The Seaside Blog

Planning for retirement today is not what it was for previous generations. Pensions are less common, Social Security may not cover the full cost of living, and healthcare expenses continue to climb. Add to these factors the uncertainty of market volatility and changing tax laws, and it’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed. A retirement financial advisor can help you navigate these challenges. Instead of guessing or piecing together conflicting advice, you’ll have an expert who understands both the big picture and the small details that make your plan work.

When a thousand-page piece of legislation becomes law, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But for those planning retirement or already in it, this “one big beautiful bill” could offer major planning opportunities. At Seaside Wealth Management, we’ve been digging into the details and want to share the biggest takeaways for our clients.

In July 2025, a new executive order brought private equity front and center in the world of retirement planning. For the first time, retirement plans like 401(k)s may allow investors access to private equity; investments in companies that aren’t traded on public stock exchanges. The news has generated a lot of buzz, and a lot of confusion. At Seaside Wealth Management, we believe in staying on the front lines of investment trends while staying rooted in the principles that protect your financial future. So, what does this mean for you and your retirement strategy?

We love the Roth IRA—and most of our clients do too. What’s not to love about tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement? But there’s one important detail that trips people up far too often: the 5-year rule. If misunderstood, the 5-year rule can lead to unexpected taxes and penalties, even when you thought your Roth withdrawal would be tax-free. Let’s break it down simply—because when you understand how the 5-year rule works, you can use it to your advantage and protect more of your hard-earned savings.

For years, 529 plans were known as a smart way to save for college expenses. They offered tax-free growth and withdrawals when used for qualified higher education costs, making them a go-to for many families looking to plan ahead for tuition. But recent legislative changes have broadened the scope of how these plans can be used—making them even more versatile. At Seaside, we’ve been keeping a close eye on how these updates could open new planning opportunities. Whether you’re currently using a 529 or considering starting one, here’s what you need to know.

If you’re approaching or already in retirement, you’ve probably spent decades saving and investing. But here’s something that often catches retirees off guard: how much they’ll owe in taxes. Without careful planning, withdrawals from retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, and pension income can combine to create an unexpected tax bill and even impact your healthcare premiums. Learn how a proactive approach to tax planning can help you protect more of your retirement income and avoid common tax pitfalls.