We also should clarify that by “pay 1%”, we mean a fee-only financial advisor who charges an annual fee starting at 1% of the amount they are managing. We don’t mean brokers or commission-based advisors who get paid from sales and transactions.
Guiding Our Clients Through 40 Years of Market History
As we celebrate 40 years of serving our clients this year, we reflect on all the ups and downs we have experienced in the financial markets since Eclectic Associates was founded in 1984. While the world around us has evolved, our investment philosophy has remained consistent.
Does Title Lock Insurance Help Avoid Fraud?
Have you seen advertisements for title lock insurance and felt scared about having your home title stolen? We have had clients ask us about whether they should purchase title lock insurance and where one might purchase it.
Investments: The “How” Changes, But Not The “Why”
At Eclectic, we focus on the long-term and not the short-term. We think it is impossible to predict the future. We value diversification.
2024 Third Quarterly Letter
Stocks ended the quarter at a new high, with the S&P 500 up 6%, led by dividend payers and utilities while tech stocks cooled off.