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James (63) and Jess (58) live a relaxed yet adventurous life in Barstow, California, with their playful Golden Retriever. With Jess already retired and drawing a stable pension, they’re contemplating if James should retire from his demanding technology job and embrace a life of full-time leisure and travel. Barstow Lifestyle: Peace, Affordability, Adventure Barstow is…
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Not everyone starts saving for retirement in their 20s—and that’s okay. Life happens. But even if you’re in your 50s or 60s, there are still powerful ways to catch up and build a secure retirement. Here are eight practical strategies, each explained in plain language and brought to life through real-world stories. 1. Save First,…
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Lisa is ready to rewrite the script. At just 55, she’s walking away from a high-pressure career in marketing to pursue the life she’s always wanted — one filled with creative projects, travel, volunteering, and more time for herself. She’s saved $700,000, expects to receive $42,000 annually from Social Security starting at age 67, and…
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You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now you’re ready to enjoy the freedom of retirement. But even the best-laid plans can be derailed by unexpected financial curveballs. These aren’t just abstract risks—they’re real challenges faced by real people. Below are ten retirement risks, each clearly explained and brought to life through a true-to-life story. These…
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Retiring early is a dream for many, but figuring out how to afford health insurance before Medicare starts can be daunting. Henry, age 60, and his wife Lolita, age 53, show how savvy planning and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) help early retirees bridge this critical gap until Medicare begins at 65—without breaking the bank.…
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Retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of hard work—but for many, it can be upended by unexpected financial shocks. Whether you’re already retired or closing in on your last working years, a sudden hit to your income or rising expenses can shake your sense of financial security. Let’s walk through six proactive…
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Tim has had enough of the daily grind. At 58, this California native is eyeing the exit door from corporate life and wondering if he can finally trade in his briefcase for beach walks, road trips, and time with his grandkids. He’s saved $650,000 across a mix of accounts, expects to receive $45,000 per year…
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Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor—but how and when you access your retirement savings can significantly impact your financial security. Whether you’re retiring early or at a traditional age, understanding the tax, healthcare, and income implications of your withdrawals is essential. Let’s explore the five most important things to consider…
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Meet Rachel and Thomas Rachel (60) and Thomas (61) live in Bend, Oregon—a scenic, fast-growing town nestled in the Cascade Mountains, perfect for biking, paddleboarding, and family hikes. Their lives have been a blend of work, parenting, and a lot of careful planning. Thomas spent 35 years as a product development manager for a regional…
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We’re diving into two personal finance topics that many people either misunderstand or overlook entirely: Asset Allocation and Asset Location. If you’ve ever looked at your Roth IRA, 401(k), and taxable brokerage accounts and wondered why your money is split across them—surprise! You’ve already entered the world of asset location, whether you realized it or…