Nobody has a crystal ball to tell us exactly what the future holds, but don’t let uncertainty be the reason you’re unprepared for retirement. As someone who has worked hard for what they’ve earned and is likely invested in America’s future, you may be concerned about what the future could bring. But, it’s important to [...]
The Social Security Administration recently made some important announcements that workers and retirees should note, including a Social Security benefit increase – and a tax increase. While it’s very unlikely that the program will ever disappear, we could see changes in the coming years due to the program's financial state. The Social Security trust fund [...]
If you’ve ever left a job, you may have had to decide what to do with your old 401(k). You might have rolled it over into a 401(k) at your new job or even forgotten about it when you were younger. But if you’ve recently lost your job, retired, or left your job for another [...]
Estate planning is an important part of retirement planning for many reasons: You've worked hard for your money and want to see it passed down in the most efficient way possible for your loved one’s benefit. Unfortunately, costly mistakes are all too easy to make. Without careful planning and discussion, you could end up passing [...]
Here's proof that funding retirement has changed: In 1970, 45% of private-sector employees were covered by a pension plan.[1] Now, 4% are covered.[2] Pensions have largely been replaced by 401(k), IRAs, and similar retirement plans, and retirees must find a way to make their savings last throughout retirement. If you are lucky enough to have [...]
We all know that a 401(k) is one of the most important retirement planning tools we have. The potential tax benefits and power of compound interest can make it a great saving and investment tool for anyone who practices financial discipline and contributes regularly. There are several important things to know about your 401(k), such [...]
America is taking another look at Alexander Hamilton thanks to the hit Broadway musical celebrating his role in shaping our nation. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he created the first national bank, consolidated the new country’s war debts, and established federal credit. You could say he was America’s first Chief Financial Officer. He [...]
If you're nearing the end of a long career or have recently retired, you know something about what it takes to be successful. Luck can help, but hard work and proper planning are much more important. It's the same with retirement. Deciding where your income will come from, working to help minimize your tax burden, [...]
Consider that the average 65-year-old couple retiring today will need an estimated $363,946 to cover their healthcare costs in retirement, and this does not include long-term care costs.[1] Many people assume that Medicare will cover all of their healthcare needs, but Medicare is neither free nor comprehensive healthcare coverage. There can potentially be many out-of-pocket [...]
While no one knows what this decade will bring, we might look to history for some insight. One hundred years ago, America was reeling from the Spanish Flu and uncertain economic prospects. At the time, many may have been pessimistic, but then we entered the Roaring 20’s. While there is much uncertainty now, we may [...]
