The Federal Reserve may seem distant or complicated, but its decisions ripple through everything from interest rates to inflation, and that may affect your retirement directly. Let’s explore why the Fed works, why its independence matters, and what that means for your financial stability in retirement. What exactly is the Federal Reserve supposed to do? [...]
For many retirees, Social Security isn’t just a monthly deposit—it’s the foundation of their entire retirement income. But choosing when to claim it isn’t as simple as picking a birthday and signing paperwork. It’s a decision with lifelong consequences. Claim too early, and you could lock in thousands less per year. Wait too long without [...]
What exactly are “hidden costs” in retirement? Hidden costs are the expenses that don’t make it into your retirement spreadsheet—but still show up in real life. They include things like rising healthcare bills, inflation, home repairs, and financial support for family. While not necessarily “surprise” expenses, they’re often underestimated or completely forgotten in retirement planning. [...]
Retirement is a new phase of life, and so is your tax situation. Knowing what counts as income and how it’s taxed can make a big difference in how long your money lasts. Below are some of the most common tax questions retirees ask. Can I Avoid the Income Tax in Retirement? What Would That [...]
Most retirees don’t fear market crashes or inflation nearly as much as they fear one very real possibility: running out of money. And yet, many financial plans focus on growing your nest egg, not preserving and distributing it over a retirement that could span decades. The Longevity Problem This is the core of longevity risk—the [...]
For the fourth time in a row, the Federal Reserve has decided to hold interest rates steady, keeping the federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50%. On the surface, that might sound uneventful—but beneath the calm, there’s plenty going on. And if you're retired or nearing retirement, the ripple effects of this decision are worth paying attention [...]
There’s a well-known saying: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But what’s often left out is how closely those two concepts can intersect—especially when it comes to your legacy. Many people spend a lifetime building wealth to leave something meaningful behind. But without a thoughtful plan, more of that wealth could go toward taxes, [...]
You’ve worked hard and saved diligently, and now you're in retirement or on the doorstep of it. You’ve run the numbers. You might even have a sizable nest egg. So why do you still feel uneasy? That lingering anxiety is more common than you think, even among those who appear to be financially prepared for [...]
Understanding the Shift from Accumulation to Income As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I hear, especially from clients entering retirement, is: “What should I actually do with these savings I’ve amassed for retirement?” It’s a great question. And it usually signals something deeper: the start of the distribution phase of retirement. [...]
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) includes several tax changes that directly affect retirees, especially how their Social Security is taxed, how much of their income is shielded by deductions, and how much they can deduct in-state and local taxes (SALT). While some speculate that tax deductions could cause further deficit and Social Security Trust [...]
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