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First Steps to Starting the Estate Planning Process
Estate planning is a crucial step for retirees to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to provide clarity for their loved ones. Beyond the legal and financial aspects, it's essential to approach this process with sensitivity, acknowledging the emotional complexities involved. Here's a guide to help you navigate estate planning thoughtfully and effectively. Begin with Open [...]
The Conversation No One Wants to Have: Planning for Long-Term Care
Here’s a conversation that most people don’t want to have: planning for long-term care. However, it’s an important conversation to have, especially as we get older. So much so, that the insurance industry has declared November as Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) Awareness Month. Did you know that neither your health insurance nor Medicare would pay for extended long-term care services [...]
4 Mistakes to Avoid Before You Officially Retire
Retirement marks the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities for relaxation, travel, personal growth, and more. However, a financially stable, smooth transition requires careful planning to avoid common pitfalls. Here are four mistakes to sidestep as you prepare for your golden years. Underestimating Healthcare Costs Healthcare is one of the largest expenses in retirement. According to Fidelity’s Retiree [...]
What Retirees Should Know About Tariffs
As a new administration weighs its stance on tariffs, it’s worth considering how these policies may affect retirees and their financial plans. Tariffs, often described as taxes on imported goods, are actually taxes imposed on U.S. companies importing foreign products. These taxes can ripple through the economy, impacting consumer prices, including essentials that retirees rely on, such as groceries, healthcare, [...]
Recent Tax Changes Boost 529 Plan Benefits
529 plans, the popular tax-advantaged savings accounts for education expenses, have become even more attractive in recent years thanks to a series of federal tax law changes. These modifications have expanded the versatility of 529 plans, making them a more powerful tool for families planning for educational expenses. What is the 529 Plan? A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment [...]
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 [...]
