Are we in the same tax bracket?

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Author

Doing Well
October 16, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Tax brackets are up. Wedding costs are up. University budgets are strained.

You can't control IRS policy or what your friends choose for their wedding venues, but you can control how prepared you are. This week, we're walking through what changed with tax brackets, how to budget as a wedding guest, and why Trump's H-1B visa fees are creating ripple effects you should know about.

Here’s what’s inside:

P.S. If you want to talk through your own finances, you can book a free 1-hour coaching call here ☎️

The tax brackets have shifted

The IRS just released the 2026 tax brackets and standard deductions, and there's some decent news: you'll be able to keep a little more of your paycheck before getting bumped into a higher tax bracket.

Standard deductions are rising to $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. That's about 2.2% higher than 2025, which isn't massive but still puts a few hundred extra dollars back in your pocket. You can view all the tables here.

The tax bracket thresholds are also shifting up by about 2-4%, depending on your income level. This means you can earn more before hitting the next tax tier when you file in 2027.

What this means for your money:

💰 Adjust your withholding: If you've been getting massive refunds, consider tweaking your W-4 to keep more money in your paycheck throughout the year instead of giving the IRS an interest-free loan.

💰 Plan your income strategically: If you're close to a bracket threshold, see if you can time bonuses, raises, or side hustle income to maximize the lower rates.

💰 Max out deductions before year-end: With higher thresholds, it's worth maximizing tax-advantaged contributions to 401(k)s, HSAs, and IRAs before December 31.

💰 Don't ignore state taxes: Federal brackets shifted, but your state might have different rules. Check your local tax situation too.

Tax season doesn't have to catch you off guard. We can help you build a financial plan that helps you save up for it. Book a free 1-hour coaching call here.

Trump’s $100k visa fee is about to change higher education

In September, President Trump signed a proclamation requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B visa worker they hire. The policy was framed as a way to protect American jobs, but it's hitting universities particularly hard.

Over 16,700 employees at colleges and universities currently work on H-1B visas. Many of them are researchers, professors, and specialists in fields where qualified American candidates are scarce. The new fee means universities could face millions in added costs just to retain and hire foreign-born talent.

Harvard alone could be on the hook for millions. Smaller schools with tighter budgets are considering whether they can even afford to sponsor visas anymore. Meanwhile, countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia are actively recruiting the same talent pool with far friendlier policies.

Who this actually impacts:

🎓 Professors and researchers on H-1B visas: Your job security just got shakier. Start exploring whether your university can afford the renewal fee, or if you need a backup plan in Canada or Europe.

🎓 International students: Your post-graduation work prospects just narrowed. Fewer universities will sponsor H-1B visas, so focus on building skills that make you indispensable or consider schools in countries with friendlier policies.

🎓 University administrators: Budget season just got brutal. You'll need to decide which roles are worth $100K visa fees and which positions will stay vacant.

🎓 American students and their parents: When universities lose top researchers and professors, program quality suffers. That biochemistry lab with the renowned professor? That cutting-edge CS program? They might not exist if the talent leaves. You're paying the same tuition for a potentially watered-down education.

🎓 Anyone near a university town: Higher ed institutions are economic engines. When they can't hire the talent they need, research funding dries up, fewer jobs get created, and local businesses feel the impact.

Navigating major career or education decisions? We can help you build a financial safety net. Book a free 1-hour coaching call here.

Weddings cost as much as your rent

According to a new report from Zillow, attending just one wedding plus the bachelor or bachelorette weekend will set you back about $2,010. That's roughly the same as the typical monthly rent in the U.S., which hit $2,007 in August.

Travel, hotels, gifts, outfits, and pre-wedding events add up fast. And if you're in the wedding party? Expect to shell out even more for bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits, and contributing to group gifts or planning costs.

How to financially prep for an upcoming wedding:

💜 Budget early: If you know you've got weddings coming up, start a separate savings fund now. Don't let it hit your credit card at the last minute.

💜 Be selective: It's okay to decline invitations if attending would strain your finances. Real friends understand budgets.

💜 Cap your spending: Set a hard limit on gifts, travel, and attire. You don't need to go all out just to keep up appearances.

💜 If you're getting married: Be mindful of what you're asking guests to spend. Destination weddings and expensive pre-events can price people out.

Have upcoming big expenses? We’ll help you stay on track with your budgeting and spending. Get a customized plan by booking a call here.

Stop waiting for 2026 to get your life together

Feeling like you missed the boat on getting your finances together this year? October is just as good a time to lock in on your money. And honestly? The specific date matters way less than what you do with it.

Ready to lock in on your finances? We'll help you build a financial system that actually works for your life. Book a free 1-hour coaching call here.

 Worth the Click This Week

💸 Department stores make a comeback: Retailers like Macy's and Nordstrom are offering perks that rival online giants. If you've written off in-store shopping, this might change your mind. See what's new »

💳 Medicare income surcharge alert: Higher earners could face surprise surcharges when enrolling in Medicare. Know the income thresholds before you're caught off guard. Check the details »

🏠 Personal loans and mortgages: A complete breakdown of how opening a personal loan impacts your ability to get a mortgage (and when it might actually help). Read the guide »

💼 Know your burn rate: With layoffs and furloughs on the rise, experts say you need to know exactly how long your savings will last. Here's how to calculate it. Learn the math »