Oct 16 – Dec 31 · Planning Season
2026 Year-End Planning Summary
With daycare costs starting for the new child, electing the §21 dependent-care credit over a §129 employer FSA before open enrollment closes is worth roughly $2,170–$2,325, plus an open question on starting 529 accounts for both children.
Each move as a range, stepping down from the current-path liability.
Dependent-care FSA vs. the §21 credit — decide before open enrollment closes
Addressed by the plan
1 of 1 quantified
Time-sensitive moves before December 31.
Multi-year planning to revisit beyond this season.
Items to resolve before the client conversation.
With a new dependent this year and no 529 account on file for either child, this is worth raising even though it is not yet a live plan — starting contributions earlier compounds the tax-free growth advantage, and Ohio's own 529 plan carries a state deduction that has not been evaluated for this family.
Elan
Grounded on Tanya & Marcus Brooks
Nothing outstanding for Tanya & Marcus Brooks right now.
Elan brought this to you
Nothing needs you for Tanya & Marcus Brooks right now.