Retirement

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Understanding Medicare options has become increasingly critical for retirement planning—the complexity of choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, selecting supplemental coverage, and managing prescription drug plans leaves many retirees facing unexpected medical bills … Read more

More than 75.7 million Americans volunteered in 2023, representing a remarkable 22% increase in formal volunteering over two years according to the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps. This surge includes countless retirees discovering that volunteer work for retirees offers far more than just a way to fill time—it’s a pathway to renewed purpose, better health, … Read more

According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Economic Well-Being Report, only 34% of non-retirees believe their retirement savings are on track. This sobering statistic highlights the pressing need for retirement income planning. While the majority of Americans worry about their financial preparedness for retirement, those who take a strategic approach position themselves for greater financial security … Read more

According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, only 34% of non-retired adults believe their retirement savings are on track—a concerning statistic that highlights America’s retirement preparedness crisis. The question of how much should you save for retirement has become more pressing than ever as traditional pension plans fade … Read more

Planning for retirement involves countless financial decisions, but few are as significant as determining whether you should pay off your mortgage before you retire. According to recent data from LendingTree, more than 10.5 million housing units across the United States are owned by people 65 and older who still have mortgages, highlighting just how common … Read more

When you first learn that Social Security benefits can be taxed, it may come as a bit of a shock. According to the Social Security Administration, up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on your total income. However, the landscape has dramatically changed with the recent passage of … Read more

Planning your retirement is one thing, but knowing how to withdraw your money efficiently once you’re there is entirely different. Most retirees focus so intensely on accumulating wealth that they overlook the art of strategic withdrawals. Here’s a startling reality: poor withdrawal strategies for retirement can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary … Read more

Did you know that only 24% of Americans have a will? Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s a vital process for anyone who wants to protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. In this comprehensive estate planning basics guide, we’ll explore the key components of estate planning, the documents you … Read more

According to the Experian 2024 Consumer Credit Review, the average American household carried approximately $105,056 in debt. Meanwhile, many Americans struggle to save adequately for retirement. This precarious balance raises an important question: is paying off debt with retirement savings a viable strategy or a financial misstep? The right choice depends entirely on your personal … Read more

Deciding when to collect Social Security can significantly impact your financial future. Social Security offers flexibility in when you can begin taking benefits, with each choice carrying distinct financial implications. The earliest you can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits is age 62, but there’s a significant cost to claiming early. Your monthly benefit amount … Read more

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you can take, and understanding your 401(k) employer match is a critical piece of that puzzle. A 401(k) employer match is essentially free money—a benefit that can significantly boost your retirement savings when utilized correctly. According to a Vanguard study, the average employer match … Read more

The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has captured the imagination of millions, promising a path to freedom through aggressive saving and investing. While the end goal sounds appealing—who wouldn’t want to retire in their 30s or 40s?—the journey often comes with hidden costs that rarely make it into the glossy success stories. Key Takeaways: … Read more

According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 57% of Americans feel they are behind on retirement savings. If you’re 50 or older, retirement catch-up contributions offer an opportunity to strengthen your financial future. These provisions allow you to contribute more to your retirement accounts than standard limits permit, helping you build a more substantial nest … Read more

Self-employed retirement planning demands strategic thinking and informed choices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 9.1 million unincorporated self-employed workers accounted for 5.7 percent of all nonagricultural workers in the fourth quarter 2023. These entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners must take charge of their retirement future without traditional employer-sponsored benefits. Key Takeaways: … Read more