Author: Nicole Standen

The Compounding Power of Three Work Friendships

Nicole Standen
Gainplan-Linked-in-–-2026-07-22T103622.044

The best investment you make at work might not be in your 401(k)—it might be in the people sitting (or Zooming) beside you. When people think about career success, they usually picture impressive résumés, industry certifications, or networking events with tiny appetizers. But one of the greatest career accelerators is…

Categories: Education, Gainplan Facts

Capital Gains: Same Rates, New Planning Angles

Nicole Standen
Gainplan-Linked-in-–-2026-06-23T135000.862

At first glance, capital gains taxes in 2026 appear unchanged. Long-term capital gains continue to enjoy preferential tax rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, while short-term gains remain taxed as ordinary income. The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) also remains in place for higher-income households. But savvy investors know…

Categories: Education, Industry Ideas

Renewal Pressure Returns

Nicole Standen
Gainplan-Linked-in-–-2026-06-03T102339.253

Benefit renewals are back—and so is the sticker shock. In 2026, rising medical claims, prescription drug costs, specialty medications, and growing demand for treatments like GLP-1s are putting serious pressure on employer health plans. What looked temporary a year ago is now the new normal. For employers, renewal season is…

Categories: Education, Industry Ideas

What You Need to Know About Inherited IRA Rules

Nicole Standen
Gainplan-Linked-in-–-2026-04-22T125130.255

Understanding the SECURE Act and what it means for your beneficiaries The SECURE Act of 2019 significantly changed how inherited IRAs must be distributed, particularly for non-spouse beneficiaries. While the IRS did not finalize regulations until 2024, these updates now provide long-awaited clarity around required minimum distributions (RMDs) and the…

Categories: Education, Industry Ideas

The Financial Impact of Career Breaks on Women

Nicole Standen
Gainplan-Linked-in-(7)

Reframing Time Away as a Strategic Life Decision For many women, career breaks aren’t a matter of “if,” but “when.” Whether stepping away to raise children, care for aging parents, or simply recalibrate priorities, these pauses are often deeply intentional. Yet, while the personal value is undeniable, the financial ripple…

Categories: Education, Industry Ideas

The Keys to Diversification

Nicole Standen
Gainplan-Linked-in-–-2025-09-25T165900.774

In times of market turbulence, smart investors don’t just react—they rely on a time-tested strategy: diversification. Let’s break down why this approach remains one of the most powerful tools for managing investment risk, especially when uncertainty looms large. Why Diversification Matters Diversification isn’t just financial jargon—it’s your portfolio’s seatbelt. By…

Categories: Education, Industry Ideas