Eclectic Associates

Tax season just wrapped up, which actually makes right now one of the better times to think about next year.

Your return can be full of useful information: how dividends are being taxed, whether charitable distributions were reported correctly, whether losses can offset future gains, and how your AGI is affecting Social Security and Medicare costs.

We share what we look for on a Form 1040 review and the planning questions it helps answer.

https://bit.ly/43euILT

Don’t File It and Forget It: Tax Planning Starts Now — Eclectic Associates, Inc. Tax planning starts with your Form 1040. We break down what to look for on last year's return to help find savings opportunities and avoid mistakes.

How long should you keep that old bank statement? What about W-2s from five years ago?

These questions matter more than many people expect. Getting rid of the wrong document at the wrong time can mean a complicated capital gains situation, an audit without backup records, or an estate that takes longer to settle than it should.

We updated our guide on financial record-keeping, covering what to keep permanently, what to hold for a few years, and what can safely go. Worth a few minutes if you've been meaning to get organized.

https://bit.ly/4d7I3dE

Keep It or Toss It? How long should you keep financial records and important documents? — Eclectic Associates, Inc. How long should you keep financial records and important documents? This article, updated for 2026, provides timelines for saving records, including what to keep forever.