How Much Money Can You Give Your Family Without Paying Gift Tax?
Learn how much you can give family members tax-free in 2026, when you need to file a gift tax return, and smart ways to give, from 529 plans to tuition.
Read moreBlog
The Elevation Financial Blog
Plain-English money guidance, every week. Most posts are also episodes of the Wealth Redefined® podcast.
The Pros and Cons of Using Your Brokerage Account as an Emergency Fund
Most people know they need an emergency fund. Fewer know how big it should be or where it should live. If you've built up a healthy taxable brokerage account, can it double as your safety net?
Read moreOpen Enrollment Checklist – How to Review Your Employee Benefits
Open enrollment is your yearly chance to fix your benefits. Learn how to review health insurance, HSAs, FSAs, your 401(k), life and disability insurance, and more.
Read moreHow "Passive Budgeting" Can Help You Even if You Don't Want to Budget
If you hate the idea of budgeting but you don't want to leave everything to chance, is there a middle ground? You're in luck. There is a path that may appeal to you, and I call it "passive budgeting."
Read moreWhat Is a Trusted Contact on Your Investment Account, and Why Should You Name One?
What is a trusted contact person on your brokerage account? See why it exists, what your firm can share, and when naming one could protect your savings.
Read moreHow to Implement Reverse Budgeting
The best cash flow system is the one you'll actually keep using. For a lot of people, that system is reverse budgeting.
Read moreHow Do You Know When You're Ready to Buy a House?
It's okay to get excited about the thought of buying a house. It's definitely an emotional experience. But base it on a solid financial foundation and make sure you're ready before making the largest purchase of your life.
Read moreWhat to Do If You Don’t Have a 401(k)
Don't let lack of access to a 401(k) keep you from saving and investing for retirement. You've got plenty of options to fill the gap.
Read moreShould You Buy Life Insurance Before You Need It?
Some guidelines says you don't need life insurance until someone depends on you financially. That sounds obvious. But there's a real case for buying a policy before anyone relies on your income, and a lot of people never consider it.
Read more
