AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become a game changer in various industries, and they are also proving incredibly useful for retirees looking to start consulting or a small business venture. These tools can simplify tasks, streamline processes, and help retirees navigate the world of entrepreneurship more efficiently.^1,2,3

One of the biggest challenges retirees may face when starting a business is writing tasks. Writing can be difficult and tedious for some, but AI tools can help alleviate this burden. AI-powered writing assistants can generate content, proofread, and even suggest improvements. These tools use advanced algorithms to analyze text and offer better sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Retirees can rely on these tools to produce high-quality written content without spending hours perfecting it themselves.

Another area where AI tools can significantly assist retirees is budgeting and bookkeeping. Managing finances can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with accounting principles. AI-powered tools can automate budgeting processes, track expenses, and generate financial reports. They can also provide real-time insights into cash flow and identify potential cost-saving opportunities. By utilizing these tools, retirees can ensure that their financials are in order and that they can make informed decisions regarding their business.^1,2,3

Furthermore, the constant development of new AI tools means that retirees should keep an eye on emerging technologies. Entrepreneurs can now access tools that were previously only available to large corporations. For example, AI chatbots can handle customer inquiries, reducing the need for additional customer service staff. AI-powered marketing tools can analyze data and create targeted advertising campaigns. These advancements in AI technology enable retirees to streamline their operations, save costs, and potentially compete with larger businesses.

Right now, AI tools exist to assist you with the following tasks:

• Book meetings
• AI image generation
• Voice generation
• Text-to-speech conversion
• Creating videos with lip-syncing AI video technology
• Generate voice-overs
• Analyzing and improving grammar usage
• Offering rewrite suggestions for clarity, conciseness, and readability
• Colorize black-and-white photographs
• Enhance photo quality
• Transcribe live meetings or audio files
• Automate data collection from websites
• Finish an article of 1,500 words in just over 15 minutes
• Integrate with third-party platforms to enhance forms and workflows
• Converting text into natural-sounding speech
• Identify multiple languages and convert scanned printed text to audio
• Conduct keyword research

Retirees must stay up-to-date with the latest AI tools that can benefit their businesses. Regularly exploring new tools and technologies can help retirees discover innovative ways to improve their productivity, automate tasks, and expand their capabilities. Retirees can stay ahead of the curve and leverage AI tools to their advantage by keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s coming.

Artificial Intelligence tools offer numerous benefits for retirees entering consulting or starting a small business. These tools can simplify writing tasks, assist with budgeting and bookkeeping, and provide opportunities to automate tasks that typically require additional staff. With new tools constantly being developed, retirees should embrace the potential of AI and stay informed about the latest advancements to optimize their business operations. By harnessing the power of AI, retirees can enhance their productivity, save time, and make their business endeavors more successful.

1. TRO, April 19, 2023
   2. Unite.ai, July 14, 2023
   3. Clickup.com, June 21, 2023

A Path to Serenity and Smart Money Choices

In today’s fast-paced world, financial stress has become a part of life for some. The anxiety and pressure associated with money matters can create a vicious cycle, affecting both mental and physical health. However, there may be a pathway through this chaos: mindfulness and meditation. These ancient practices not only offer a chance to reflect but also may provide a more straightforward approach to financial decision-making, which could foster long-term financial wellness.^1,2

What is the Connection Between Financial Stress and Mental/Physical Health?

Financial stress is a source of anxiety for some, impacting sleep, relationships, and overall well-being. According to the most recent Stress in America survey by the American Psychological Association, a majority of adults identified inflation, the economy, and financial concerns as sources of stress. Chronic financial stress can lead to health problems. Individuals experiencing financial strain often neglect preventive health measures due to cost, which can exacerbate their physical health issues.³

Tools for Managing Financial Anxiety

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment. It involves tuning into experiences, focusing on the present, and observing thoughts and feelings without reacting to them. When applied to finances, mindfulness encourages people to be aware of their spending habits and emotional triggers, aligning their financial actions with their values and goals, which can lead to more satisfying and sustainable economic health.

Meditation, often practiced alongside mindfulness, involves sitting quietly and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, and bodily sensations. Integrating meditation into daily routines might help manage stress and enhance concentration, providing a valuable refuge for people dealing with financial stress. Just a few minutes a day might help clear the mind, improve focus, and manage anxiety, enabling the handling of monetary matters with a calm, composed mind.

Practical Ways to Include These Practices:

1. Daily Meditation: Start with five minutes a day in a peaceful spot, focusing on your breath. If financial worries arise, gently redirect your attention back to your breathing.
2. Mindful Budgeting: Before making financial decisions, pause and assess your motivations. Are you adhering to a budget, or are emotions influencing your choices? This practice can help avoid unnecessary expenses.
3. Reflective Journaling: Maintain a journal documenting your financial decisions and the emotions they evoke. This exercise can help reveal patterns and triggers in your spending habits, aiding in more effective financial management.
4. Educational Workshops: Some communities offer free stress management workshops, equipping individuals with tools and knowledge to help with financial management.

Mindfulness and Meditation in Action

Consider a scenario where mindfulness helps combat impulse purchases. By staying present and aware, individuals can make values-based financial choices rather than succumb to the allure of FOMO (fear of missing out) or unhealthy comparisons. Similarly, meditation can be invaluable during life transitions, such as career changes or retirement, helping manage financial issues with more clarity and composure.

How Mindfulness Works

Mindfulness works by dialing down the body’s stress response, which can impair the immune system and exacerbate health problems. By influencing stress pathways in the brain, mindfulness changes brain structures and activity related to attention and emotion regulation. This shift can enable individuals to respond more effectively to stress, including financial stress, by cultivating a more open and less reactive mindset.

How Does One Get Started?

Learning mindfulness is more accessible than ever, with classes and interventions available in various settings, including online platforms and smartphone apps. While it may take time for mindfulness meditation to feel natural, consistent practice can transform it into a powerful tool for relieving stress and enhancing overall well-being.

Embracing mindfulness and meditation doesn’t entirely eliminate financial challenges, but these practices can provide a robust framework for managing financial stress more healthily and productively. They empower individuals to make thoughtful decisions and ultimately gain control over their financial well-being. Start small, be consistent, and watch as mindfulness and meditation transform your financial life and beyond.

1. American Psychological Association, October 30, 2019
   2. First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, November 25, 2025
   3. Headspace.com, January 13, 2025

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Do You Owe The AMT?

American educational reformer Horace Mann called education “the great equalizer.” In football, it’s been said that turnovers are the great equalizer. In taxes, there’s also an equalizer of sorts; it’s called the alternative minimum tax, or AMT. Instituted in 1969, it was intended to ensure that the very rich didn’t pay a lower effective tax rate than everyone else.¹

In recent years, however, the “very rich” weren’t the only ones who needed to be concerned about the AMT. Because the AMT was not indexed for inflation until 2013, millions of middle-class Americans were being forced to pay it. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, that number is falling, once again. Per the most recent data available, only 0.1% of taxpayers pay the AMT.^1,2

What Is The AMT, Exactly?

It may be easiest to think of the AMT as a separate tax system with a unique set of rules for deductions, which are more restrictive than those in the traditional tax system.

The only way to know for sure if you qualify for the AMT is to fill out Form 6251 from the Internal Revenue Service. It may be worth doing just to be sure, especially if you are a high-income earner who can claim sizable tax breaks.

If you should have paid the AMT and the IRS discovers that you didn’t, you may owe back taxes and could also have to pay interest and/or penalties.

The AMT Language

Because the AMT system has complicated rules and provisions, it’s a good idea to consider consulting legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. And remember, the information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties.

If you want to avoid any potential surprises at tax time, it may make sense to know where you stand when it comes to the AMT. The time and energy you spend today may be worth the investment.

Where Does All That Money Go?

Here’s a breakdown of how the federal government spends its revenues.

Source: CBO.gov, March 20, 2025. Figures represent total outlays for the 2024 fiscal year, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office.

1. Investopedia.com, February 26, 2025
   2. TaxPolicyCenter.org, August 12, 2025

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Consider Keeping Your Life Insurance When You Retire

Do you need a life insurance policy in retirement? One school of thought questions this decision. Perhaps your kids have grown, and the need to help protect the household against the loss of an income-earner has passed.

If you are thinking about dropping your coverage for either or both of those reasons, you may want to ask yourself a few additional questions before moving forward.

Remember that several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

Does your policy have a cash value? If you have a whole life policy, it may have built a cash value over time. Whole life insurance is designed to remain in force for your whole life, as long as you remain current with your premiums. Before surrendering a whole-life policy, be certain you understand the policy’s features and limitations.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so you may want to consider asking for guidance from a financial professional before modifying your life insurance strategy. Life insurance is not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). It is not insured by any federal government agency, bank, or savings association.

Do you anticipate paying estate taxes? If the value of your estate exceeds federal or state estate tax thresholds, you may owe estate taxes. Life insurance proceeds may help your heirs manage the tax situation, and could prevent the need to sell other assets. Estate tax laws are constantly changing, so you may want to consider speaking with a legal professional, who can provide information on potential legislative changes.

Are you carrying a mortgage? If you borrowed to purchase your home or have refinanced and are carrying a mortgage, the proceeds for a life insurance policy may help your heirs manage the mortgage payments.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security

Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions. The answers may affect whether you make the most of this retirement income source.

1. When to Start?
   You have the choice of 1) starting benefits at age 62, 2) claiming them at your full retirement age, or 3) delaying payments until age 70. If you claim early, you can expect to receive a monthly benefit that will be lower than what you would have earned at full retirement. If you wait until age 70, you can expect to receive an even higher monthly benefit than you would have received if you had begun taking payments at your full retirement age. The decision of when to begin taking benefits may hinge on whether you need the income now or can wait, and whether you think your lifespan will be shorter or longer than the average American.
2. Should I Continue to Work?
   Work provides income, personal satisfaction, and may increase your Social Security benefits. However, if you begin taking benefits prior to your full retirement age and continue to work, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 in earnings above the prevailing annual limit ($24,480 in 2026). If you work during the year in which you attain full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 in earnings over a different annual limit ($65,160 in 2026) until the month you reach full retirement age. After you attain your full retirement age, earned income no longer reduces benefit payments.¹
3. How Can I Maximize My Benefit?
   The easiest way to maximize your monthly Social Security benefit is to simply wait until you turn age 70 before receiving payments.

1. SSA.gov, 2025

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

Breaking Down The Basics

Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions.

Parts A & B: Original Medicare. There are two components. In general, Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility costs, hospice, lab tests, surgery, and some home health care services. One thing to keep in mind is that, while very few beneficiaries must pay Part A premiums out of pocket, annually adjusted standard deductibles still apply.^1,2

Many pre-retirees are frequently warned that Medicare will only cover a maximum of 100 days of nursing home care (provided certain conditions are met). Part A is the one with these provisions. Under the current Part A rules, you would pay $0 for days 1-20 of care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). During days 21-100, a $217 daily coinsurance payment may be required of you.¹

Knowing the limitations of Part A, some people look for other choices when it comes to managing the costs of extended care.

Part B covers physicians’ fees, outpatient hospital care, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other offerings not covered by Medicare Part A.¹

Part B does come with some costs, however, which are adjusted annually. The premiums vary, according to the Medicare recipient’s income level, but the standard monthly premium amount is $202.90, and the yearly deductible is $283 for 2026.¹

Part C: Medicare Advantage plans. Sometimes called “Medicare Part C,” Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are often viewed as an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. MA plans are offered by private companies approved by the federal government. Although these plans come with standardized minimum coverage, the amount of additional protection offered can differ drastically from one person to the next. This is due to unique provider networks, premiums, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket spending limits. In other words, comparing prices and services offered by different vendors may be the best way to find a Medicare Advantage plan that works for you.²

Part D: Prescription drug plans. While Medicare Advantage plans often offer prescription drug coverage, insurers also sell federally standardized Medicare Part D plans as a standalone product to those with Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Every Part D plan has its own list (i.e., a “formulary”) of covered medications. Visit the Medicare website to explore the formulary of approved drugs for your Part D plan as well as their prices, organized by tier.³

In fact, Medicare.gov is a great place to start all your research. Once there, you’ll find answers to your most common questions and more information on the different Medicare plans offered in your area.

1. CMS.gov, 2025
   2. Medicare.gov, 2025
   3. Medicare.gov, 2025

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?

While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five most overlooked opportunities to manage your tax bill.

1. Reinvested Dividends: When your mutual fund pays you a dividend or capital gains distribution, that income is a taxable event (unless the fund is held in a tax-deferred account, like an IRA). If you’re like most fund owners, you reinvest these payments in additional shares of the fund. The tax trap lurks when you sell your mutual fund. If you fail to add the reinvested amounts back into the investment’s cost basis, it can result in double taxation of those dividends.¹
   Mutual funds are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
2. Out-of-Pocket Charity: It’s not just cash donations that are deductible. If you donate goods or use your personal car for charitable work, these are potential tax deductions. Just be sure to get a receipt for any amount over $250.²
3. State Taxes: Did you owe state taxes when you filed your previous year’s tax returns? If you did, don’t forget to include this payment as a tax deduction on your current year’s tax return. There is currently a $40,400 cap on the state and local tax deduction for 2026.³
4. Medicare Premiums: You may be able to deduct unreimbursed medical and dental premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and other medical expenses to the extent that the costs exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. This includes most Medicare premiums.⁴
5. Income in Respect of a Decedent: If you’ve inherited an IRA or pension, you may be able to deduct any estate tax paid by the IRA owner from the taxes due on the withdrawals you take from the inherited account.⁵

1. Investopedia.com, August 24, 2025
   2. IRS.gov, 2025
   3. IRS.gov, 2025
   4. IRS.gov, 2025
   5. IRS.gov, 2025. In most circumstances, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. You may continue to contribute to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Can I Create a Roth if I’m Over the Income Limit?

Yes, you might be able to create a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) if you’re over the income limit. This strategy involves converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

The idea, often referred to as a “backdoor Roth conversion,” is sometimes used by individuals whose incomes exceed the current limits for direct Roth IRA contributions.

Keep in mind that there are pros and cons associated with a backdoor Roth conversion, including tax consequences. This article provides a high-level overview that should be used for informational purposes only. Tax, legal, and accounting professionals can provide more detailed insights about the tax implications of this strategy.

Why Consider a Roth IRA?

Think of a Roth IRA as one piece of your retirement income puzzle. When you peek behind the curtain, here are some of the features that some retirement-minded people consider important:

• Unlike their traditional IRA cousins, required minimum distributions do not apply to original owners of Roth IRAs. That can play a role as you create an estate strategy.
• When retirement rolls around, Roth IRAs can add flexibility to your income strategy since you’ve already paid taxes on that money.
• To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be made under other circumstances, such as the owner’s death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to make minimum annual withdrawals.

How Does a Backdoor Roth Conversion Work?

Let’s break down this strategy step by step.

First, you’ll need a traditional IRA. For 2026, you can contribute up to $7,500 or $8,600 if you’re 50 or older. Your contributions may be tax-deductible, depending on your situation, but keep in mind that income limits and other requirements may affect your eligibility.

If you move ahead with a traditional IRA, remember that once you reach the age of 73, you must begin taking the required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA in most circumstances. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if made before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

Second, timing matters. One strategy suggests that individuals who convert their traditional IRAs to Roth RIAs sooner rather than later may be more effective in managing their taxes.

Pro tip: The IRS looks at all your traditional IRAs together when calculating taxes on your conversion. This “pro rata rule” means that having existing traditional, SEP-IRAs, or SIMPLE IRAs could affect your tax bill. Your tax, legal, and accounting professionals can provide more detailed insights about how the rule applies in your situation.

SIMPLE IRAs and SEP-IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and follow the same distribution rules and penalties as those of traditional IRAs.

So Much to Consider

Owning a Roth IRA can provide flexibility when creating a retirement strategy and managing an estate. However, similar to any idea, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many factors should be considered, including your tax situation, existing IRA balances, and long-term objectives.

1. IRS.gov, November 13, 2025

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Silver Sneakers 101

Once you turn 65, the world of Medicare opens to you, and you also gain access to its offshoot supplemental programs. You likely know about Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and other sections, but you may not know about the senior fitness offering “SilverSneakers.”

SilverSneakers is a versatile and free fitness plan for Medicare recipients. Not every insurance company that has Medicare Advantage or other Medicare Supplement Insurance plans has SilverSneakers as a choice. But it’s definitely worth asking about whenever you add or change your coverage.

SilverSneakers grants free access to thousands of fitness locations across America. Call ahead to find out if your local gym participates. You might also inquire if their location offers special SilverSneakers classes. These fitness sessions are designed for Medicare-aged students.

Not all SilverSneakers’ benefits are centered around the gym, however. For those who prefer different types of exercise, FLEX, a feature within SilverSneakers, holds meetups at community centers, public parks, and places of worship. They provide fitness opportunities that might not be available at your gym, such as hiking groups, yoga, and swimming.

SilverSneakers also offers health seminars, wellness events, and other community-building options for their members. The emphasis is on getting engaged and getting moving.

Remember, though, that not all plans offer SilverSneakers. Communicate carefully when doing your research and make a selection that covers your needed treatments and prescriptions first. Any extras should be secondary. It’s also important to remember that SilverSneakers’ availability may vary from year to year and even be canceled to make room for other features. Make your decisions with that knowledge and your overall health needs in mind.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.