The Planning Zone Q4
Published April 16, 2026

THE ONE MINUTE TAKEAWAY

Most Americans fall short on retirement literacy — and with family healthcare costs now exceeding $35,000 a year, the stakes for smart planning have never been higher. Combining a workplace retirement plan with an IRA, and pairing an HSA with a high-deductible health plan, are two straightforward strategies that can meaningfully improve your long-term financial security.

Information and tools to help you build your financial future.

In the Know

According to a new survey from the TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, retirement is a traditional financial goal for most Americans. However, many may not have the knowledge to deal with the potential challenges it brings. Survey respondents were asked six questions in total, ranging in topic from long-term care needs to lifetime income. On average, respondents answered just 2.2 questions correctly (37%). You can assess your own knowledge by taking the test at: https://tinyurl.com/54x4etr7 (free registration required).  

Inquiring Minds   

Q: Can I contribute to both my workplace retirement plan and an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?  

A: You can contribute to both a workplace retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), and an IRA (traditional or Roth), but there are some rules to watch for. If you or your spouse are covered by a workplace plan like a 401(k), your IRA contribution may not be fully tax-deductible depending on your income. Roth IRAs also have income limits. Still, using both accounts can be a smart strategy to boost retirement savings and diversify tax treatment. 

To Do List

Regarding your workplace retirement account, your recordkeeper likely prompts you to change your password every quarter. But is it as strong as it should be? Check out the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (cisa.gov) for tips on choosing a strong password.  

Financial Fitness

Healthcare costs for a family of four covered through a workplace health insurance plan have nearly tripled in 20 years. The annual cost has grown to more than $35,000 per year, according to the recent 2025 Milliman Medical Index. According to the report, employers provide about $20,000 of this amount on average, compared to $15,000 paid by employees. Much of the increase has been driven by higher outpatient facility and pharmacy costs, as well as new technologies. If you are enrolled in a health savings account (HSA)-eligible workplace health plan, consider opening an HSA. It’s a triple-tax-advantaged way to save and invest for qualified medical expenses. For more information on HSAs, check out: https://tinyurl.com/y2yhshr3. 

 

This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material. 

HUB Retirement and Private Wealth employees are affiliated with and offer Securities and Advisory services through various Broker Dealers and Registered Investment Advisers, some of whom may or may not be affiliated with HUB International.  HUB International owns the following Registered Investment Advisers:  HUB Investment Partners; HUB Investment Advisors; Global Retirement Partners, LLC; RPA Financial; and Taylor Advisors. Additional information for each individual HUB International Registered Investment Advisor may be found in the respective Form ADV available on the SEC’s IAPD website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov. Insurance services are offered through HUB International.
RPW-467-0825 

Looking for a Financial Advisor?

Related Posts

Market Commentary: March 2026 Recap

Market Commentary: March 2026 Recap

Q1 2026 felt like déjà vu — markets started strong but turned volatile again. This time, the main driver was geopolitical tension, especially the Iranian conflict, which pushed oil prices above $100 and impacted global growth. As a result, equities declined, tech pulled back due to AI concerns, and energy was one of the few sectors that performed well. The key takeaway is that uncertainty is higher than last year, so investors should focus on diversification and more balanced expectations rather than expecting a quick rebound.