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Meet Carlos and Dana Carlos (60) and Dana (59) live in Boise, Idaho—a fast-growing city known for its outdoor lifestyle, family-friendly vibe, and reasonable cost of living. Carlos recently retired from his 30-year career as a civil engineer for the state, while Dana just stepped away from her role as a university librarian. But their…
Most retirement checklists ask the same questions: “Do you have enough saved?” “Have you claimed Social Security?” “Is your debt under control?” While these are important, they barely scratch the surface of what it means to be truly ready for retirement. Here are seven unconventional, thought-provoking questions—with clear, actionable insights—to help you uncover the deeper…
For couples considering early retirement, the financial side is only half the challenge. The emotional uncertainty—the “what if we run out of money?” fear—can be just as paralyzing. And when there’s an age gap between spouses, the planning becomes even more nuanced. That’s the case for Mark, age 56, and his wife Linda, age 49.…
Meet Kevin and Mia Kevin (55) and Mia (48) live in Durham, North Carolina—a vibrant city known for its universities, food scene, and close-knit community. Kevin works as a mid-level executive for a manufacturing firm, and Mia is a full-time mom raising their 8-year-old daughter, Isla. Kevin enjoys his job but dreams of stepping away…
Meet David and Alicia David (58) and Alicia (51) live in Fort Collins, Colorado—a scenic, mid-sized city known for its outdoor lifestyle and excellent public schools. They have an 8-year-old daughter, Emma, who loves camping, piano lessons, and science kits. David had planned to work until 61, but an unexpected corporate downsizing changed everything. At…
Meet Sophia and Mark Sophia (52) and Mark (57) live in the beautiful red-rock desert town of Sedona, Arizona. Mark works full-time as a project manager, while Sophia runs a freelance graphic design business from home. Together, they enjoy hiking, visiting local art galleries, and dreaming about the next phase of life—retirement. Their goal is…
Meet the Sandovals: Retired at 60, Raising an 8-Year-Old Michael and Laura Sandoval have just stepped into retirement, both at age 60. After decades in demanding careers—Michael as a systems engineer and Laura as a healthcare administrator—they decided it was time to enjoy a slower pace of life and more time with their 8-year-old son,…
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.…
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…
Retirement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about dreams, timing, and the courage to take the leap. For Bob and Barbara, a couple from Kentucky with a lifetime of memories and a love for adventure, the question was simple: Can we afford to retire now and live the life we’ve imagined? To find out, we ran a…