Planning for retirement doesn’t stop when you reach your last day of work. In fact, one of the most important aspects of retirement is knowing where your income will come from—and how to manage it wisely. While everyone’s situation is unique, most retirees draw from a combination of income sources. Understanding these can help you feel more confident and in control of your financial future. Social Security Benefits For many Americans, Social Security provides a foundational i

No matter how squared away you think your financial strategy is, it’s probably not a bad idea to have backup you can pivot to if circumstances require it. Our article, has some excellent insights about how you may be able to prepare your assets for future economic uncertainty and personal change. Build An Emergency Fund The first of the five steps is to create an emergency fund — which is something most financial services professionals stress the importance of. Though you lik

As we move into 2025, retirement planning is evolving. Changes in inflation, tax policies, and financial strategies are making it important to stay informed. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it impacts your retirement plans. Inflation-Protected Annuities: A Smart Option for 2025 for Retirement Planning With inflation becoming more of a concern for retirees, inflation-protected annuities are gaining attention. These annuities adjust your payout to keep up with inflation, ens

Many Americans reach their 50s or 60s and realize they haven’t saved enough—or anything at all—for retirement. While this can feel overwhelming, it’s not too late to create a plan for a secure and comfortable future. With the right strategies, guidance, and professional support, retiring successfully without significant savings is possible. If you’re wondering how do retirement plans work  or when should you start planning for retirement , this guide is for you. We’ll walk yo

Many Americans will be paying a little more for Medicare in 2025. Our article provides valuable insights into the 2025 Medicare Part B premium increase, which is outpacing both Social Security COLA and inflation. What It Means Part B According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, Americans who utilize Medicare Part B will pay more again in 2025. Next year, the standard monthly premium for those enrolled in Medicare Part B will increase by $10.30 to $185.

The primary retirement planning benefits  include peace of mind and the ability to maintain your desired lifestyle. By planning early, you can better manage risks, inflation, and market changes. Tax-Efficient Strategies Implementing tax-efficient retirement strategies  can help minimize tax liabilities, allowing you to retain more of your savings. Consider using accounts like 401(k)s or Roth IRAs, which offer tax benefits either during your working years or upon withdrawal. P

Retirement is meant to be a time of rest and enjoyment, but for many Americans, it’s a source of anxiety—so much so that some fear it more than death itself. A recent LiveCareer survey revealed that 61% of working Americans are more afraid of retiring than dying , and 64% fear it more than getting divorced. This widespread fear highlights deeper concerns about financial security, identity, and the challenges of planning for the future in an increasingly expensive world. Finan

62, 67, or 70? For many retirees, Social Security income is an essential part of their financial strategy. But what’s the right time to file? Our article has some useful details on when to take Social Security benefits or what is the best retirement age for Social Security ? 62 vs. 70 — a vast difference As many people likely know, the earliest you can file for Social Security is age 62, but if you do so, your monthly payment will likely be reduced because, as the article

As we age, the quest for financial security becomes more important than ever. For many, annuities can be a key part of that security. But what exactly are they? If you’re 60 or older, understanding annuities can empower you to make informed decisions about your retirement. Here are five intriguing facts about annuities that you might not know! 1. What Exactly Is an Annuity? Let’s start with the basics. An annuity is a financial product designed to provide a steady income stre

Today more than ever, retirees are struggling to feel reassured about their retirement savings. In recent years, fixed indexed annuities (FIA) have gained popularity by offering guarantees to income with potential for interest accumulation. And with an FIA you can sleep at night knowing that the next stock market crash won’t force you to alter your lifestyle. With pensions no longer being offered by the majority of employers, fixed indexed annuities are a way to help create

As exciting as retirement is, it can be overwhelming. You are making big changes in your life psychologically, physically, and financially, and that’s not easy! By checking all your bases, educating yourself and creating a plan with a retirement specialist, you can head into retirement with confidence. Here is a short checklist to get you thinking. Get Financial Advice Your financial situation is unique and deserves special attention. While there is a lot of information avai

Most of us have the goal of someday settling down to retire, after years of hard work and some preparation. It’s no surprise that people are living longer and cost of living is climbing, contributing to the reason why many Americans are retiring at a later age, or even struggling to retire at all. There are also arguments around the ideal age for retirement, which takes into consideration things like Social Security and Medicare. Planning for retirement can be daunting, but w

In recent years, the reverse mortgage has made its way into discussions of retirement and financial decision making across the country more than ever before. Although we have seen some controversy arise through lists of pros and cons, and even possible scams that have been warned against by the U.S. Department of Housing*, don’t shy away from learning about your options with a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage might be the right financial tool to meet you, your loved ones

It is very important to know your terms before applying for a mortgage . Bookmark this tab on your computer so that you can reference these terms at any time before or during the mortgage process. Appraisal : A rough estimate of how much the home is worth. Appraisals are required by lenders before a home loan can be signed. The appraisal tells the lender how much can be loaned to the borrower. Appraisals come from an independent third party, not the lender. Principal: The s