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Category: Retirement Planning
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Retirement should be a time of freedom, not financial fear. Yet, many retirees find themselves struggling—not because they didn’t save, but because they made avoidable mistakes along the way. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, steering clear of these common pitfalls can make all the difference. Here are five of the most…
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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…
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The surprising (and smart) questions you should be asking about your retirement strategy When most people think about retirement investing, they ask questions like “How much do I need to save?” or “Should I use a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA?” Those are important, but the smartest investors ask deeper, more nuanced questions that actually…
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Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in retirement. Get it right, and you could maximize guaranteed income for the rest of your life. Get it wrong, and you might leave tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars on the table. So, when is…
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Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement—but only if you follow the rules. One of the most misunderstood aspects is the “5-year rule”, which plays a different role depending on your age and what kind of withdrawal you’re making (contributions, earnings, or conversions). Let’s break down how the 5-year rule works before…
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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…