Planned Solutions

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, the recent increase in consumer prices has made headlines, but the larger increase in producer prices has largely been ignored. When producer prices increase faster than consumer prices, it puts downward pressure on business profitability. This could negatively impact business earnings reports, as it has in past similar periods, or it could lead to businesses passing on more of the commodity price inflation they are currently experiencing if they get to the point where they cannot eat the lion's share of the higher prices. A healthy economy requires access to credit for businesses that seek to expand and hire, and for consumers who may leverage future earnings to make large purchases now. Therefore, the health of the lending markets, as gauged by the Senior Loan Officer Survey, can offer some insight into the health of the economy and future trends that may improve or diminish the pace of economic growth.Two major industries in the US can be bellwethers of the pace of economic growth: the home-building industry and the motor vehicle industry. Currently, the motor vehicle is posting good results with the total value of motor vehicles and parts shipments up 9.5% year-over-year, reaching a record of over $73 billion a month. Despite high interest rates and increasing inflationary pressures, these good results may signal that the US consumer remains resilient. Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - Planned Solutions had another two-day business development session with our business consultant, Lori Frasier. In an effort to grow smarter and to maintain the cultural aspects that have made us unique while continuing to add new people and scale, we have engaged Lori to make sure we are being intentional in the decisions that we make. The two-day session included a morning with Chase to review a Leadership Circle assessment (similar to a 360 leadership assessment) and discuss gaps in leadership skills as well as areas of strength that can be capitalized on. This was followed by an afternoon session with the Planned Solutions Leadership Team (Chase, Daryl, Joel, Shannon, and Katie) to review the progress thus far on key initiatives and how it can be communicated more effectively, and how to find efficiencies through scale rather than just growth. Finally, the second day involved the whole office and focused on naming and continuing Planned Solutions Core Values and how these values can be protected while still making room for growth and change. To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠Shannon@PlannedSolutions.co⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, Recent economic disruptions have caused the Fed and investors to rethink their expectations for the future path of interest rates. Higher inflation, largely due to increased oil and commodity prices, has reduced the likelihood of lower interest rates in the future, as the Fed will likely be hesitant to lower rates in a rising inflation environment. In addition, investors may be less willing to accept lower interest rates on longer-term bonds because of higher inflation risk. Digital assets, such as crypto, fall under a broad category of investments called alternative investments. Alternatives are intended to create greater diversification within a portfolio to complement more common investments, such as stocks and bonds. Therefore, when investing, it is important to consider the diversification benefits between holdings rather than being overweight in just one asset class, including digital assets. The Department of the Treasury, pursuant to a recent Executive Order, is now pushing taxpayers to receive their tax refunds via electronic transfer rather than issuing paper checks. This move is intended to speed up payment processing and reduce fraud. While paper checks will still be issued under some exceptions, taxpayers should shift to the electronic payment platform where possible to avoid delays. Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - Planned Solutions is working on filing Form 5500s for clients who have Solo 401k plans. The Form 5500 is an informational form filed with the Department of Labor. There is no tax due with the filing, but a failure to file penalty can be as high as $250 per day. Planned Solutions has also started filing the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). These informational reports are required to be filed by US citizens, green card holders, and residents who have an ownership interest in a foreign bank account with an aggregate valuethat exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2025. To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠Shannon@PlannedSolutions.co⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com Intro 00:00 Interest Rate Policy 01:09Diversifying in Digital Assets 13:19IRS Direct Deposit 20:05PSI Office Bulletin Board 24:31

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, with the reopening of the federal government, the Department of Labor is once again publishing jobs data. The most recent reports show that the job market remains reasonably strong and may be accelerating after a brief period of weakness earlier in the year. The US economy added 119,000 jobs in September, the unemployment rate ticked up but remains fairly low, and initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits, the forward-looking indicator, remain at low levels. The IRS increased the standard deduction that taxpayers are allowed to use to shelter income from taxation for 2026. In addition, the limitation on the amount of State and Local Taxes (SALT) that can be claimed as an itemized deduction was increased. So, going forward, taxpayers will need to pay closer attention to whether they will benefit from claiming the standard deduction or should itemize their deductions. Retirement plan contribution limits will increase in 2026 in most cases. Therefore, those who seek to contribute the maximum amount allowable under the law should make sure to adjust their contributions to ensure that they will contribute the maximum amount by the end of the 2026 tax year. In addition, some new rules for taxpayers age 60-63 will be implemented, which may impact the amount that those taxpayers may contribute for 2026. Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - A client recently used Planned Solutions tickets to take his son to the Kings game. His son was excited to see one of his favorite players, Domantas Sabonis, play live. They got there early and were fortunate enough to run into Sabonis coming out of the tunnel. The Kings’ star was gracious enough to take a picture and sign the young man’s hat. What a great heart-warming moment. Go Kings! Carter and Matt both sat for the Certified Financial Planner ® exam recently. After years of studying and hours of preparing for the exam, we are excited to announce that they both passed. Now they just need to complete the required number of hours working in financial planning to fulfill the requirements to hold the Certified Financial Planner ® designation. Great jobguys! To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠Shannon@PlannedSolutions.com⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, even with the federal government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the September inflation data. The headline inflation rate rose slightly from 2.9% in August to 3.0% in September, but continues to show signs that inflation has stabilized in the 2-3% level. The impact of tariffs remains uncertain as the annual numbers are low but recent months have been elevated. Shelter prices show the opposite, with higher annual numbers but lower monthly numbers in consecutive reports. Despite a high level of political, economic, and financial uncertainty, US businesses continue to report strong earnings. Second-quarter earnings increased 11%. So far, 85% of companies that have reported for the third quarter have beaten their earnings expectations. Now, analysts estimate that earnings will increase 18% year-over-year in the third quarter. Medicare open enrollment started on October 15th and runs until December 7th. This is the time period that individuals can make changes to their Medicare insurance plans. Those who are happy with their current plan do not need to take any action. Those who are not happy with their current plan because they want to see different providers, had a change in their health status, or want to switch to a lower cost plan, should take action to review their options during open enrollment. Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - Chase and Daryl attended the Financial Planning Association of Northern California Winter Symposium. This year, the program consisted of a presentation on the costs of aging and how to prepare clients for those costs, a panel discussion on the benefits of working with a private fiduciary, and the need for succession planning within financial planning firms. Matt traveled to Philadelphia to attend an in-person program to prepare him to take the Certified Financial Planner exam. This is after Carter attended a similar event in Southern California. With the exam date in November approaching quickly, they are both cramming to be as prepared as possible. To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠ Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠Shannon@PlannedSolutions.com⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions podcast, Labor market data has been questioned recently, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics announcing that it is having difficulty obtaining the necessary data and has been forced to make significant revisions to past data. However, there are other data sources that economists and financial analysts can utilize to gain a better understanding of the labor market's health. While these other sources have their flaws as well, the preponderance of the evidence appears to point to a fairly healthy and stable labor market in the US.Financial planning can be a very long journey as it often takes many years, or even decades, of consistent saving, investment, and debt payments to reach long-term financial goals. This can make progress appear slow at times and become disheartening when it feels like the finish line is still so far away. For this reason, it is important to track progress to see the cumulative success over time and celebrate small wins along the way.The IRS recently issued new guidance that suspends the implementation of a new rule until 2027. The rule in question will require higher-income savers who are eligible for the catch-up contributions for those age 50 and over to make their catch-up contributions to the Roth plan. So, the delay of implementation will give savers one more year of potential tax deferral on their catch-up contributions and will give businesses more time to make sure their 401 (k) plan is ready for these changes.Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -Planned Solutions recently did a two-day workshop with consultant Lori Frasier. The first day of the workshop was focused on helping team members understand each other’s personality types and preferred communication methods.Planned Solutions sponsored the Future Foundation of Sacramento Charity Golf Tournament recently.To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠Shannon@PlannedSolutions.com⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

The long-awaited Jackson Hole speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Powell gave the markets the news investors were hoping to hear. In the speech, Chairman Powell noted weakness in the US labor market and subdued inflation more broadly. The Fed is concerned about the risk of tariffs creating a one-time increase in the prices of some goods, but may err on the side of caution by lowering interest rates to promote economic growth and full employment due to the belief that the inflationary impacts may be contained..Of the four inputs to economic growth: land, labor, capital, and productivity, the US is facing some constraints and is counting on an unproven opportunity. The reduction in the labor force due to decreased immigration and the constraints to capital from high interest rates may stifle growth. Land is abundant but less important. Therefore, productivity through technological innovation, such as AI, may become the most important..To follow up on some of the tax law changes in the recently passed tax and budget bill, there are a number of changes to the tax deductibility of charitable contributions taking effect in 2026. One change is that it will be easier for some taxpayers to deduct small amounts that they contribute to charity. However, higher-income taxpayers may have their deduction limited, which could offset any additional benefit. .Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -We are now taking registrations for our annual charity golf tournament. .The Harlan D. Wood and Debbie Druivenga Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament.Date: Friday, October 10, 2025Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course7000 Alameda DriveRancho Murieta, CA 95683 .Time: 1:00 pm shotgun start (boxed lunch included), 5:30 pm reception. .To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ .Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠ .Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: ⁠Shannon@PlannedSolutions.com⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

We have already reviewed several of the new tax code provisions from the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). To expand the review to be more comprehensive, we are including a review of three additional provisions: the no tax on overtime, the deduction for auto loan interest, and the expanded deductions for charitable contributions for taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the US economy added just 74,000 jobs in July. At the same time, the Bureau revised down its job growth numbers for May and June by 225,000 jobs. This means the US economy added just 107,000 jobs in the past three months, a low average of just 36,000 jobs per month. The new tax law promised to eliminate taxes on Social Security income. That did not happen, but a compromise was reached to give seniors (those over age 65) a larger standard deduction of up to $6,000 per taxpayer. However, the new deduction comes with income limits. Single taxpayers with income over $75,000 will begin to have the deduction reduced, while married taxpayers with income over $150,000 will not be eligible for the full deduction and may have it reduced to zero.Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - The second of our two summer interns from 2024 has officially joined the Planned Solutions team. Matt Young finished his degree from Oregon State this past semester, took some time off between school and joining the workforce, and officially joined Planned Solutions on July 30th. Matt will be joining his counterpart, Carter Osborne, in studying for the Certified Financial Planner exam, learning how to apply the knowledge and skills they learned in college to real-world situations, and supporting the financial planners in the office through a paraplanner role.To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed biweekly by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action. Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279⁠⁠ ⁠Intro 00:00 Jobs Data and Drama 01:10 Increased Standard Deduction for Seniors 12:02 Increased Standard Deduction for Seniors 17:56 Bulletin Board 22:36 Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: (916) 361-0100 or (800) 750-2111E-MAIL: Shannon@PlannedSolutions.com FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:www.PlannedSolutions.com

One of the common financial dilemmas in financial planning is whether the best strategy is for an individual to focus their free cash flow on paying down debt or investing for their future. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but rather a large number of factors that should be considered in order to make an informed decision. Therefore, it is recommended that Individuals discuss these questions with a knowledgeable professional in order to weigh all the pros and cons of each option. The US jobs report shows that the US economy added 147,000 non-farm jobs in June. This total was better than expected and in line with the average over the prior 12 months. The same industries that have led job creation over the prior 12 months continued to fuel job growth in June, showing persistent trends in the labor market. In addition, the unemployment rate declined from 4.3% in May to 4.1% in June. The two most often overlooked parts of an estate plan are the financial and health care power of attorneys (POAs). However, these are arguably the most important documents included in an estate plan, as they will have an impact on an individual while they are still alive, rather than dealing with their affairs after death, like a will and trust. For this reason, it is important to pay special attention to the terms of the POAs and update them regularly if things change. Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - Voice deepfakes happen when a hacker takes a recording of your voice, clones it, and then manipulates it. Unfortunately, hackers now have more access than ever before to our voices through videos, FaceTime chats, Zoom meetings, etc., that can be saved on any of our devices. This type of manipulation can happen to anyone, including financial professionals and their clients. At Planned Solutions, Inc., we take cybersecurity and your privacy seriously. Over the years, we have enhanced our processes and procedures to make sure your information is safeguarded. As part of our policies, we do not accept trade or distribution requests via email or text message. In addition, we will always call you to obtain a verbal confirmation of the request to make sure it is actually you making the request. In some instances, we may even request additional information or verification if the request seems out of the ordinary scope of our relationship. Keep in mind that the risks are constantly evolving, and we are working hard to stay current and adjust accordingly. To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie@PlannedSolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed biweekly by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action. Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Planning-Insights-Decades-Planner/dp/1098306279?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Intro 00:00 Pay Down Debt or Invest for the Future? 01:17 US Job Market Remains Strong 12:20 Power of Attorney 20:48 Bulletin Board 24:53 Planned Solutions, Inc.