Carry Learning Center

Are you moving through your financial milestones with a clear plan to capture each new tax advantage? New rules under Congress’s SECURE 2.0 law push the age for required minimum distributions to 73 and raise catch-up contributions for people ages 60 to 63. For 2025, the IRS sets contribution limits at $23,500 for 401k plans and [...]

Being self-employed gives you the freedom to work from anywhere. But where you choose to live can have a major impact on your income, expenses, and long-term financial goals. From rising rent prices to the 15.3% self-employment tax most independent workers owe, location matters more than many realize. To help you make a more informed move, [...]

Imagine reducing your next taxable income by as much as $7,000, simply by changing how a portion of your paycheck is allocated.  Pretax contributions allow you to direct part of your earnings into a traditional IRA or 401k before income taxes are applied. This may reduce your taxable income today, and your savings can potentially grow [...]

If you’re self-employed and using a Solo 401k to save for retirement, you may be wondering — can you actually trade stocks within the plan?  The short answer: Yes. But there are important tax rules and compliance issues to understand before placing your first trade.  This article is designed to help Solo 401k holders understand how stock [...]

When it comes to your investment returns, taxes can take a bigger bite than you might expect. Beyond federal taxes, state and local taxes (SALT) can also affect how much you actually keep. These extra layers of tax vary based on where you live and what types of investments you hold. That’s why understanding how [...]

For freelancers, 2025 brings important tax changes that could affect how much you keep from your earnings. The standard deduction has been adjusted for inflation, and some key provisions, like the Qualified Business Income deduction, may begin to phase out for higher earners.  At the same time, a few popular tax credits are set to expire [...]

Today, every percentage point counts when choosing a yield strategy.  If you’re chasing income, tax treatment could significantly reduce your returns before you see a dime. Your location plays a big role too. Whether you live in a high-tax state like California or a no-income-tax state like Florida, your combined federal and state rates directly affect [...]

Money market funds have long been touted as potentially tax-friendly options, with so-called “dividends” typically reported as interest income. But as the tax and rate environment evolves in 2025, are they still the most tax-efficient choice?  In this article, we’ll review federal and state tax treatment of money market funds, compare them with alternatives like Treasury [...]

Capital gains taxes can influence when and how someone decides to sell an investment. Many people focus on the headline rates, yet the real impact often comes from how long the asset is held. A sale made after a short holding period may lead to a higher tax bill, while gains on longer-held assets can [...]