News & Updates
What Should Your Monthly Retirement Income Be?
How much monthly retirement income is enough in 2026? Many Americans wonder if they are saving enough to live comfortably once they retire. According to a recent Pew Research Center* survey, 40% of adults are
Dependable, and Not Just For Retirement
A fixed index annuity can provide a dependable stream of income, which becomes especially valuable after a divorce when household finances are often disrupted. It offers protection of principal while still allowing for some growth,
The Last Thing
The last thing you need to worry about when you retire is losing your sense of purpose. Staying mentally and socially engaged matters more than most people expect. Health tends to outweigh wealth, so maintaining
Staggered Retirement
Staggered retirements are more common than you might think, especially when couples are different ages. A two-phase retirement can affect both you when it comes to your savings and spending needs. It’s important to think
The Trifecta
If you are mulling over in your mind your list of tangible assets, savings accounts, and creating your will, you may be trying to determine that trifecta question of how to be able to keep
Taxes On Social Security
Our Clients have come to us asking why they are paying taxes on their Social Security income when they thought it would be tax-free. It isn’t just those that have built significant wealth that will
What Women 50+ Say About Retirement
A recent AARP focus group study* sheds light on the concerns of women aged 50 and up, revealing a common sense of financial stress, uncertainty about the future, and dissatisfaction with systems designed to help
Bonus Senior Tax Deduction
Because it’s tax time, our clients have been asking questions about how taxpayers ages 65 and older can make the most of the temporary $6,000 senior tax deduction that is in effect for tax years
Comparison
It is not surprising that people tend to compare their financial situation during retirement to others, because money is highly visible in life: through homes, cars, travel, and lifestyle. So it becomes an easy benchmark
How to Talk About Finances With Your Family
Money can be a delicate subject, but ignoring it often leads to confusion, stress, or misunderstandings. Many families discover that taking time to discuss finances helps build relationships and clarify goals, duties, and expectations. Regular
Timing
When you withdraw your first RMD may impact your taxes. You may wonder how that can happen, and with tax season approaching, we thought it best to draw your attention to a nuance you may
Joint and Why Not?
We’ve received some questions lately regarding joint ownership of an annuity, and why it can’t be done in qualified accounts. Joint ownership of an annuity allows two individuals, usually spouses, to co-own a contract, ensuring
What to Look for in a Senior Living Community
Selecting a senior living community is an important life decision—one that can greatly influence physical health, emotional well-being, and overall happiness. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one make the transition, it’s
Not Surprising
It is not surprising that the thought of retiring is overwhelming to many due to major life shifts. This could include financial uncertainty, loss of identity, and lack of structure. Studies show that high anxiety
It’s That Time of Year
Since January is a popular month for email scams, here are some tips to help avoid them and keep the good times going all year long. Call us if you’d like more tips on how
Preparing for the Future
Some clients have asked us what the difference is between having a life insurance policy that benefits their family, and having an annuity policy that has beneficiaries connected to it, in addition to the annuity
Answering One of Retirement’s Biggest Questions: How Long Will Your Money Need to Last?
One of the most difficult aspects of developing a retirement strategy is dealing with uncertainty. Markets fluctuate, tax laws change, healthcare costs unexpectedly rise, and, perhaps most importantly, no one knows how long they will
New RMD Rules For 2025
Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts enable you to save money before taxes, allowing your investments to grow for decades. But, eventually, the IRS requires you to begin withdrawing a portion of your savings