RETIREMENT AND FINANCIAL INSIGHTS
We post weekly blogs to help you better understand your needs to unlocking confidence in your retirement future.
Let’s Talk Social Security
For most, Social Security provides a solid foundation for retirement income. In fact, as of September 2022, over 70 million Americans were collecting benefits.[1] However, not everyone knows exactly how or when to start tapping into this resource. As you grow older and retirement looms on the horizon, the decisions...
Be the Financial Compass for Future Generations
Building towards retirement, you have made many financial decisions. Perhaps you maxed out your credit card on clothes in your early 20s or chose the wrong payment plan for your car loan or home mortgage. Regardless, you’ve navigated many financial obstacles and gained wisdom that can now be passed on to your kids...
2 Ways the 2022 Economic Woes Affected Your Retirement Accounts
The 2022 economic climate has been bumpy for most and, in some cases, even bumpier for retirees. Americans and the world at large dealt with the economic ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine war, post-pandemic industrial effects, and rising inflation and interest rates. As the year ends, it's important to understand...
Turning 59.5 This New Year? Here’s What You Need to Know
Approaching 60 is an exciting time. Not only does it come with more wisdom and thrill for a new chapter of life, but it also presents important financial decisions that can affect your life in retirement. If you are turning 59.5 this year, you will become eligible to withdraw from your retirement accounts without...
Your Legacy is Your Greatest Gift
The desire to leave a legacy has an altruistic quality to it in that it is a gift to the future, the benefit of which you may never witness, nor ever feel the true extent of its appreciation by others. However, creating your legacy does not happen overnight, and it isn’t achieved without a strategy, communication,...
2 Reasons 2022 Challenged the 60/40 Portfolio Allocation Strategy
Starting out your investing journey, you may have been advised to follow the 60/40 allocation strategy. This strategy tells you to put 60% of your portfolio in equities and 40% in bonds or other fixed-income offerings. For decades, this strategy has been revered for its balance, offering high growth potential from...
3 Factors to Know for Rising Interest Rate Conditions
The 2022 economy has broken multiple records, first, with the highest inflation rate in 40 years, and now, the highest federal reserve interest rates since 2008.[1] In efforts to curb raging inflation, the US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates six times in 2022, reaching a target of 3.75% in November.[2] This...
Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions. The answers may affect whether you make the most of this retirement income source. When to Start? You have the choice of 1) starting benefits...
The Value of Opening a Roth IRA at the End of the Year
These days, retirement planning will likely involve Individual Retirement Accounts in one way or another. Whether you’re looking to roll over a 401(k), optimize your withdrawal timing, or take advantage of catch-up contributions, your IRA strategy may be one of the main components of your income strategy. So, let’s...
Thinking About Retirement? The Basics of Financial Literacy Are Your North Star
Working towards retirement, you may have a detailed plan on how to manage your finances so that you have enough saved by the time you leave the workforce. With no external income coming in, there will be a new rulebook on how to manage your retirement earnings, expenses, and investments – not just so that you can...