The New Capital JOURNAL
Financial news, views, advice, and guidance.
Brought to you by New Capital and our business partners.
Turning Intention into Action: Financial Planning with Purpose for 2026
Financial planning for 2026 begins with intention—clarifying values and purpose first turns goals into meaningful action.
Tax Deadlines and Key Information to Know for 2026
Important updates to the tax code arrive in 2026. A new senior deduction, higher SALT limits, and increased retirement and HSA contribution caps are reshaping tax planning. Understanding these changes now can help taxpayers and investors find meaningful savings.
Dimensional’s Takes on Industry Topics in 2025
From AI and tariffs to gold and market volatility, 2025 brought big questions for investors. Dimensional cut through the noise with research-driven insights—highlighting the power of diversification, forward-looking markets, and disciplined investing amid uncertainty.
Four Factors Behind Bitcoin’s Recent Volatility
Crypto markets have pulled back sharply since October, with bitcoin down over 30% from its peak. Rather than one trigger, a mix of higher real rates, unwinding leverage, whale rebalancing, and fading optimism is driving volatility, while long-term fundamentals remain intact.
What is the Repayment Assistance Plan?
A major change to student loan repayment is coming. Starting July 1, 2026, the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) ties payments to your income, waives unpaid interest, and guarantees progress on your balance—reshaping how federal student loans are repaid.
Beneficiary Designation vs Will - What You Need to Know
Beneficiary designations and Wills both direct how assets are passed on, but they aren’t the same. A Will covers your estate, while designations apply to specific accounts and often take precedence. Keeping them consistent is key to avoiding conflict.
Growing with Gratitude
Year-end reflection is often where gratitude begins, but its real strength comes from the steady discipline we bring into the year ahead.
3 Reasons to Boost Your Charitable Giving in 2025 Before Tax Law Changes
Maximize your charitable impact before 2026’s tax changes. Accelerate gifts this year, donate appreciated stock, or use a donor-advised fund to lock in full deductions now while spreading grants over time, boosting both tax efficiency and your philanthropy’s reach.
529 Plans and the OBBBA: What You Need to Know
The OBBBA significantly expands the flexibility of 529 and ABLE accounts, raising K–12 withdrawal limits, broadening qualified expenses, and adding coverage for credential programs. These updates give families and advisors more versatile tools for education and lifelong learning.
Small Caps Have Done Better Than You Think
US small caps have actually performed near their long-term average, while the S&P 500’s decade of outsized gains—driven by mega-cap tech—looks far less typical. The contrast suggests investors may be questioning small caps when large caps are the real outlier in the market.
How to Navigate Rising Medicare Costs
Medicare costs will rise in 2026, with higher premiums and deductibles for Parts A, B, and D and a slight increase to the out-of-pocket drug cap. With Medicare Advantage and Part D plans also shifting, beneficiaries should review coverage during Annual Enrollment.
Protecting Your Inner Circle From Financial Fraud
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5B to fraud in 2024, up 25% from 2023. Scammers often target those under stress, using secrecy and unusual financial requests. Watching for behavioral red flags in loved ones can help protect their assets and prevent losses.
2025 Annual Conference: Stable Financial Management in an Unstable World
On Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, New Capital’s Annual Conference brought clients together in Houston and online for a day of insight, perspective, and connection. The program featured thoughtful presentations on markets, caregiving, technology, and the economic outlook.
Sometimes It Helps to Pay Less Attention
While market swings and tariff headlines grab attention, sometimes the best response is to tune them out. Focusing on long-term trends rather than daily movements reveals a smoother, steadier climb, reminding investors that patience often outperforms reaction.
5 Tips for Giving Smarter at Year-End
With new tax rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it’s time to rethink your year-end giving. Smart moves—like donating early, itemizing, or gifting appreciated assets—can help you save on taxes and amplify your impact in 2025.
6 Ways to Give Your Kids a Financial Head Start
Start early to set your kids on the path to financial independence. With options like Roth IRAs, HSAs, 529s, and custodial accounts, parents can teach the value of saving, investing, and planning, helping the next generation build lasting wealth.
Know the Rules: How to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls
Understanding Medicare’s complex rules is key to avoiding lifelong penalties. With the right timing, coverage choices, and expert guidance, you can protect your health and your wallet as you transition into retirement.
IRS Now Requires Electronic Payments
With a federal mandate shifting all agencies to electronic payments by Sept. 30, 2025, IRS refunds will require bank details on file. Paper checks may no longer be accepted for payments, so taxpayers should plan accordingly.
Government Shutdowns and Investors
A government shutdown is here, halting nonessential services while core functions remain. History shows markets usually take these in stride, though longer standoffs can weigh on growth.
Quarterly Review: Stocks Hit Fresh Highs, and the Fed Makes a Cut
Stocks extended gains in Q3, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching record highs after the Fed’s first rate cut since 2024. Small caps outperformed, emerging markets led globally, and bonds advanced as yields eased, signaling broad momentum across markets.