--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Retirement & Wealth Management Planning description: Retirement & Wealth Management Planning | --- [Family of Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/)  |  [CPA & Business Advisory](http://machenmcchesney.com)  |  [Payroll, HR & Benefits](http://focuspaysolutions.com/)  |  [Wealth Management](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) Auburn-Opelika (334) 887-7022 | Montgomery (334) 244-8900 [![mm-cobrand-fd-blues](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png?width=279&height=100&name=mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png)](http://machenmcchesney.com) Search this site on Google Search Google Search this site on Google Search Google - [Client Portal](https://machenmcchesney.sharefile.com/Authentication/Login) - [1040 Electronic Organizer](https://www.my1040data.com/account/login/HT7902990) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/675439?trk=tyah&trkInfo=idx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1424436970395%2Ctas%3Amachen+mcchesney) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/machenmcchesney) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/101356546927388458481) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/machenmcchesney) - About Us - [Welcome](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/welcome/) - [Affiliations and Associations](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/affiliations-and-associations/) - [Community Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/community-events/) - [Family of Companies](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/) - [History](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/firm-profile-history/) - [Mission and Values](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [Team Directory](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/team-directory/) - Services - [Accounting & Outsourcing](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/accounting-outsourcing/) - [Audit and Assurance Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/audit-assurance/) - [Business Advisory Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-advisory/) - [Business Valuation Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-valuation-services/) - [Family Office Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/family-care/) - [Financial Planning & Wealth Mangement Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) - [Individual Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/individuals/) - [Taxation](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/taxation/) - Who We Serve - [Construction & Real Estate](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/construction-real-estate/) - [Credit Unions](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/credit-unions/) - [Government & Not-For-Profits](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/governmental-not-for-profit/) - [Healthcare & Professional Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/healthcare-and-professional-services/) - [Hospitality, Restaurant & Retail](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/hospitality-restaurant-retail/) - [Manufacturing, Distribution & Automotive](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/manufacturing-distribution-automotive/) - [Success Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/success-stories) - Resources - [Blog](https://info.machenmcchesney.com/blog) - [E-Newsletter Archive](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter-archive/) - [Financial Calculators](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-calculators/) - [Financial Terms Glossary](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-terms-glossary/) - [Helpful Articles](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/newsletter/) - [Tax Calendar](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-calendar/) - [Tax Links](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-links/) - [Track Your Refund](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/track-your-refund/) - [Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter/) - [Subscribe to Our Blog](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/subscribe-to-the-machen-mcchesney-blog/) - News & Events - [Press Releases](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/press-releases/) - [Upcoming Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/upcoming-events/) - Careers - [Our Culture](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/culture/) - [Benefits](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/benefits/) - [Our Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/our-stories/) - [Current Openings](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/current-openings-send-resume/) - [Accounting Internship Opportunities](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/students/) - Contact Us - [Auburn-Opelika Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-auburn-office/) - [Montgomery Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-montgomery-office/) # Returning Value Blog ## [Self-Employed? Don't Overlook a Roth IRA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/self-employed-dont-overlook-a-roth-ira) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Jun 22, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/IRA%20-1978546408-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/self-employed-dont-overlook-a-roth-ira) Some small business owners overlook Roth IRAs because they assume their income is too high for them to qualify to make Roth contributions. Others may think their current tax rate is higher than it will be in retirement, making current tax deductions more valuable than future tax-free distributions. However, if you don’t at least *consider* contributing to a Roth IRA, you may be missing a potentially valuable tax-saving opportunity. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/self-employed-dont-overlook-a-roth-ira) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [The Amount You and Your Employees Can Save for Retirement Is Going Up Slightly in 2025](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-amount-you-and-your-employees-can-save-for-retirement-is-going-up-slightly-in-2025) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Nov 13, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/401K-1429967626-1-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-amount-you-and-your-employees-can-save-for-retirement-is-going-up-slightly-in-2025) How much can you and your employees contribute to your 401(k)s or other retirement plans next year? In Notice 2024-80, the IRS recently announced cost-of-living adjustments that apply to the dollar limitations for retirement plans, as well as other qualified plans, for 2025. With inflation easing, the amounts aren’t increasing as much as in recent years. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-amount-you-and-your-employees-can-save-for-retirement-is-going-up-slightly-in-2025) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [How Can You Build a Golden Nest Egg If You're Self-Employed?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-can-you-build-a-golden-nest-egg-if-youre-self-employed) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Nov 04, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Retirement%20Plan%202149847038-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-can-you-build-a-golden-nest-egg-if-youre-self-employed) If you own a small business with no employees (other than your spouse) and want to set up a retirement plan, consider a solo 401(k) plan. This is also an option for self-employed individuals or business owners who wish to upgrade from a SIMPLE IRA or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-can-you-build-a-golden-nest-egg-if-youre-self-employed) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [Real Estate Wealth Transfer Strategies](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/real-estate-wealth-transfer-strategies) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Jun 13, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/House%20on%20top%20of%20money%20-1195079487-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/real-estate-wealth-transfer-strategies) For high-net-worth individuals, the art of wealth transfer extends beyond merely providing financial assistance to future generations; it is about strategically positioning the next generation for personal success. Unfortunately, it also requires navigating a complex landscape of income, gift, and estate taxes.  [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/real-estate-wealth-transfer-strategies) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [Don't Have a Tax-Favored Retirement Plan? Set One up Now.](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/dont-have-a-tax-favored-retirement-plan-set-one-up-now) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Apr 16, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Retirement%20plan%20-963482556-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/dont-have-a-tax-favored-retirement-plan-set-one-up-now) If your business doesn’t already have a retirement plan, it might be a good time to take the plunge. Current retirement plan rules allow for significant tax-deductible contributions. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/dont-have-a-tax-favored-retirement-plan-set-one-up-now) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [We May Never See a Better Environment for Transferring Wealth](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/we-may-never-see-a-better-environment-for-transferring-wealth) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Feb 15, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Estate%20planning%20-824198358-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/we-may-never-see-a-better-environment-for-transferring-wealth) **We May Never See a Better Environment for Transferring Wealth … Here’s Why** It may seem that there will always be time to address estate planning. However, a unique opportunity to maximize the amount of wealth that can be tax-efficiently passed to heirs will expire at the end of 2025. Furthermore, legislation could curb lifetime exemption limits even sooner. The opportunity is even more pressing because the current market downturn represents an especially advantageous time to optimize your taxable estate before markets eventually recover. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/we-may-never-see-a-better-environment-for-transferring-wealth) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [Year-End Financial Planning Checklist](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/year-end-financial-planning-checklist) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Dec 16, 2021 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/financial%20planning-1023883358-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/year-end-financial-planning-checklist) With the end of 2021 coming into focus, we have many areas of uncertainty to navigate on the healthcare, economic, and political front. As we encourage our clients to continue thinking and acting long term, there are pockets of near-term financial planning opportunities to consider as the calendar rolls toward year-end. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/year-end-financial-planning-checklist) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [Staying Ahead of Potential Changes to Capital Gains Taxes](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-ahead-of-potential-changes-to-capital-gains-taxes) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Aug 17, 2021 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Taxes%20blue%20background%20-1193095612-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-ahead-of-potential-changes-to-capital-gains-taxes) The greatest wealth transfer in U.S. history is underway. Americans age 70 and older hold an estimated $35 trillion, according to Federal Reserve data.\[1\] This means that over the next several decades, millions of Americans will be contemplating how to distribute their life savings to heirs, charities, and other beneficiaries. To make matters even more interesting, wealthy Americans also face the potential for a once-in-a-generation increased tax liability. The Biden Administration has proposed increasing taxes on wealthy Americans to raise revenue for various spending initiatives. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-ahead-of-potential-changes-to-capital-gains-taxes) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [Planning Perspectives: Key Potential Changes Under President Biden's Tax Plan](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/planning-perspectives-key-potential-changes-under-president-bidens-tax-plan) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Mike%20Machen%202025%20Update.jpg) Posted by [Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/michael-d-machen-cpa-cva) on Apr 09, 2021 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Financial%20Plan%202-536872855-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/planning-perspectives-key-potential-changes-under-president-bidens-tax-plan) During last year's campaign, then-candidate Joe Biden stated that he would use higher taxes to partially fund various spending priorities if he were elected president. Now that the Democrats control the White House and both the House and Senate, tax increases could be on the horizon. Details of the Biden administration's proposed tax changes are gradually coming into focus, and on March 31, President Biden unveiled his infrastructure spending plan, which will be funded in part by an increase in the corporate tax rate to 28%. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/planning-perspectives-key-potential-changes-under-president-bidens-tax-plan) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) ## [Student Loan COVID-19 Relief](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/student-loan-covid-19-relief) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/148%20Joe%20Janning%20WEB%20Image%20%201-12-17-1.jpg) Posted by [Joe Janning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/joe-janning) on Feb 10, 2021 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Student%20Loan%20Relief-1298629300-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/student-loan-covid-19-relief) On January 20, 2021, the COVID-19 emergency relief measures were extended on all federal student loans owned by the U. S. Department of Education (ED) through at least September 30, 2021. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/student-loan-covid-19-relief) Posted in [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning/page/2) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe to Blog ### Posts by Category - [Business Tax (356)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) - [Business Advisory (238)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) - [Payroll, HR & Benefits (124)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) - [Audit & Assurance (113)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/audit-assurance) - [Accounting & Outsourcing (81)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) - [Individual Tax (75)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) - [Tax Planning (33)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [Tax Updates (25)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-updates) - [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning (18)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) - [Taxation (15)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/taxation) - [Alerts (13)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) - [Business Valuation (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-valuation) - [News & Events (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/news-events) - [Tax News (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-news) - [Individual Tax Planning (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax-planning) - [Not For Profit (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/not-for-profit) - [Retirement Planning (9)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Estate Planning (8)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [Manufacturing Industry Insights (7)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry-insights) - [Individuals (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individuals) - [Insider (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/insider) - [Professional Standard News (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/professional-standard-news) see all [![Returning\_Value](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2504250850-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/Returning_Value.jpg)](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [![AICPA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/aicpa.jpg)](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/) - [![NACVA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - ![2026 INSIDE Public Accounting Top 400](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-ipa-top-400.jpg) - ![2026 Best of Auburn-Opelika](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-auburn-opelika.jpg) - [![2025 Best of OA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-best-of-oa.jpg)](https://oanow.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/) - ![2026 Best of OA Winner](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-oa-winner.jpg) - [![2025 Accounting Today Regional Leaders](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-accounting-today-regional-leaders.jpg)](https://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Employee](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting-employee.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) 1820 East University Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 | Tel: (334) 887-7022 | Fax: (334) 887-7221 1761 Taliaferro Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117 | Tel: (334) 244-8900 | Fax: (334) 364-0927 † This is not a CPA firm. \* Assurance, attest, and audit services provided by Frazier & Deeter, LLC. “Frazier & Deeter” is the brand name under which Frazier & Deeter, LLC\* and Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC† and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. 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