Don’t Overlook These Life and Financial Factors We all have a “blue sky” vision of the way retirement should be, yet it helps to plan for retirement with a little pragmatism. Fate may alter the course of our retirement in ways we do not currently anticipate. So, as we plan for the next act of…
Do-It-Yourself is Cheaper, But You Could Do Some Things Wrong Maybe you have seen those will-in-a-box kits. Maybe you have even considered picking one up. Think twice about that. While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do…
Roth IRAs Can Be More Flexible Than Other Retirement Accounts A Roth IRA comes with some unique benefits not available to other types of retirement accounts. We recommend prioritizing retirement savings and especially a Roth IRA, even when you think you cannot afford it. Due to a little known rule, in many circumstances you can…
One of my greatest pleasures is a long walk with Angela. There are so many benefits to walking. Here are just a few: Walking is inclusive – almost everyone can do it! The necessary equipment is right down there. Two feet and your neighborhood. It’s the foundation for good health and makes life better. It modestly…
Are your investment decisions based on evidence or emotion? Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for making good investment decisions. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly influenced by factors, many of…
Social Security is changing forever! Social Security is changing forever. You may have seen in the news that the 2016 Federal budget bill was passed by Congress last week and signed by the President (The “Bi-Partisan Budget Act of 2015”). Quietly embedded in this major legislation were provisions concerning Social Security that now have become…
Will I have to pay taxes on my Social Security retirement benefit? Possibly! Most retirees enjoying their 2nd Half collect Social Security retirement benefits. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits could be taxed as ordinary income. Since 1984 Federal income taxes have applied to Social Security benefits above a threshold. This threshold has…
Why so many Social Security Strategies? Because it’s complicated. For a married couple approaching retirement there can be 100s if not 1,000s of possible options. How would a couple know what to choose? How can you make the best informed decision? Social Security is not allowed to give that type of advice. It may be…
Social Security Benefits and YOU? As you approach retirement and your best 2nd Half, one thing you will need to carefully plan for is your Social Security benefits. It is hard to emphasize enough the importance of deciding when to file for your Social Security benefits. Choosing the right Social Security strategy AND coordinating that…
Each year, Social Security updates your Social Security statement. It is loaded with important information that you should take the time to review regularly (at least every 3 years). Here are several of the items you should focus on. How much will you get when you retire? Every year, Social Security estimates how much you…