Thanks for information on "What-if" scenario planning using the "Info Wks" form. I was not aware of this form. I'm using a PC and don't see the 2025 updates in 2024 TT but am able to fudge enough for planning purposes. Seems the increase in SALT may be the biggest item that will change in 2025? Thanks!!
All great information shared. I'd like to add an important point, which is touched on but want to add just bit more insight I learned from a reputable broker ... When you select a Medigap plan, it's not just the plan type (like Plan G or Plan N) or the price you should consider. It also matters how many people are enrolled in the plan. Bigger Group = More stable price as they can spread cost of medical costs to more people in event they have some costly members. Smaller Group = Risk the premiums may rise sharply if carrier needs to spread spikes in costs to fewer people. Try to pick plan with steady enrollment and actively sold in the state. In long run, you don't risk a Closed Plan and/or premiums rising sharply. This information can be found on a state's department of health website or assistance program (or SHIPs) or independent Medicare agent.
Oh yes, I have the same retirement dream ... add fresh seafood each day, heaven. I've always thought about the extra expense (for California, ideally) of home cost, real estate taxes (quadruple vs where I live), insurance and state taxes! Never thought or knew about the house upkeep, thanks for sharing your experience. I'll keep dreaming :)
Ah yes, to clarify - with TurboTax desktop software, you can e-file up to 5 Federal tax returns. You also receive the software for 1 state, and each e-file of a state return costs $25. If you need the software for an additional state, the software costs $40. The state tax documents are available in "the forms" feature of TurboTax and can be used to mail to or e-file with the state at no cost.
This is a great overview and a very important topic for those needing to make the decision between Original vs. Advantage Medicare. The Original (+ Medigap plan) of course costs more, but invaluable for those with lots of heath needs and/or who want peace of mind. To add to the overview - if a mistake is made in selecting a plan, you have a 6-month window to get a Medigap policy without discrimination. Also consider the risk pool and history in your state for Medigap providers, if they pull plan from the state my understanding is you may be discriminated against with either higher premiums or declined from coverage. Worst case, move to 1 of 4 states mentioned above :) P.S. I learned lots after being misled by a broker to an Advantage plan, fortunately, I was able to make switch before 6 months expired.
Hi Bill. The release is generally late-November to mid-December, I believe it's based on IRS sign-off of the software. Modelling out Roth conversions is on my to-do list. Thanks to all of the Humble writers for useful information on conversions.
Comments
Thanks for this post. I've tried to explain this strategy to friends/family and not easy. Your article will help tremendously!!
Post: Tax Gain Harvesting
Link to comment from November 10, 2025
Thanks for information on "What-if" scenario planning using the "Info Wks" form. I was not aware of this form. I'm using a PC and don't see the 2025 updates in 2024 TT but am able to fudge enough for planning purposes. Seems the increase in SALT may be the biggest item that will change in 2025? Thanks!!
Post: Heads-up for TurboTax Desktop Users (& 2025 Tax Planning)
Link to comment from November 10, 2025
All great information shared. I'd like to add an important point, which is touched on but want to add just bit more insight I learned from a reputable broker ... When you select a Medigap plan, it's not just the plan type (like Plan G or Plan N) or the price you should consider. It also matters how many people are enrolled in the plan. Bigger Group = More stable price as they can spread cost of medical costs to more people in event they have some costly members. Smaller Group = Risk the premiums may rise sharply if carrier needs to spread spikes in costs to fewer people. Try to pick plan with steady enrollment and actively sold in the state. In long run, you don't risk a Closed Plan and/or premiums rising sharply. This information can be found on a state's department of health website or assistance program (or SHIPs) or independent Medicare agent.
Post: Seeking Input on Medicare Supplement Carriers
Link to comment from November 3, 2025
Great segment, thanks for sharing.
Post: John Oliver does a complete show skewering Medicare Advantage
Link to comment from November 1, 2025
Oh yes, I have the same retirement dream ... add fresh seafood each day, heaven. I've always thought about the extra expense (for California, ideally) of home cost, real estate taxes (quadruple vs where I live), insurance and state taxes! Never thought or knew about the house upkeep, thanks for sharing your experience. I'll keep dreaming :)
Post: Coastal Retirement? Have You Considered These Costs?
Link to comment from October 30, 2025
Ah yes, to clarify - with TurboTax desktop software, you can e-file up to 5 Federal tax returns. You also receive the software for 1 state, and each e-file of a state return costs $25. If you need the software for an additional state, the software costs $40. The state tax documents are available in "the forms" feature of TurboTax and can be used to mail to or e-file with the state at no cost.
Post: Heads-up for TurboTax Desktop Users (& 2025 Tax Planning)
Link to comment from October 30, 2025
Thank you all for continuing this important conversation, and especially to Lucrecia for getting the conversation started.
Post: Don’t make the wrong Medicare decision
Link to comment from October 26, 2025
This is a great overview and a very important topic for those needing to make the decision between Original vs. Advantage Medicare. The Original (+ Medigap plan) of course costs more, but invaluable for those with lots of heath needs and/or who want peace of mind. To add to the overview - if a mistake is made in selecting a plan, you have a 6-month window to get a Medigap policy without discrimination. Also consider the risk pool and history in your state for Medigap providers, if they pull plan from the state my understanding is you may be discriminated against with either higher premiums or declined from coverage. Worst case, move to 1 of 4 states mentioned above :) P.S. I learned lots after being misled by a broker to an Advantage plan, fortunately, I was able to make switch before 6 months expired.
Post: Don’t make the wrong Medicare decision
Link to comment from October 24, 2025
Oh perfect - my laptop is a 10 y/o Dell Latitude. Thanks, fingers crossed.
Post: Heads-up for TurboTax Desktop Users (& 2025 Tax Planning)
Link to comment from October 24, 2025
Hi Bill. The release is generally late-November to mid-December, I believe it's based on IRS sign-off of the software. Modelling out Roth conversions is on my to-do list. Thanks to all of the Humble writers for useful information on conversions.
Post: Heads-up for TurboTax Desktop Users (& 2025 Tax Planning)
Link to comment from October 23, 2025