TheLiveBigWay® Digest: Plan, Protect, and Pause

In this edition of the Digest, we’re sharing timely resources to support your financial plan, a few important reminders to keep you informed, and a couple of thoughtful pieces for a well-deserved brain break. We hope you find something helpful, insightful, and maybe even a little inspiring.

From setting a realistic budget to closing day and beyond, this step-by-step guide breaks down the home-buying process into manageable stages. Learn how to prepare financially, build the right team, navigate offers and inspections, and confidently make the leap into homeownership with less stress and more clarity before you even start touring houses.

Curious about how a reverse mortgage works and how they may be used as a strategic planning tool? Check out our four-part reverse mortgage mini-series that shares:

• Part I: What reverse mortgages are and how equity can be accessed
• Part II: What goes into the calculations and details on the payment options
• Part III: Details about new jumbo reverse mortgage options
• Part IV: Examples showing how different variables impact the estimated HECM

In recent weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in fraud and phishing attempts and digital scams. Protecting your personal and financial information is something we take seriously, and awareness is one of the best defenses. We encourage you to review this piece on our website outlining common scams, along with these FTC resources, to help you spot red flags and avoid common tactics used by fraudsters.

Last week, we shared expectations for delivery of your 1099 tax forms for YeskeBuie accounts. If you took a retirement distribution in 2025, your 1099-R is now available on Schwab Alliance. For taxable accounts (i.e. individual, joint, or trust accounts), Schwab expects your 1099 to be available by the end of this month. You can find instructions for accessing your forms here. Stay tuned for additional updates and tax-related notes as the season progresses.

Inspired by Steve Carell’s 2025 commencement speech, we reflect on how — in uncertain times — kindness, listening, and generosity can offer a sense of groundedness. This article explores the quiet power of showing up with care for others and for ourselves. It’s a reminder that small, intentional choices can create connection, perspective, and steadiness, even when the path forward feels unclear.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics underway in Italy, we’re taking a look at the parallels between Olympic competition and the financial planning process. From long-term preparation and expert guidance, to performance, teamwork, and resilience, this article revisits how the dedication behind the Games mirrors the work we do with our Clients every day.