Here are some resources to help educate you on our process along with tips to help prepare for you retirement.
The Rule of 100 is a useful starting point for retirement planning, but age alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The better question is how much of your lifestyle depends on money exposed to market risk.
Retirement turns market volatility into an income issue. Learn why building a dependable retirement safety net may help protect the income you need while giving other assets more time to grow.
Annuity options are appearing in some 401(k) plans, but adoption remains limited. Here’s why the retirement conversation is shifting from savings to income.
Many pre-retirees think about retirement income, but fewer have an updated written plan. Learn why income, taxes, Social Security, market risk, and protected income sources should work together.
The widow’s tax penalty can affect surviving spouses in retirement. Learn how filing status, RMDs, Social Security, Medicare premiums, and retirement income taxes may change after one spouse passes away.
If Roth conversions, retirement taxes, or tax-advantaged income strategies are on your mind, it may be worth reviewing how different options could affect your overall retirement picture before making a decision.
Many opinions about annuities were formed years ago. But interest rates, product designs, and retirement-income needs have changed. We take a fresh look at annuities as one possible tool and why the right conversation should begin with the job the money needs to perform.
Retirement income may come from several accounts with different tax treatments. Understanding those differences can help retirees identify important questions before making major withdrawals.
Tax-deferred does not mean tax-free. It usually means taxes are delayed until a later time. This week’s article explains what “tax-deferred” really means, why it matters in retirement, and how it may affect the way you think about future withdrawals.
The Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is projected to run short of funds in 2033, which could place added pressure on retirees, providers, and future policy decisions. Here’s what retirees should know.
Retirement is a major life transition, and fulfillment does not always happen automatically. Building routine, connection, movement, and purpose can help make this chapter feel more meaningful.
From catch-up contributions at age 50 to Medicare at 65, Social Security decisions, and required withdrawals later in retirement, these milestones can affect your income, taxes, and benefits.
Driving farther for cheaper gas, chasing small grocery discounts, or taking on the wrong DIY project can sometimes cost more in time, stress, or hidden expenses than they actually save.
Safe deposit boxes are secure, but they are not always simple. Before storing valuables or important documents at the bank, it helps to understand the limits around insurance, access, emergency documents, and what your family may need later.
A longer retirement can be a wonderful thing, but it also means your income, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle plan may need to last much longer than expected. Planning ahead can help reduce uncertainty and give your retirement more flexibility.
Card skimming scams are becoming more common at ATMs, gas pumps, and self-checkout kiosks. A simple habit, using tap-to-pay when available, may help reduce your risk of having your card information stolen.
A proposed bill could repeal the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test. Learn how the current rule affects working retirees, what may change, and what to consider before claiming benefits early.
DocuSign scams work because they look familiar and urgent. A quick pause before clicking can help protect your personal information, financial accounts, and loved ones from fraud.
Financial decisions can affect more than your own retirement. Poor estate planning, outdated beneficiaries, hidden financial details, scams, and underestimated retirement needs can leave children with stress, confusion, and conflict. Learn how proactive planning and clear communication can help protect your family.
A new year often means a fresh start! Reevaluating your financial needs, budget, and savings is also often done now. Building a budget or adjusting the one you already have is one step, as is looking honestly at any debt. Another important step is making sure that your emergency savings
Learn how potential 2026 changes to Social Security, Medicare premiums, retirement age rules, and tax provisions could affect retirees.
Tax laws continue evolving, making regular financial and retirement planning reviews increasingly important for many households.
Small adjustments to everyday spending habits may potentially create meaningful financial improvements over time.
Thoughtful retirement and estate planning may help families better prepare for future financial transitions and protect surviving loved ones.
Understanding how inflation and Social Security changes may affect retirement income can help individuals make more informed financial decisions over time.
Thoughtful travel preparation and basic health precautions may help travelers stay safer and healthier during summer trips and international travel.
Paying attention to early warning signs and seeking timely medical care may play an important role in protecting long-term health and well-being.
Cybersecurity often begins with small daily habits that may help reduce unnecessary online risks over time.
Thoughtful inheritance planning may help families better prepare for the future while reducing unnecessary confusion and stress later.
Supporting others often begins with maintaining your own physical and emotional well-being first.
Mobile payment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated as scammers adapt to newer technologies like tap-to-pay and digital wallets. This week’s article explores several common warning signs and practical ways consumers may help protect themselves from fraud.
Emergency preparedness often involves more than food and supplies — maintaining access to medications and healthcare information may also be essential.
Economic uncertainty has many individuals wondering whether a recession may be ahead. This week’s article explains what recessions are and explores several practical strategies that may help households strengthen financial preparedness during uncertain times.
Brain health plays an important role in overall well-being and healthy aging. This week’s article explores several simple habits that may help support memory, focus, and long-term cognitive function.
Estate planning is not a one-time task. Reviewing and updating your plan regularly may help ensure it continues to reflect your wishes as life circumstances change.
Some of the largest retirement expenses are often the ones retirees least expect. This week’s article explores several commonly overlooked retirement costs, including healthcare, insurance, home maintenance, and family-related spending.
Thoughtful tax planning and early preparation may help taxpayers better manage future obligations and reduce avoidable financial stress.
Thoughtful tax preparation and accurate recordkeeping may help taxpayers avoid common filing mistakes and reduce the risk of unnecessary IRS scrutiny.
Although tariffs are often discussed in the news, many people are unsure what they are or how they work. Understanding the basics of tariffs may help consumers better understand how changes in trade policy can influence prices, businesses, and the broader economy.
Smartphones now hold enormous amounts of sensitive personal and financial information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. This week’s article explores common mobile cybersecurity risks and ways consumers may help protect their devices and personal data.
Tax scams and IRS impersonation schemes often increase during filing season. This week’s article explains how to recognize common tax scams and protect your personal and financial information.
Many people avoid discussing money, salaries, debt, or retirement planning, even with close friends and family. This week’s article explores where the “money taboo” may come from and how more open financial conversations may help build confidence and awareness.
Need emergency access to retirement funds? Changes under SECURE 2.0 may allow certain penalty-free withdrawals in qualifying situations. This week’s article explains how the rules work, important repayment requirements, and why emergency planning still matters.
Most tax planning strategies focus on deferring taxes as long as possible. But in some retirement situations, paying taxes earlier may potentially create more flexibility later. This week’s article explores why some retirees consider accelerating income and how retirement taxes can become more complex over time.
Many workers hope to ease gradually into retirement by working part-time or consulting later in life. However, research shows many retirees leave the workforce earlier than expected. This week’s article explores why phased retirement may not always be possible and why planning flexibility matters.
The IRS recently announced automatic payments of up to $1,400 for eligible taxpayers who may have overlooked Recovery Rebate Credits on their 2021 tax returns. This week’s article explains who may qualify and how the payments work.
Learn what home title theft is and ways homeowners may help protect themselves against title fraud and identity theft.
For some retirees, RV living offers freedom, travel, and adventure. But before embracing the RV lifestyle, there are important financial, healthcare, and lifestyle factors to consider. This week’s article explores what retirees may want to think through before hitting the road.
USAA has long been known for serving military members and their families, but recent reports have highlighted increased regulatory scrutiny and customer complaints involving the institution. This week’s article explores what consumers may want to know and ways to stay proactive with financial accounts.
Could you have forgotten money waiting to be claimed? Millions of Americans may have unclaimed assets tied to old retirement plans, bank accounts, or uncashed checks. This week’s article explores several official resources that may help you search for lost funds.
As the year comes to a close, now may be a good time to review your finances, retirement contributions, required distributions, and overall strategy. This week’s article highlights several important year-end financial planning considerations.
Several important Social Security changes are coming in 2025, including a 2.5% COLA increase, higher Medicare Part B premiums, updated full retirement age rules, and increased maximum benefits. This week’s article breaks down what retirees and pre-retirees should know.
Thousands of consumers were impacted after financial technology company Synapse collapsed, leaving questions about missing funds and account protections. This week’s article explores what retirees and savers may learn from the crisis about financial stability and protecting savings.
Home repair scams and fraudulent contractors can cost homeowners thousands of dollars. This week’s article explores common contractor scam warning signs and steps consumers may take to help protect themselves before hiring someone for repairs or renovations.
A recent survey found many Americans fear retirement more than divorce, job loss, or even death. This week’s article explores the financial and emotional concerns driving retirement anxiety and why long-term planning may help improve confidence.
Holiday travel season is almost here, and airports and highways are expected to be busy. This week’s article shares practical Thanksgiving travel tips that may help reduce stress and make holiday travel smoother and more enjoyable.
The IRS recently announced updated retirement contribution limits for 2025, including higher 401(k) limits and expanded catch-up contributions for some older workers. This week’s article explains what the new changes may mean for retirement savers.
Many retirees eventually face an important question: should retirement savings be spent enjoying retirement, or preserved to leave behind for loved ones? This week’s article explores how some individuals balance retirement lifestyle goals with legacy planning priorities.
Allianz was recently recognized among the world’s top global brands for 2024, highlighting the company’s continued growth and international reputation within the insurance industry. This week’s article explores the recognition and why company strength may matter to consumers evaluating financial products.
America’s retirement system has changed significantly over the years as pensions have become less common and workers rely more heavily on personal retirement savings. This week’s article explores several challenges affecting retirement planning and why long-term income strategies matter more than ever.
Election years often raise questions about Social Security, taxes, and retirement policy changes. This week’s article explores how political and legislative changes may affect retirement planning, and why staying focused on long-term goals still matters most.
Several major Medicare changes are scheduled for 2025, including a new annual cap on prescription drug out-of-pocket costs. This week’s article explores key Medicare Part D updates retirees may want to understand before the changes take effect.
A credit freeze can help make it harder for identity thieves to open fraudulent accounts in your name. This week’s article explains how credit freezes work, what information you’ll need, and why many consumers use them as part of a broader fraud prevention strategy.
Healthy aging involves much more than simply getting older. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, and preventive care may all influence long-term wellness and quality of life. This week’s article explores several habits that may support healthy aging over time.
As Americans live longer, debates about raising the retirement age and working later into life continue growing. This week’s article explores both sides of the discussion and why retirement timing remains a highly personal decision.
From Benjamin Franklin to Shaquille O’Neal, several famous figures have reportedly used annuities or similar financial tools as part of long-term financial planning. This week’s article explores how notable individuals approached income planning and wealth preservation.
Many Americans enter retirement with expectations that may not fully match financial reality. This week’s article explores four common retirement myths and why understanding the facts may help improve long-term planning decisions.
Many retirees look back wishing they had saved more, retired earlier, or paid closer attention to their health. This week’s article explores several common retirement regrets and what current retirees and pre-retirees may learn from them.
Family caregivers provide critical daily support, but what happens if the primary caregiver suddenly becomes unavailable? This week’s article explains how to create a backup caregiving plan that may help families stay prepared during unexpected situations.
The IRS recently clarified inherited IRA RMD rules tied to the SECURE Act’s 10-year withdrawal requirement. Beginning in 2025, some non-spouse beneficiaries may need to take annual RMDs instead of waiting until year 10 to withdraw inherited funds.
Scammers are increasingly using Facebook to impersonate trusted companies, create fake emergencies, and steal personal information. Learn the warning signs of common Facebook scams and simple habits that may help you stay safer online.
Many Gen Xers are nearing retirement age while feeling behind on savings goals. This week’s article explores why retirement planning has become more challenging for Generation X and reviews several strategies that may help improve long-term retirement readiness.
Many Americans worry about whether they’ll have enough money for retirement, how market swings could affect savings, and how they would handle long-term care costs. This week’s article explores three common retirement concerns and strategies some people consider when planning ahead.
Utility shutoff scams tend to rise during extreme heat and cold. Scammers may call, text, or show up at your door demanding immediate payment. Learn the warning signs and how to verify whether a utility company contact is legitimate.
Required minimum distributions can catch retirees off guard—especially when large IRA or 401(k) balances create higher taxable income later in retirement. Learn how RMDs work, why they matter, and what strategies some retirees explore to help manage future taxes.
Learn how to evaluate retirement communities and long-term care facilities, including financial stability, occupancy rates, and contract details.
What would you do with a billion-dollar jackpot? Mark Cuban recently explained why he believes lottery winners should consider annuity payments instead of taking a lump sum. His reasoning may offer valuable lessons for retirement planning as well.
Solar energy is growing in popularity, but so are scams targeting homeowners. Learn the warning signs of fraudulent solar companies, misleading contracts, and identity theft schemes before signing an agreement.
A record number of Americans are reaching retirement age in 2024. Learn how this shift may affect Social Security and the economy.
Investment risk is a risk that everyone shares. In order to protect against risk, it is important to have a portfolio of products aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon is important to protect against market risks. As you age, your time horizon and risk tolerance will most likely
