Personal financial planning news and resources

TOPICS

June 1, 2026

Most retirees worry about savings — but few use financial advisers

Less than one-third of retired Americans in a recent survey reported working with a financial adviser, even though nearly 7 in 10 are concerned about managing their income throughout retirement.

June 1, 2026

How tighter student loan caps will affect higher education

New federal student loan limits taking effect in July will change how students finance undergraduate and graduate education.

May 20, 2026

How CPAs can guide better retirement choices

Learn how CPAs can help clients make smarter retirement decisions by balancing taxes, withdrawal timing, IRMAA, and long-term goals.

May 1, 2026

Avoiding a big tax bill on inherited IRAs

The 10-year drawdown rule can trigger hefty taxes for heirs. Learn how smart planning can help.

May 1, 2026

Managing CPA liability in the Great Wealth Transfer

As Baby Boomers transition trillions to their heirs, CPAs face growing estate, gift, and trust liability risks. Learn how costly claims arise — and practical steps to reduce exposure.

April 28, 2026

CPA tips for building an emergency fund when savings fall short

Most Americans don’t have adequate emergency savings, according to a survey conducted for National Financial Literacy Month. The AICPA offers four tips from CPAs to help remedy the shortfall.

April 27, 2026

Beyond FIRE: Planning for mini-retirements

Many workers today are prioritizing midcareer breaks and flexible work lifestyles over retiring young. Advisers can help them with the planning needed.

April 16, 2026

A Machu Picchu moment and what it means for aging and retirement

Speaker and author Kelley Long, CPA/PFS, explains the evolving definition of, and approach to, retirement and how CPAs can help clients plan for flexible careers. She also previews her upcoming ENGAGE sessions on retirement strategies and making better use of HSAs. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

April 15, 2026

Experts answer burning questions about personal financial security

The AICPA and Finseca answer questions about retirement, taxes, and long-term wealth strategies as a part of National Financial Literacy Month.

April 2, 2026

Americans’ financial optimism edges higher, but worries remain

As National Financial Literacy Month begins, an AICPA-commissioned survey highlights why many consumers need to refocus their financial decision-making.

April 1, 2026

Ways to de-risk concentrated stock portfolios

Learn how investors can manage concentrated stock risk with minimal tax impact — and why CPAs should know the options.

April 1, 2026

Elder fraud rises as scammers use AI

Learn how CPAs can help protect the elderly against the growing threat of artificial intelligence-powered scams using deepfakes and voice cloning.

March 9, 2026

IRS proposes regulations for Trump accounts, pilot program

Proposed regulations under Sec. 530A provide information on how to open initial Trump accounts, and proposed regulations under Sec. 6434 provide guidance on the program that provides $1,000 contributions to Trump accounts for eligible children.

February 25, 2026

What CPAs should know about Trump accounts

What are Sec. 530A Trump accounts, and how should CPAs advise families? This Q&A breaks down contributions, investment limits, and planning considerations practitioners need to understand.

February 2, 2026

How to ease taxes on inherited IRAs

Inheriting retirement accounts isn’t as simple as it used to be. The 10-year drawdown rule can trigger hefty taxes for heirs. Learn how smart planning can help.

January 20, 2026

Cost-of-living increases could hurt 2026 financial goals, poll says

The Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of the AICPA, found that most Americans have financial goals, with saving money as the top one.

January 1, 2026

Tax-efficient drawdown strategies in retirement

Follow these tips to help clients draw down their retirement funds in a tax-efficient manner and avoid common mistakes.

December 15, 2025

Big changes hit federal student loan program

Learn about the complex shifts in federal student aid since the passage of H.R. 1, including new loan caps and repayment plans.

December 5, 2025

Government withdraws defense of retirement fiduciary rule

The Justice Department dropped its appeal in a case challenging a Biden-era regulation, leaving financial advisers free from new fiduciary duties for now.

December 4, 2025

Where CPAs stand on economic sentiment, what’s next for the JofA podcast

This episode summarizes results of a recent quarterly survey on economic and business sentiment, mentions IRS news, and previews future content. Listen to the episode or read the transcript.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

4 ways solo practitioners can stand out

Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.