As the year draws to a close, you may be wondering if you’ve done enough to reduce your overall tax obligations for this year and whether there are any additional steps you can take to improve your position to avoid a tax bill later. There are always things you can do to improve your tax position at year-end and in …

Nobody wants to be left with a shortage of funds when they hit retirement, and to avoid that unpleasant scenario planning is essential. Planning, however, starts with imagining what you want to do in retirement, how you plan to pay for ongoing expenses and if you want to leave anything for your heirs after you pass. Some see retirement as …

Today’s crop of retirees have a lot of wisdom to pass on to the rest of us. According to a survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, some aspects of the reality of retirement don’t quite match with expectations. If they could go back in time to their youth, knowing what they know now about their retirement years, what …

A volatile stock market is fine for the 20- and 30-somethings. It’s a different matter for people approaching retirement. Your retirement nest egg should be a source of security and comfort to you. It shouldn’t be something that makes your blood pressure spike. If volatility is worrying to you, it may be time to take some action. Assess your risk …

One small mistake in your estate plan can result in massive headaches during the settlement process, and it’s important that you regularly revisit the plan to make sure it’s valid and up to date. A valid and current plan is vital to ensure that your assets are dispersed efficiently after you pass, and as you had planned. However, there are …

We all know the importance of saving money and planning for the future, but while many people put aside money, some do so with a plan and others without one. Believe it or not, the majority of Americans fall into the “no planning” category, with just one-third even having a written financial plan, according to a recent survey by investment …

Many Americans are stressed about their financial preparedness for their retirement years. Most of those who are stressed are likely not taking the proper steps to prepare financially, according to a new study. According to recent research by the Employee Benefits Research Institute, most Americans who report feeling stressed about retiring also report feeling financially insecure. The survey results highlight …

As inflation continues to bite, more Americans are under severe financial stress. According to the Fed’s “Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022” survey, 37% of adults do not have enough funds to even cover a $400 emergency expense. On top of that, credit card debt is starting to creep up again, surpassing $1 trillion for the first time in …

Americans are living longer. Consequently, they are spending more time in retirement, with the average person enjoying 20 years of life after they stop working. But those longer lifespans require that we prepare for all these years and make sure our nest eggs will adequately cover this time. One way to do that is with a fixed annuity. This typically …

Having a solid retirement plan is more important than ever, particularly as concerns grow over the viability of the U.S. Social Security system in the coming decade.  There are several steps you can take to shore up your finances and have in place a strategy for setting money aside to fund your retirement lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people make crucial missteps …