May 2026 Newsletter: Wealth & Wellness Update

Angelique Solomon
May 18
5 min read

Happy May, everyone! It’s Angelique Solomon here.

Can you believe we’re already five months into 2026? The flowers are in full bloom, the days are getting longer, and there’s a sense of renewal in the air. This month, I wanted to take a moment to chat with you about something I’m calling "Wealth & Wellness."

At Solomon Estate and Wealth Planning, we’ve always believed that financial health and physical health are two sides of the same coin. You work hard to build a nest egg so you can enjoy your life: but you need the health and vitality to actually live it! In this month’s newsletter, we’re diving into some major updates for May, exploring how to turn your hard-earned savings into a "Paycheck for Life," and checking in on those of you hitting that big 65th birthday milestone.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or a cold iced tea!), find a sunny spot, and let’s get into it.

Turning Your 401(k) into a ‘Paycheck for Life’

One of the biggest questions I get from clients as they approach retirement is: "Angelique, I’ve saved all this money, but how do I make sure I don't outlive it?"

It’s a valid concern. Watching the market go up and down can feel like a rollercoaster you never asked to ride. That’s where the concept of a "Paycheck for Life" comes in. If you’ve spent 30 or 40 years accumulating wealth in a 401(k), you’ve been in the "accumulation phase." But once you retire, you enter the "distribution phase," and the rules of the game completely change.

One of the smartest moves you can make is an IRA rollover to an annuity. We recently posted a deep dive on 401(k) rollover rules when leaving your job, and I highly recommend giving it a read if you haven’t yet.

The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth

When you roll over your 401(k) into a specialized IRA, you continue to benefit from tax-deferred growth. This means your money can keep working for you without Uncle Sam taking a cut every single year. By utilizing an annuity within that rollover, you can create a guaranteed stream of income. Think of it like a private pension that you control. It provides a baseline of security so that even if the market has a bad month, your lifestyle doesn't have to change.

The Big 6-5: Your Medicare Milestone

Are you turning 65 this month? If so, first of all: Happy Birthday! This is a huge milestone, not just for the cake and candles, but for your healthcare future.

Medicare enrollment is one of those things that sounds simple until you’re standing in the middle of it. The timing is absolutely critical. Most people have a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare (the three months before they turn 65, the month of their birthday, and the three months after).

If you miss this window, you could face lifelong late-enrollment penalties. Nobody wants to pay more for the same coverage just because of a calendar mishap! We’ve put together a comprehensive "Turning 65" guide on our website to help you navigate the "alphabet soup" of Parts A, B, C, and D.

Remember, Medicare doesn't cover everything. We often sit down with our clients to look at Medicare Supplement plans or Medicare Advantage options to make sure there aren't any "hidden holes" in their coverage that could drain their retirement savings later on.

May 2026 Updates: What You Need to Know Right Now

There is a lot happening in the world of finance and government benefits this month. Here is your "cheat sheet" for May 2026:

1. Social Security COLA Update

The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 has been officially set at 2.8%. While this is lower than some of the high-inflation years we’ve seen recently, it’s a steady increase intended to help your benefits keep pace with the cost of groceries, gas, and housing.

2. Medicare Part B Premiums

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month. It’s important to factor this into your monthly budget, especially if you are transitioning from employer-sponsored insurance to Medicare for the first time.

3. The New $6,000 Tax Break for Seniors

This is a big one! For the 2026 tax year, there is a new $6,000 tax break specifically designed for seniors aged 65 and older. This is part of a broader effort to provide relief to retirees living on fixed incomes. Make sure you talk to your tax professional: or come chat with us: to ensure you’re taking full advantage of this.

4. May Social Security Payment Dates

If you’re already receiving benefits, here is when you can expect your check to hit your account this month:

May 13: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month.
May 20: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of the month.
May 27: If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month.

Wellness Check: Mental and Physical Health in May

Since this is our Wealth & Wellness update, I can’t let you go without talking about the "wellness" part!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s also National Senior Health and Fitness Day (typically the last Wednesday of the month). Research shows that managing your finances effectively is actually a huge boost to your mental health. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety in retirees. By having a solid plan in place, you’re not just protecting your money: you’re protecting your peace of mind.

Also, don't forget that Women’s Health Week is May 10-16. Ladies, this is a great time to schedule those annual checkups and focus on things like bone health and heart health. Our physical vitality is our greatest asset.

Active senior woman practicing yoga in a sunlit studio, highlighting wellness and physical vitality.

Building Your "Wealth Without Walls"

At Solomon Estate and Wealth Planning, we talk a lot about "Wealth Without Walls." This is the idea that your money should be accessible, protected, and working for you: not locked away behind red tape or vulnerable to every whim of the stock market.

Whether we’re talking about Life Insurance that provides a living benefit or Estate Planning that ensures your legacy goes exactly where you want it to, our goal is to give you total control.

Let’s Chat!

I know that all of these updates: COLA increases, tax breaks, Medicare windows: can feel like a lot to juggle. That’s why I’m here. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you’re feeling a little unsure about your current retirement trajectory, or if you’re approaching 65 and want to make sure you’re doing Medicare the right way, let’s get a session on the books. We can look at your specific situation and build a plan that lets you sleep soundly at night.

You can book a Retirement Planning Session or a Medicare Consultation directly through our website.

Let’s make May the month you finally get that "peace of mind" box checked off your to-do list!

Stay healthy and stay wealthy,

Angelique Solomon Solomon Estate and Wealth Planning

NPN: 20332097 States: AL, FL, GA, SC, VA, TX, OHIO Designations: L&H Phone: (334) 459-8264 Website:https://www.angeliquebenefits.com/