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MONTH-2-MONTH
JANUARY 2026
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MONTH-2-MONTH is intended to provide you with updates on AFP and timely financial planning and investment information on a variety of topics.
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| | January arrives with clear, cold mornings and untouched snow. People settle into quieter rhythms and calendars hang blank on the wall, while winter light streams through bare windows. With each new day unfolding, we're reminded to let go of last year, embrace small changes, and trust in gentle beginnings. | | |
WOMEN'S $ CIRCLE! - Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to postpone Part 2 of our Women's $ Circle focused on credit card rewards that was scheduled for Thursday, January 22nd. We're so sorry for any inconvenience!
We're rescheduling for February and will announce the new date soon.
Stay tuned for details on our next meeting!
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Have you made your 2025 IRA contribution yet?
If you or your spouse earned income in 2025, you are eligible to contribute to an IRA or Roth IRA—even if you actively participated in a retirement plan. Those receiving alimony from an ex-spouse may also qualify. The deadline for making a 2025 contribution is April 15, 2026, or when you file your individual tax return, whichever comes first. Self-employed individuals can make SEP contributions up until their tax return extension deadline, but no later than October 15, 2026.
Additionally, now that it’s 2026, you may want to consider making your 2026 IRA contribution.
Contribution Limits
| | | Year | Under Age 50 | Age 50 or Above | | 2025 | $7,000 | $8,000 | | 2026 | $7,500 | $8,600 | | | |
Contribution Types
Traditional IRA
- You must have earned income in 2025 or 2026 to contribute.
- Due to the SECURE Act, there is no age limit for contributions.
- If you participate in an employer retirement plan, phase-out rules apply based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and filing status:
| | | Filing Status | 2025 MAGI Phase-Out | 2026 MAGI Phase-Out | | Married Filing Jointly | $126,000 - $146,000 | $129,000 - $149,000 | | Single/Head of Household | $79,000 - $89,000 | $81,000 - $91,000 | | Married Filing Separately | $0 - $10,000 | $0 - $10,000 | | | |
Spousal IRA
- A nonworking spouse can contribute based on the working spouse’s income.
- If the working spouse participates in an employer plan, the nonworking spouse’s contributions phase out when MAGI is:
| | | Year | MAGI Phase-Out | | 2025 | $236,000 - $246,000 | | 2026 | $242,000 - $252,000 | | | |
Roth IRA (Non-Deductible)
- You must have earned income to contribute, regardless of age.
- Phase-out rules apply based on MAGI and filing status:
| | | Filing Status | 2025 MAGI Phase-Out | 2026 MAGI Phase-Out | | Married Filing Jointly | $236,000 - $246,000 | $242,000 - $252,000 | | Single/Head of Household | $150,000 - $165,000 | $153,000 - $168,000 | | | | | |
+ Teri's Treks
January has always been a reflective month for me. Taking the time to look back at the previous year and what may be in store for the new year lends perspective to what may be possible. For the last several years, I have started this process by asking myself the same 3 questions, and last year I added a word. It’s been a great way to start the year. Beyond the introspection, there have been moments sprinkled throughout this month to gather with others as we remember and celebrate two significant people in my life who died in November and December. I returned that past weekend from a trip to CT to celebrate the life of my mother-in-law. An amazing woman and gifted artist. My financial planning community will be gathering to honor Hank later this year.
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+ Nathan's Notes
I always look forward to getting through the Christmas season and into the new year. It’s not that I don’t like Christmas, just that once January 1 rolls around, it’s nice to think about the new year and focus on the things I’d like to accomplish.
We’re well into the new basketball season for both girls, and they’re doing very well. Ellie’s first game was particularly exciting as they were down 8-0 in the first quarter. Her team kept working hard, and they were able to tie the game by the end of the 4th quarter. After both teams traded baskets in the overtime period, Ellie scored the game-winning basket with only 4 seconds left. Her second game was just as nerve-wracking, but instead her team held on to win by a single point after leading by 10 earlier on. Ainsley has also been doing very well. We don’t keep score at her age group, so the games aren’t as intense, but they are probably more fun as the girls continue to improve their dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense.
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+ Tracey's Time
I started off the new year attending a couple of fun events with my daughter, Cayleigh. First, we were fortunate that Teri shared a pair of tickets to the “Back to the Future” musical. I was a big fan of the movie and was curious to see how this could be brought to the stage. The music and special effects went beyond expectations. We also attended a sip and paint, where we were guided through painting a winter scene. While our paintings did not turn out to be quite like the master example, we enjoyed the process and learned some new techniques. I also learned that anyone can become an artist and I recommend giving it a try.
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+ Morgan's Moments
January has arrived and brought with it both excitement and adjustment as I work to find a new routine. The biggest news? My boyfriend has become my fiancé as we got engaged! And in a fun twist, so did his brother, so we've been celebrating double the joy while diving headfirst into wedding planning. Between looking at venues and creating Pinterest boards, I've been working to get back into good habits after the holiday season. For me that means making weekly meal plans and trying my best to cook at home majority of my meals, a habit that went to the wayside during the ever moving holiday season. Going into this year, I'm looking forward to the new project of wedding planning and spending more time taking care of myself and my health.
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Current Economic and Investment Information | | |
OIL PRODUCTION CUSHION - TotalEnergies expects higher oil-and-gas production to offset weaker prices as the energy sector faces intensifying scrutiny of balance sheets. (Source: WSJ)
HOUSING'S SPLIT PERSONALITY - Home sales surged 5.1% in December 2025, ending the year on strong momentum, yet full-year sales ranked among the worst slumps in decades. (Source: WSJ)
CONSUMERS KEEP SPENDING - Banks reported Americans maintained healthy spending and borrowing through end of 2025, despite ongoing concerns about job security and inflation. (Source: WSJ)
NOT YOUR PARENTS' S&P 500 - Only 188 stocks in today's S&P 500 were in the index at the end of 1999. Six of the top 25 members from 1999 have been removed entirely, and just six still rank in the top 25 today. (Source: Bloomberg)
STUDENT DEBT CRACKDOWN - The Department of Education will notify defaulted borrowers in early January that up to 15% of wages may be garnished. Over 5 million borrowers are seriously delinquent, with 3 million missing payments for nine months or more. (Source: WSJ)
| | Americans are increasingly navigating a complex landscape of online financial information. While three-quarters seek financial advice online at least once a month, four in five question the accuracy of what they find. The consequences are real: three in five Americans regret a financial decision influenced by misinformation, and only two in five believe online financial information serves their best interests. Amid this uncertainty, financial advisors—including CFP® professionals—remain Americans' most trusted resource for financial guidance, underscoring the importance of consulting qualified professionals when making significant financial decisions. | |
Source: CFP Board, "Steering Clear of Financial Misinformation: A 2025 Survey of Americans" CFP Board
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How to Choose a Word of the Year
You'll Actually Live By
By Isabelle Eyman
Source: Camille Styles
Image by FreePik
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January's fresh-start energy makes it tempting to pile on resolutions, but here's what actually works: one word that shapes your entire year. Forget rigid goals you'll ditch by February—this is about flexible focus that sticks. The process is deceptively simple: write down three words you're drawn to, sit with them for a few days, and watch which one keeps hijacking your thoughts. That's your word. Whether it's "clarity," "ease," or something deeply personal, it becomes your decision-making filter for the next twelve months—not a to-do list you complete, but a lens you return to when life gets chaotic. The secret most people miss? Monthly mini-resets that keep it alive long after January's motivation fades. Ask yourself "does this align with my word?" before every major commitment, and watch how quickly things simplify. Your word isn't about reinventing yourself—it's about finally supporting who you already are.
Click here to read this article.
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Can A Hacker Take Over Your Computer? What to Know About Remote Access Trojans
By National Cyber Security Alliance
Source: National Cyber Security Alliance
Image by FreePik
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Remote access trojans turn your device into a spy camera for hackers—they can watch through your webcam, steal every password you type, and lurk undetected for months. They slip in through innocent-looking emails and "free" downloads, quietly giving strangers full control of your digital life. Your webcam light flickering randomly? Programs you didn't install suddenly appearing? Those aren't glitches—they're red flags. The scary part: even your ex could deploy one to monitor you. But here's the thing most people don't know: a few dead-simple habits make you nearly impossible to hack. Disconnect immediately if you're infected, because every second counts. You're probably a softer target than you realize—but fixing that takes less effort than you think.
Click here to read this article.
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Do you know someone who can benefit from FINANCIAL PLANNING?
At Alexander Financial Planning, we are passionate about financial life planning. We also know that it is not just about the numbers. While numbers are important, they are there to support your hopes, dreams, and desires. When we can put all the components of financial planning together, (cash flow, insurance, investing, taxation, and estate planning) your unique picture of a path forward comes into view. For 28+ years, we have been helping individuals and families develop their plan and navigate the twists and turns each year.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, becoming an empty nester, or navigating how to take retirement distributions, we are your thinking partner. We are here to make sense of it all, one step at a time. If now is the time for you or someone you know to get serious about your financial future, contact us. We’d love to be of service.
WHAT SETS US APART
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"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Alexander Financial Planning | |
3600 Olentangy River Rd, Ste. C2
Columbus, OH 43214
614-538-1600
Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Registered Investment Advisor
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This material is distributed by Alexander Financial Planning, Inc., (AFPI) and is for information purposes only. Although information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report. Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of AFPI and are subject to change without notice. AFPI assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Financial planning, investment conclusions, and strategies suggested in this report may not be suitable for all investors and consultation with a qualified advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this writing should be construed as legal or accounting advice. All rights reserved. | | |
© Alexander Financial Planning, Inc. | |
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