How to Plan for the Eight Biggest Financial Changes in 2026
- Brian Page
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Every year brings financial changes. But 2026 is shaping up to be one of those stacked years where multiple shifts hit at once—taxes, health care, retirement rules, and benefit thresholds that quietly shape household finances.
For busy dual-career couples, the real risk is not missing one change. It is missing how they compound together and land unevenly on one partner, one paycheck, or one decision-maker.
Below are the 10 biggest financial changes expected in 2026, along with clear, couple-centered ways to plan for each one together.
1. Federal Tax Brackets and Standard Deductions Will Increase
The 2026 standard deductions are as follows:
$16,100 for single filers
$32,200 for married couples filing jointly
$24,150 for heads of household
These increases reduce taxable income, but they do not guarantee a lower tax bill. Raises, bonuses, RSUs, side income, or a second income ramping up can easily offset the benefit.
How to plan
Run a joint tax projection mid-year using your combined income. If one partner’s income is growing faster, adjust withholding or estimated payments proactively instead of reacting at tax time.
Click here to use the IRS Tax Withholding Calculator
2. Enhanced ACA Subsidies Are Set to Expire
One of the most consequential changes in 2026 is the scheduled expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits that were expanded under pandemic-era legislation.
As of the time of writing this article, the Republican congress and Trump administration has not extended them, reverting subsidies to pre-2021 rules, including the return of the 400% Federal Poverty Level subsidy cliff. That means households just above the threshold could lose subsidies entirely.
How to plan
If you rely on ACA coverage, model your premiums with and without subsidies now. Couples considering early retirement, freelancing, or job transitions should revisit timelines and savings buffers before open enrollment.
3. HSA Contribution Limits Will Rise Again
Health Savings Accounts continue to be one of the most tax-efficient tools available. For 2026, contribution limits are expected to increase to approximately:
$4,400 for individual coverage
$8,750 for family coverage
Plus a $1,000 catch-up for those age 55 and older
How to plan
Decide together whether your HSA is a short-term spending tool or a long-term investment account. For many couples, fully funding an HSA before increasing retirement contributions provides better tax efficiency and flexibility.
4. Retirement Contribution Limits Are Increasing
Several retirement savings limits are rising in 2026:
401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans: up to $24,500
Traditional and Roth IRAs: up to $7,500
These increases offer more saving opportunities, but also create imbalance risk when one partner maxes accounts while the other cannot.
How to plan
Look at retirement readiness as a household, not individual accounts. Balance contributions to protect against career interruptions, caregiving gaps, or burnout that disproportionately affect one partner.
5. Catch-Up Contribution Rules Will Change for Some Workers
Under SECURE 2.0, higher-earning workers may be required to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions rather than pre-tax.
This applies to workers earning more than roughly $150,000 in FICA wages
Special “super catch-up” rules for ages 60–63 remain in place
How to plan
If one partner is over 50 and earning more, revisit tax diversification across pre-tax, Roth, and taxable accounts. This is especially important for couples with age or income gaps.
6. Health FSA Limits Will Increase Modestly
Health Flexible Spending Accounts are increasing $3,400 in 2026 with a rollover max increased to $680.
While FSAs are use-it-or-lose-it, they remain valuable for predictable expenses such as therapy, prescriptions, orthodontia, and childcare-related medical costs.
How to plan
Review last year’s actual expenses and fund intentionally. FSAs work best when planned jointly rather than guessed at by one partner during open enrollment.
7. Social Security Benefits and Payroll Taxes Will Increase
Social Security recipients will receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) estimated around 2–3% in 2026.
At the same time, the Social Security taxable wage base is rising to $184,500, meaning higher earners will pay payroll tax on more income.
How to plan
Even for couples decades from claiming benefits, Social Security planning matters. Understand how benefits fit into your long-term income strategy and how current payroll taxes factor into overall compensation decisions.
8. Dependent Care and Childcare Benefits Continue to Shift
Dependent Care FSAs and employer-provided childcare benefits remain in flux, with higher limits and expanded credits affecting some households.
For dual-career parents, childcare is often the second-largest household expense after housing.
How to plan
Treat childcare as a shared financial system. Decide together who manages enrollment, reimbursements, and benefit elections. Equity and clarity reduce resentment as much as tax savings.
Professional Support
The biggest mistake many couples often make with financial changes is assuming they will figure it out later. By the time later arrives, options are limited. Elections are locked. Taxes are set. Stress concentrates on one partner.
I support couples who want to better manage money or the home as a team in their relationship.
I'm the only Accredited Financial Counselor® and Fair Play Facilitator®, empowering high-achieving couples with systems to manage money and the home as a team — drawn from decades of national leadership and lived experience.
Click here to learn more about me and how I can help.
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