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Meet James and Renee James (60) and Renee (58) live in Asheville, North Carolina—a charming mountain town known for its arts scene, outdoor beauty, and laid-back lifestyle. James recently wrapped up a 35-year career as a mechanical engineer, while Renee is planning to leave her job as a school counsellor in the next two years.…
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Annuities come with bold promises: “7% guaranteed growth!” “Lifetime income you can’t outlive!” Sounds great, right? But when you peel back the layers, many annuities—especially indexed annuities—are packed with fine print, restrictive rules, and disappointing returns. In this post, we’ll break down a real indexed annuity case study and compare it to a simple 60/40…
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If you’re approaching age 73 (or 75, depending on your birth year), the IRS requires you to start taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. But what if you have multiple IRAs? Can you take the RMD from just one? Should you consolidate? What are the risks and benefits? Let’s break it all…
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When Melissa and James Carpenter wrapped up their final year of work in San Diego, they were riding high. Melissa (60), a recently retired software project manager, and James (62), a mechanical engineer turned hobby woodworker, had saved diligently and lived modestly. With no debt, grown children, and a $2.3 million portfolio, they assumed the…
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Saving for retirement can feel like a distant priority—especially when you’re juggling bills, family expenses, and career goals. But if there’s one financial move that can dramatically improve your future security, it’s contributing to a 401(k) plan. Whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, understanding the power of a 401(k) can help you…
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When it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on securing income for their own golden years. But if you’ve done well financially and your goal is to pass on wealth to your children, there’s another crucial piece to the puzzle—how you leave that money behind can matter just as much as how much you…
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You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now you’re standing at one of retirement’s biggest crossroads: take the steady monthly pension or grab the lump sum and run? It’s a decision that could shape the rest of your financial life—and it’s not as simple as it seems. One offers security, the other flexibility. One feels safe,…
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Retirement is a major milestone, and with it comes a new financial landscape. For Sam (65) and Sarah (64), who retired on July 1, 2025, understanding their tax obligations is key to managing their income wisely. Let’s walk through their first year of retirement and see how their income stacks up against federal and state…
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When it comes to retirement planning, tax strategy can be just as important as investment performance. One of the most powerful tools for reducing your future tax burden and creating long-term flexibility is the Roth conversion. By moving funds from a traditional, tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth account, you can pay taxes now and…
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When you hit age 73 (if you were born between 1951 and 1959) or 75 (if you were born in 1960 or later), Uncle Sam wants his cut of your tax-deferred retirement savings. That’s where Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, come in. These mandatory withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts can cause a…