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How Spending and Budgets in Retirement Change Over Time
Retirement is often viewed as a static phase of life, but the reality is far more dynamic. As retirees progress through their golden years, their spending habits and budgetary needs evolve significantly. Understanding these changes is crucial for effective retirement planning and ensuring financial stability throughout this important life stage. The Early Years The initial years of retirement are often [...]
Staying the Course with Your TSP
When it comes to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), patience is key. When the TSP posts fund gains, we often see TSP participants begin chasing after those gains. But trying to time the market and chase those gains could decimate your retirement savings if you’re not careful. There is no way to, consistently and regularly, to time the market and [...]
Differences Between Traditional and Roth IRA
When it comes to planning for retirement, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a popular investment option. There are two main types of IRAs: traditional and Roth. Both have their own unique features, advantages, and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore the key differences between a traditional and a Roth IRA. Tax Treatment One of the main differences between a [...]
Retirement Planning Refresher: What Retirees Need to Know About SECURE Act 2.0
The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law in late 2022, brought significant changes to retirement savings and planning—namely, the rules around how retirement accounts work and can be used. As a retiree or someone approaching retirement, understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing your financial strategy. Let's explore some key aspects that may directly impact you. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) [...]
Back to the Basics of Retirement Accounts
Retirement accounts are a cornerstone of today’s retirement strategies. While everyone might recognize the terms “IRA” or “401(k),” it’s important to familiarize yourself with how they work so you can understand how they may play a role in your own retirement strategy and timeline. Once you approach retirement, there are so many ways you can use these types of accounts, [...]
Tips on Updating Beneficiaries to Your Federal Benefits
An important topic that many federal employees overlook is making sure that their beneficiaries are up to date on several federal benefits. On the surface, this may seem like just another kind of administrative topic, but there’s actually a lot more to it — such as what benefits are available that warrant a beneficiary, and what your family can expect [...]
Navigating Market Volatility: What Retirees Should Know About August’s “Japanese Carry Trade”
In August of 2024, the financial world was abuzz with discussions about the Japanese carry trade and its impact on global markets. For retirees and those nearing retirement, understanding these developments may help you understand why markets are moving, but it's equally important to maintain a focus on long-term financial security rather than reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Regardless, the [...]
A Recent History of Federal Reserve Policy
The past quarter century has held times of economic prosperity and crisis in this country. Because your retirement hinges on your financial options and decisions, the economic health of certain parts of the financial world can dictate if and how you struggle, survive, or thrive in retirement. As such, it's arguable that no other institution has as much of a [...]
