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Tag: Retirement Planning
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Retirement is the most expensive thing you’ll ever pay for—more than a house, more than college, and definitely more than your dream vacation. One of the best tools to prepare for it is the Individual Retirement Account (IRA). But like any tool, it only works if you use it right. Unfortunately, many people make costly…
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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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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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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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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…
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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…
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When most people think about investing, their minds go straight to stocks. But there’s another powerful tool in the investment toolbox that often gets overlooked—bonds. Whether you’re building your retirement portfolio, looking to balance out your stock-heavy investments, or simply want to earn income with less risk, understanding how bonds work is crucial. Let’s break…
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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…