James Watson, Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC

06/16/2026

Understand how income levels can affect IRMAA surcharges and Social Security taxation—and how factors like part-time work or volunteering may play a role.

Avoid rising IRMAA surcharges and discover how volunteering and part-time work keep more of your Social Security benefits tax-free.

06/15/2026

Many of the most common sources of retirement income are taxable. Diversifying with sources of tax-free income may help lessen your tax hit in retirement. www.newyorklife.com/agent/jawatson

06/14/2026

For a long time, the goal of retirement planning felt pretty straightforward: Save diligently, spend carefully and leave something meaningful behind for your kids. How is that changing today?

For many retirees, the focus is shifting from what they will leave behind to how they want to live now.

06/13/2026

If you've made a large capital gain from selling a property and want to do a 1031 exchange, you might want to pause and consider how that will affect your portfolio in the long term.

If you're considering a 1031 exchange after making a large capital gain from selling a property, stop and ask how it will affect your portfolio in the long term.

06/12/2026

June is Annuity Awareness Month — and a great time to revisit the power of compounding.

Think it's too late for compounding to make a difference? Think again.

Compounding means your money earns returns not just on your original investment, but also on the growth you've already accumulated. Even if you're in your 50s or 60s, time can still work in your favor.

Many people at this stage can contribute more consistently than earlier in their careers. A shorter time horizon can still support meaningful progress when contributions stay steady and earnings are reinvested.

Compounding helps build wealth over time. Certain annuities may help support asset preservation and retirement income goals. Let's talk about how these fit into your retirement strategy.

*Investments are subject to market risk including possible loss of principal.

06/11/2026

Here’s an overview of what your first meeting with a Financial Advisor might look like, six questions to ask – and four red flags.

Expect​ a good advisor to spend most of the first meeting asking about your goals, risk tolerance, family, investments, charitable giving and ground rules.

06/11/2026

Between vacations, camps, and all the little extras that come with summer, it's easy to lose track of where the money is going—especially when you're the only one keeping an eye on it.

I came across this genuinely useful roundup of the best budgeting apps for families. It breaks down which ones let multiple people share access, set goals together, and keep kids in the loop too.

Worth a read if summer expenses are starting to feel like a lot to manage:

https://bit.ly/4xnzcgY

And if it gets you thinking about your bigger financial picture, send me a message. I'm always happy to talk.

Article is for informational purposes only. New York Life does not endorse any specific app.

06/10/2026

Retirement is sometimes reduced to the question: “Do I have enough?” And while this is indeed important, it’s only a part of the story.

Review cash flow, withdrawals, debt and taxes before you retire. This guide shows how to strengthen your plan and avoid gaps that can strain your savings.

06/09/2026

The article highlights how different withdrawal strategies may affect taxes during retirement.

Test your retirement tax knowledge with our short quiz.

06/08/2026

How would you cover a $1,000 bill for urgent costs? Use a credit card? Get a family loan? Far better to have an emergency fund. Here's how to set it up quickly.