News from the Home Team

"When you’re green, you’re growing; when you’re ripe, you’re rotting."

In New England, the birds are back and tulips are starting to pop up—real signs of spring. It may sound cliché, but this really is a natural time to reset and get a fresh start. “Spring cleaning” exists for a reason.

So what are you doing to clean up or move forward this season? Change isn’t easy—it’s often uncomfortable and time-consuming. But in my experience, it’s almost always worth it. Growth rarely happens when things stay comfortable.

Think about the tasks that have been taking up headspace or creating recurring friction in your office. Before summer schedules take over, rip off the Band-Aid and take some action. Fix the root cause rather than continuing to manage the symptoms.

In my view, the following are simple, high-impact changes that cost little to nothing and can materially improve your efficiency:

• Integrate AI note-taking software to automate your meeting summaries and follow-up. These tools could not be easier. I resisted the idea of these for years because I do not like my conversations being recorded and/or transcribed. However, I have changed my tune. They save a great deal of time, will help you with client follow-up, as well as from a compliance/note-taking standpoint, and many integrate with your CRM.
• Set clients up with CLIC^® Client access to the document vault. It’s free and doing so will eliminate the need for “secure” and “sensitive” emails. This is so much easier for you and clients. It also adds value to your clients by giving them free access to a financial planning tool … even if you don’t lift a finger to help them with it. It takes 30 seconds. Look like a hero, save time, and add value.
• Automate RMDs (and don’t forget the inherited RMDs) and have standing bank instructions for your entire book. Set up account alerts so you know if there is an issue with disbursement, or if an account is transferring out, new money came in, or some other item.
• Make sure all clients have online account access to download their tax documents, and create a standardized email template with login and password reset instructions. Having this ready to go is a major time-saver compared to drafting individual responses each time.
• Spend a day cleaning out your email—getting your inbox to zero feels like an early Christmas. You won’t solve everything, but you’ll eliminate the junk, file what’s done, and get clear on what actually needs attention. While you’re at it, clean off your desk and your office as well.
• Organize your advisory accounts into formal models. Not only does this simplify your daily management, but it makes your business significantly more attractive to potential buyers when you are ready to transition. Create your own models on WealthPort^®, use team-directed models, or CAAP^®1 – it doesn’t matter which.

When you clear up some of the noise, you are able to spend more time on meaningful work product while enjoying your summer.

Take a moment this week to resolve one issue that has been lingering on your to-do list. It will help you take a deep breath and enjoy the summer a little more knowing you’ve accomplished something, and there is one less thing weighing on you.

As always, if you want to discuss these tools or need help with integration, reach out to us.

Tech Tips

Social Security Slam the Scam Day

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are partnering to fight back against Social Security imposter scams for the seventh annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 5, 2026. The annual event, recognized as part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week, raises public awareness on the persistent and growing threat of Social Security impersonation scams that cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

Government imposter scams – in which criminals falsely claim to represent SSA or other federal agencies to steal money or personal information – are among the most prevalent fraud schemes in the country. In 2025, the FTC received more than 330,000 complaints involving government impersonation, a 25 percent increase over the prior year. SSA remains one of the most frequently targeted agencies. In response, SSA is taking action through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives.

“All scams – especially imitations of the Social Security Administration – put Americans’ identity and financial security at risk,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “National Slam the Scam Day is an important initiative in confronting the fraudsters who viciously target America’s seniors and most vulnerable. I encourage all Americans to remain vigilant, today and every day, as we work to spread awareness about the danger of scams.”

Criminals use sophisticated tactics to target potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information. Be skeptical and recognize the common red flags. Typically, they use these P’s – Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. For example, scammers pretend they are from Social Security in phone calls, texts, emails, websites, or direct messages on social media, claiming there is an issue with the person’s Social Security benefits or Social Security number. The scammer’s caller ID may be spoofed to look like a legitimate government number. Scammers may also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with demands for information or money. Other common tactics include citing “badge numbers,” using fraudulent Social Security letterhead, and creating imposter social media pages to target individuals for payment or personal information.

“Scammers who impersonate the Social Security Administration prey on fear and a false sense of urgency to steal from hardworking Americans, causing real financial harm to individuals and families,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant performing the duties of the Inspector General. “Awareness is one of the strongest tools we have – we encourage consumers to take an intentional pause when they get a message they weren’t expecting, guard their wallet, verify, and report suspected scams – knowing the red flags can prevent devastating financial losses.”

The Social Security Administration will never tell you that your Social Security number is suspended, contact you to demand an immediate payment, threaten you with arrest, ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone, request gift cards or cash, or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money.

Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov. For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/fraud.

Theme of the Month

Navigating the 2026 Social Security Landscape: Strategy Over “Rules of Thumb”

As we move through 2026, the conversation around Social Security has shifted from simple "delay until 70" advice to a more nuanced, tax-efficient integration into holistic wealth management. With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and new technical adjustments, here is what you need to know for your upcoming client reviews.

1. The 2026 Technical Landscape

The Social Security Administration has implemented several key updates that impact high earners and those in early retirement:

The Wage Cap: The taxable wage base has risen to $184,500. For your high-earning clients still in the workforce, this represents a significant uptick in payroll tax exposure.

COLA & Earnings Test: With a 2.8% COLA in effect, the earnings test limit for those under Full Retirement Age (FRA) has moved to $24,480. Clients earning above this threshold will see $1 in benefits withheld for every $2 earned.

The New $6,000 Senior Deduction: Perhaps the most critical update from the OBBBA is the new $6,000 tax deduction for qualifying seniors. This phases out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples, creating a unique planning window for those on the "tax cliff" of Social Security taxation.

2. Challenging the "Delay to 70" Narrative

While delaying remains the gold standard for longevity protection, recent research from Vanguard suggests a more flexible approach. For clients with significant "held-away" assets or those using Social Security to fund specific legacy goals (like life insurance premiums or 529 plans for grandchildren), claiming at FRA or earlier can sometimes yield a higher internal rate of return when coordinated with Roth conversion strategies.

3. The "Tax Torpedo" and Roth Conversions

The interplay between Social Security benefits and the taxation of RMDs remains a primary concern. With the OBBBA extending many individual tax provisions, the "2026 tax cliff" has been mitigated, but the "Tax Torpedo” where every dollar of provisional income can make $0.85 of Social Security benefits taxable—is still a threat.

Pro-Tip: Use this year’s lower-than-anticipated tax rates to accelerate Roth conversions before Social Security benefits begin. This reduces future RMDs and keeps "provisional income" low enough to potentially shield Social Security benefits from taxation entirely.

4. Practice Management: The "Social Security First" Discovery

Leading firms are using Social Security as a "wedge" topic. By offering a formal Social Security optimization report, advisors are gaining visibility into a client’s entire balance sheet—often uncovering assets that were previously undisclosed.

The Bottom Line: Social Security is no longer a "set it and forget it" benefit. In 2026, it is a dynamic tax-planning tool that requires annual calibration alongside a client’s broader portfolio.

Portfolio Point

For many advisors, the biggest growth opportunities are hidden inside their clients’ biggest challenges—concentrated stock positions, embedded gains, and major life transitions like retirement. The question isn’t just how to invest—it’s how to unlock better outcomes after taxes.

That’s where Symmetry Partners and its Tax Alpha approach come into play. By bringing tax-aware strategies directly into the investment process, advisors can proactively manage capital gains, help clients transition out of concentrated positions, and keep more of what they earn over time. For high-net-worth clients, even small improvements in tax efficiency can translate into significant, real-dollar impact.

More importantly, Tax Alpha gives advisors a powerful way to differentiate. It elevates the conversation beyond performance and positions you as a strategic partner—helping clients navigate complexity, solve real problems, and plan more effectively for the future. In an increasingly competitive landscape, advisors who can deliver smarter, more tax-efficient outcomes aren’t just adding value—they’re creating a clear edge.

Compliance Corner

FINRA CE – It’s Back Already!

Your Annual Regulatory Element Continuing Education (CE) assignment is already available to you. You should have recently received an email from FINRA regarding this requirement. In line with prior years, Cambridge has set a completion deadline of October 31, 2026. While it may feel like you just completed last year’s requirement, it’s already time to start this year’s. It’s important to meet this deadline. If assignments remain outstanding, additional time and resources are required to follow up, which is not an efficient use of anyone’s time. The October deadline is intentionally set to provide a buffer before year-end, when schedules tend to become especially busy.

Please note that if your CE is not completed on time, you will be placed in CE inactive status, meaning you will not be able to conduct business or receive compensation until the requirement is fulfilled. We strongly encourage you to begin working on your CE if you have downtime, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches. As a reminder, FINRA CE is separate from IAR CE and Firm Element requirements, so this is just the beginning!

Save the Date

Annual Conference – July 14-15 – Cantella’s Annual Conference is back in Boston at the Encore Boston Harbor! We will also be hosting a hands-on financial planning workshop where you will get expert hands-on assistance from logging into CLIC Advisor (powered by eMoney) to entering client information to leaving with a plan for your client.

May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. – Symmetry Partners and its Tax Alpha Approach webinar link will be emailed

May 21, 2026 – Recruiting event – Join the home office, along with a couple of people from the Cambridge team for a local recruiting event where we will meet at the Legacy Club of Boston

CAAP Camp – April 27-29, Providence, Rhode Island. Meet up with some of the Cantella team, as well as people from Cambridge.

Recipe of the Month

Cuban Pork Chops with Mojo

Level: Easy
Total: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Inactive: 1 hour
Cook: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

1 cup plus 1/4 cup orange juice, divided
1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, divided
1/4 cup white vinegar
4 (1-inch-thick) bone-in pork chops
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup watercress, for garnish
1 Roma tomato, chopped, for garnish
1/2 avocado, sliced, for garnish

Directions:

• In a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lime juice, and vinegar
• Add pork and let it sit and marinate for about 1 hour in refrigerator
• In a small mixing bowl, combine all dried spices
• Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and rub with the dry spice mixture
• Heat oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Place the pork chops in the pan and sear on one side until brown. Flip over and turn the heat down to medium-low.
• Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic and continue to cook until garlic begins to brown.
• Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and white wine
• Simmer until the liquid is slightly reduced and begins to thicken. The chops should be cooked through.
• Remove the chops from pan and put on a warm plate
• Continue to reduce juices in pan by half. Pour over the chops and serve immediately.

¹CAAP^® is a registered mark of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. for its program for investment managers.

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¹ CAAP^® is a registered mark of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. for its program for investment managers.