Hopeful Followers,

Here we are fast approaching the end of the year. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and all in between are reminders of our spouse or partner that is no longer here. It brings many memories. I just celebrated my late husband’s birthday in October. I reminded my children and other family members as one way to remember Jack. For me, it created a moment of silence and a day of remembering him, us, and our family. I find it comforting and reflective on where I am now 17 years since he died and how far I have come. My hope for each of you is that you can find your own way of celebrating your late spouse or partner. They did help create the tapestry of our lives.

May your Autumn days be filled with light, love, and peace with Thanksgiving in our view,

Carolyn

This Month’s Financial Tip

TIP: If you are uncertain about the best tax strategy and planning for your unique situation, please seek professional advice. The laws are too complicated and ever changing.

^{You have been hearing about the new tax law changes that have been passed by our Congress in Washington, DC. I want to discuss how you might be affected by Charitable Donations if you itemize your deductions.}

^{QCD – Qualified Charitable Distribution – is a special type of charitable gift that allows individuals aged 70.5 years or older to donate directly from their IRA to a qualified charity and exclude that amount from their taxable income.}

^{Ask questions if you don’t understand what you are reading. [email protected] or 941-841-6564 – I am here for you.}

Carol’s Savvy Tax Move

Carol is an example of how she avoided the new charitable contribution penalty beginning in 2026. Carol’s AGI (Adjusted Gross Income – it is the number at the bottom of page 1 of your tax return.) was $100,000.

Carol is 71 years old. She contributes $10,000/year to charities where she volunteers. She also uses her IRA for these contributions which she withdraws from her IRA and pays the taxes. She has a high property tax bill and mortgage interest.

In 2025, her standard deduction is $17,750 and 2026, her standard deduction is $18,150. She chooses to itemize to capture her large expenses. Carol will have no issues capturing her 2025 charitable contributions.

Next year, the laws are different. Under the new law, 0.5% of her AGI would not receive a deduction = $500 on her contributions to charity.

Solution 2025: Double her contributions this year where she will receive 100% deduction to charities. (up to 60% of your AGI is allowed)

Solution 2026: Use a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution). These can be sent directly from her IRA to the charities. She is not taxed on them. The charities receive them tax free. She is not subject to the 0.5% penalty on her contributions. Carol can now take the standard deduction simplifying her tax return. Since she did not have the additional income from the IRA distribution, her AGI was reduced.

If you would like to understand how to use QCD’s in your planning. Please call me 941-841-6564 or email me at [email protected]

I don’t know how you shop for the holidays but I start usually in the summer. I had the opportunity to travel to the Cotswolds in England late summer so I bought some items for my family that I know I cannot get here. I also go to my favorite place to shop – AMAZON. I thought that you might like to see what’s available now on a favorite site.

Single people often ask me how do I travel alone which is the second link to options.

25 Deals you can already Shop from Amazon’s Next Big Sale

How I Travel Alone

Books Worth Reading

If you are looking for great cooking ideas especially with the holidays around the corner, I highly recommend an excellent KY cookbook.

Just a Few Miles South by Quita Michel – featuring KY recipes.

Link to the Book

If something you read today made you think of another friend or family member, share this newsletter with them

This Month’s Recipe

Thai-Inspired Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Ingredients:

^{2 tablespoons Olive Oil}

^{2 medium onions roughly chopped}

^{3 cloves garlic chopped}

^{2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger}

^{2.5 pounds of precut butternut squash or 3 pound one peeled and cubed}

^{3 large carrots}

^{6 cups chicken broth (I use bone broth)}

^{1.5 tablespoon Thai Fish Sauce}

^{3 tablespoons of sugar}

^{2-3 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste (can substitute 1.5 Tablespoons of Siracha and 2 teaspoons of curry powder)}

^{1 14 oz cab unsweetened coconut mild (preferable not low fat)}

^{Juice of ½ lime}

^{¼ teaspoon salt}

Instructions:

1. Roast the butternut squash and carrots at 400 F for 30 minutes (optional) – increases depth of flavor

2. Heat the oil in a large soup bowl over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 6-8 minutes. Do not brown; reduce heat if necessary.

3. Add squash, carrots, broth, fish sauce, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the curry paste (or substitute from above). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

4. Using a hand-held immersion blender, puree the soup until it is silky smooth. (Alternatively, cool the soup and puree in a blender or food processor in small batches, making sure to leave top open slightly to let the steam out). Stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then taste and adjust the seasonings. Can add 1 tablespoon of curry paste if more heat is desired.

5. Ladle into bowls, garnish with Siracha, chopped nuts, cilantro, scallion. I used pancetta browned crisp.

This is an excellent Thanksgiving Soup Starter. Enjoy!