Tax season is here — and if forecasts hold true, 2026 refunds could be higher than recent years thanks to tax code changes that weren’t fully reflected in 2025 paycheck withholdings. But before you treat that refund like “free money,” let’s pause. Because it’s not a bonus. It’s your money — coming back. In this episode of You’re Not Dead Yet, we break down how to turn your tax refund into a strategic financial move instead of a temporary splurge. We’ll talk about: • Why building (or strengthening) your emergency fund is important • How using your refund to pay down high-interest debt can have a long-term impact • Ways to invest it toward retirement and let compounding do the heavy lifting • When it makes sense to invest in home repairs, professional growth, or life upgrades 🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life. Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax. A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

In this episode of You’re Not Dead Yet, we unpack the quiet superpower of your 20s: time. We explore how compound growth actually works, why the first $100,000 can feel almost magical, and why the math can be right — but the conclusion can still be wrong.

Because calculators assume smooth returns, perfect behavior, and predictable lives. Real life? Not so smooth.

We break down:

• What starting young really buys you (hint: it’s not just a million dollars)

• Why flexibility is more valuable than “coasting”

• How saving in your 30s shifts from pressure to power

• The biggest mindset trap high achievers can fall into

Starting early doesn’t mean you’re done. It means you’ve given yourself options — the ability to take risks, pivot careers, weather market downturns, and build a retirement that’s not just possible… but comfortable.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This week, Chris is joined by fellow PIWM Wealth Advisors Roger Abel and Elias Randel to tackle a listener question from Daniel about 401(k)s. The conversation expands into a practical look at the key differences and trade-offs between pensions and 401(k) plans—and what those differences mean for how you plan, save, and retire.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

Annuities are sold by prospectus, which contains detailed information about investment objectives and risks, as well as charges and expenses. You are encouraged to read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money to buy an annuity contract. The prospectus is available from the insurance company or from your financial professional.

The guarantees of an annuity contract depend on the issuing company’s claims-paying ability.