Posts Tagged ‘retirement planning’
Using the 72(t) Rule for Early Retirement Income: IRS exception can become a strategic advantage in your retirement strategy
For many investors nearing retirement – or planning to exit the workforce earlier than expected – accessing retirement funds before age 59½ can present both opportunity and risk. The IRS’s 72(t) rule, which permits penalty-free early withdrawals under specific conditions, may appear attractive. However, from a financial advisor’s standpoint, effectively utilizing Rule 72(t) requires foresight,…
Read MorePlanning the Perfect Barbecue & Ideal Retirement: The principles of barbecue and retirement planning are strikingly similar
Planning the perfect summer barbecue and crafting your ideal retirement may seem worlds apart, but both require careful consideration, strategic thinking, and a dash of creativity. Imagine this: the sun is shining, the grill is hot, and you’re surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a well-planned barbecue. Now, picture your golden years – a time…
Read MorePlanning for a Longer Retirement is a Must-Do: Conduct a thorough longevity risk assessment using modern planning tools
Perhaps the most daunting challenge facing today’s retirees is longevity risk – the possibility that retirement savings will be depleted while the retiree is still living. With life expectancies steadily increasing, this is no longer a hypothetical concern. According to recent actuarial data, a 65-year-old couple in 2025 has a 50% chance that at least…
Read MoreHow to Plan Your Retirement in a Complex World: Ten insights to help you navigate your retirement with clarity and confidence
Retirement in the 21st century is evolving faster than ever. Gone are the days when retirees could count on a pension, a Social Security check, and a conservative bond portfolio to meet their needs. Today’s retirees face a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environment shaped by policy uncertainty, market volatility, inflation pressures, and rapid technological change.…
Read MoreHaving a Long-Term Perspective in Retirement: Navigate the ups and downs with confidence and stay on the right path
Retirement is a time of life that should be filled with enjoyment, relaxation, and the freedom to pursue passions and interests. However, it’s also a time when your financial decisions become more critical than ever. Life is full of ups and downs – good days and bad, gains and losses – and the same holds…
Read More2025 Retirement Contribution Limits and Updates: Make the most of your retirement savings options and secure a stable future
Planning for retirement is a cornerstone of financial wellness. Each year, the Internal Revenue Service adjusts contribution limits for various retirement accounts to reflect inflation and ensure individuals have ample opportunities to save for their future. In 2025, significant changes to contribution limits and income restrictions offer new opportunities for savers, especially for those utilizing…
Read MorePre-Retirement Financial Checklist: Get Your Financial House in Order
Are you within a few years of retirement? Now is the perfect time to get your financial house in order. Here’s what to include on your pre-retirement financial checklist: 401(k) Plans Decide what to do with your current 401(k). You generally have three options: Leave the assets with your soon-to-be-former employer. Roll them into an…
Read MoreFall Season: 5 Steps to a Secure Financial Future Take action and position yourself for a financially healthy winter and beyond
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cooler, we are officially in the fall season—a time often associated with preparation, change, and reflection. Just as we prepare our homes for colder weather or harvest the final fruits of summer labor, fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare your financial future. Here are…
Read MoreDon’t Overlook These New RMD Rules for 2024: Learn about the 2024 guidelines related to required minimum distributions from qualified retirement accounts.
Your required minimum distributions, or RMDs, can impact other aspects of your financial life, like taxes or Medicare costs. Key Takeaways: Most closing costs are paid by the buyer, but some are the responsibility of the seller. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home purchase price. Some first-time homebuyers may qualify…
Read MoreIs Retiring Abroad a Smart Financial Move?: Researching and planning will ensure your golden years are truly golden
With the rising cost of living, mounting health care expenses, and the relentless creep of inflation, retirement in the U.S. is becoming a costly affair. For many Americans, particularly those aged 35-55, the golden years might not seem so golden. But what if there was another way? For many, the idea of retiring abroad has…
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