Beyond the Receipt: Mastering Charitable Substantiation in 30 Minutes

For 2026, the IRS has raised contribution limits across retirement plans, IRAs, and HSAs, giving high-income households more room for tax-advantaged saving. The households that benefit most are not simply those that max out every account, but those that act early and decide deliberately which accounts to prioritize, how to coordinate Roth and pretax decisions, and how contributions fit within a broader tax and cash-flow plan. With the right strategy in place at the start of the year, these higher limits become a meaningful planning opportunity rather than a number on a checklist.

Getting married triggers significant tax changes that catch many couples off guard, from a new filing status that takes effect the moment you say “I do,” to withholding gaps that can result in an unexpected tax bill in April. Beyond filing and withholding, newlyweds also need to address name and address updates, healthcare coverage decisions, HSA eligibility changes, and dependent-related credits before year-end. Tackling these adjustments proactively, rather than waiting until tax season, helps couples avoid penalties, protect their refunds, and start their financial life together on solid footing.