Weathering the Storm: How Market Volatility Impacts Retirement & What You Can Do About It
Picture this: Jim and Linda, both 67, just retired after decades of hard work. They planned carefully, saved consistently, and looked forward to enjoying their golden years. But then came a market downturn. Suddenly, their portfolio dropped 20% in a matter of weeks. The income they planned to draw from their investments now seems shaky.* Sound familiar? Market volatility may [...]
What Retirees Should Know About Tariffs
As a new administration weighs its stance on tariffs, it’s worth considering how these policies may affect retirees and their financial plans. Tariffs, often described as taxes on imported goods, are actually taxes imposed on U.S. companies importing foreign products. These taxes can ripple through the economy, impacting consumer prices, including essentials that retirees rely on, such as groceries, healthcare, [...]
Is It Time to Refresh Your Annuity? Here’s Why You Might Consider It
Annuities have long been a cornerstone for those seeking a steady income stream in retirement. However, the financial landscape is ever-evolving, and what worked a few years ago might not be the best fit today. With rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and innovative annuity products entering the market, now might be a great time to reassess your annuity strategy. Capitalizing [...]
Is a Roth IRA Conversion in Your Future?
Retirees aiming to reduce their taxes in retirement can benefit from strategic conversions and transfers between traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), especially when considering the timing and financial landscape. Identifying optimal windows for Roth conversions can lead to significant tax advantages and may enhance retirement income. Here are key opportunities to consider: During Market Downturns Market declines can [...]
6 Tips for Building a Retirement Budget
Building a retirement budget is critical to working toward an independent and relaxing life after leaving the workforce. Creating this budget can positively impact one's lifestyle, provide confidence and control over one's money, and safeguard against potential financial pitfalls. Here are the foundational steps to establishing a retirement budget. Step #1 Identify retirement income sources. These sources may include retirement [...]
3 General Financial Myths That Could Still Cost You in Retirement
In 4 Retirement Planning Myths That Could Cost You, we tackled some of the most common financial myths that could be costing you money. In this article, we’re going to debunk three more myths about general personal financial management that could still have an impact on your retirement. Myth 1: Once You Create a Financial Plan, You're Set for Life [...]
4 Retirement Planning Myths That Could Cost You
What if everything you thought you knew about financial planning was wrong? Many well-meaning people fall victim to common financial myths—some of which could cost them thousands of dollars or even their retirement security. Let’s break down some of the biggest myths and uncover the real truths behind smart financial planning. Myth 1: The 4% Rule Guarantees Retirement Success The [...]
The Gift of Financial Health: Best Practices for Keeping Your Will Up to Date
Estate planning isn’t something you do once and forget about—it’s an ongoing process that helps ensure your financial affairs are in order and your loved ones are taken care of. One of the most important documents in an estate plan is a will, but over time, things change. Life events, financial shifts, and even tax laws can impact your estate [...]
