Guides
Plain-English guides to retirement and taxes.
7 guides from Mary Garza. Each one explains a decision step by step and links to the checklists and free events that go with it.
Turning 65Turning 65? Avoid the 3 costliest mistakes most people make.Medicare late-enrollment penalties, unexpected taxes on Social Security benefits, and higher Medicare premiums sneak up fast. Mary Garza walks you through each deadline and how your choices affect your taxes.Turning 65 guide →MedicareMedicare, made clear.Medicare is divided into parts. Here’s how they fit together, when to enroll, and how your choices connect to your taxes.Medicare guide →Social SecurityWhen should you claim Social Security?When you claim changes your monthly benefit for life. We help you weigh the timing alongside your taxes, savings and spouse’s benefits.Social Security guide →Taxes in RetirementTaxes in retirement: keep more of what you’ve saved.How pensions, Social Security, IRAs and savings are taxed, the order to draw from your accounts, and the mistakes that quietly cost retirees money.Taxes in Retirement guide →Roth ConversionsRoth conversions: is now the right time?How converting a traditional IRA to a Roth works, when it can make sense, and what it costs in taxes today.Roth Conversions guide →Estate & LegacyEstate planning basics: protect your family and your legacy.The documents, beneficiaries and plans that keep your family from guessing, and the common gaps to check today.Estate & Legacy guide →Tax PrepTax prep: what to bringOur document checklist and how a tax prep appointment works.Tax prep checklist →
Browse by topic
Each topic page puts its guide, checklists, next free event and articles in one place.
Want answers for your situation?Book a consultation with Mary.