If you’ve spent years in a permanent job, you can get very used to a regular income. And if you haven’t always been in paid work, the thought of guaranteed payments dropping into your bank account in a nice, predictable way can be very appealing indeed. That can be one of the advantages of retirement. … Read more
Looking at your bank account and wondering if that $200,000 nest egg is enough to hang up your work boots? You’re not alone! Many Americans are asking the same question as traditional pension plans disappear and retirement costs continue to climb As someone who has spent a lot of time researching ways to retire, I … Read more
When you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is taxes. But if you’ve received a lump sum death benefit, understanding the tax implications is crucial for your financial planning. I’ve helped many clients navigate this confusing terrain, and I’m here to break it down in … Read more
Social Security retirement benefits arent automatic. You can apply up to four months before you want them to start. The products shown on this page are mostly or entirely from our advertising partners. They pay us when you click on one of their links and then do something on our site. However, this does not … Read more
Some people wonder if they should include their pension in their net worth. It’s a common question that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. I have helped many people understand their true financial picture, and I can tell you that figuring out how much your pension is worth can make a huge difference in how you … Read more
Are you confused about how your 401(k) affects your taxes? Join the club! I’ve spent countless hours trying to untangle the web of retirement savings and income reporting, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about whether 401(k) counts as income. The short answer is that it depends on whether you’re making contributions or … Read more
When someone passes away there’s often confusion about how their assets get distributed. Many people assume that whatever is written in the will automatically determines who gets what and when. But the reality is a bit more complicated than that. As someone who’s helped many families navigate this process I want to clarify exactly who … Read more
Life can be full of curveballs, which can force your long-term financial goals, like retirement savings, to take a backseat. If this sounds like you, youre not alone. In fact, the Thrift Savings Survey on Retirement Readiness found that almost 24% of people who are close to retirement have done little to no planning for … Read more
Living on the Edge: Millions of Seniors Depend Entirely on Monthly Benefit Checks If your only source of income in retirement was your Social Security check, have you ever thought about what that would be like? For nearly 22 million American seniors, this isn’t just a question; it’s their everyday life. According to the most … Read more
Are you feeling confused about retirement accounts? You’re not alone One question that comes up frequently is whether a 403(b) and a Roth IRA are the same thing The short answer no, they’re completely different retirement savings vehicles with their own unique features and benefits. As someone who has spent years figuring out how to … Read more