Your guide for retirement news, insights, and resources
Prioritizing Health in Your Financial Planning: Building a Secure and Healthy Future
When people think about financial planning, they often focus on saving and investing for retirement. Yet, health-related expenses are a major part of financial security, especially in retirement. By prioritizing health within your financial plan, you can reduce long-term costs, protect your retirement funds, and enjoy a well-rounded approach to securing your future. Why Health…
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Romance Fraud: A Costly Love Affair
When it comes to scams, few are as emotionally devastating and financially ruinous as romance fraud. It’s a deceptive trap set by criminals who exploit feelings of affection, trust, and loneliness to steal from victims. While the promise of love can make people feel safe, romance fraud is becoming a growing concern, especially in the…
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Navigating Loneliness During the Holidays
The first holiday card arrives in your mailbox – another picture-perfect family in matching sweaters. Your social media feed fills with office party photos and family reunion videos. And something in your chest tightens, because this year, your holiday season looks different. Whether by circumstance, distance, or loss, you’re facing these celebratory weeks alone. If…
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Teaching Money Skills to the Next Generation
Teaching kids about money is one of the most valuable life skills parents can pass on. Financial literacy can start at home in a way that’s approachable and even fun. This guide shares practical tips and modern tools to introduce money skills at different stages, helping children and teens develop habits that can lead to…
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Assessing Your Risk: Are You Vulnerable to Investment Scams?
Investment scams are nothing new but there are some tools that you can use to assess your vulnerability to falling for one. FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) has created two simple quizzes you can take so let’s explore how you can use them to better understand your own risk—and ultimately safeguard your financial future. The…
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Is Retirement Planning Missing the Point? A New Approach to Living Well
We spend most of our working years planning for the distant horizon of retirement, fixating on one question: Will I have enough? Enough money to support myself when the paychecks stop, enough savings to handle life’s surprises, enough to enjoy the so-called ‘golden years’ after decades of hard work? Retirement planning, as it stands, often…
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Is Disability Insurance Really Necessary?
Insurance in general really annoys most of us, doesn’t it? We pay for something every month and get absolutely nothing in return—until we do. When money’s tight, it feels like an incredibly painful, albeit necessary, expense, and in better times, does it ever really spark joy? (That was rhetorical. We all agree it doesn’t.) HOWEVER—when…
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Life Lessons for Everyone: Boredom is a Gift
In retirement planning, we often focus heavily on finances. But there’s so much more to retirement than just money. True fulfillment in this phase of life involves addressing emotional, mental, and even existential challenges. One podcast that recently captured our attention, Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, touched on some of these deeper…
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Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft: An Overview of Common Threats and Prevention
*subscriber exclusive* In this article, we explore the growing threat of identity theft, with over $10 billion lost to fraud in 2023 alone. Learn about different types of identity theft, warning signs to watch for, and practical tips to safeguard your personal information. Don’t wait until it’s too late—stay informed and take steps to protect…
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The Long-Term Care Dilemma: Understanding Your Funding Options
Long term care often sounds like some small possibility in the future that costs a ton of money to avoid – and it can be quite tempting to ignore it. Often though we or someone we love does end up needing some version of it – and as with anything without proper planning it can…
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How Politics Shapes Your Financial Future: A Balanced Perspective
In today’s 24-hour news cycle, headlines about potential policy changes and their financial implications seem endless. While it’s natural to wonder how political shifts might affect your financial future, successful planning requires distinguishing between speculation and strategy. Let’s explore how to maintain sound financial practices amid political transitions. How Politics Shapes Financial PlanningRegardless of which…
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Tax-Loss Harvesting – A Year-End Strategy to Reduce Your Tax Bill
As the year draws to a close, now is an ideal time to review your portfolio for opportunities to reduce your tax liability through tax-loss harvesting. This strategy allows you to offset gains with losses by selling investments that have declined in value, potentially reducing your taxable income. Here’s a closer look at how tax-loss…
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Black Friday, Cyber Monday…blah blah blah: Are You Spending Wisely?
Let’s be honest: there’s something magical about a Christmas tree surrounded by beautifully wrapped presents. The anticipation, the shared excitement of gift-opening, the festive chaos of wrapping paper strewn across the floor – these moments help create the holiday atmosphere we cherish. But as inflation pinches wallets and environmental concerns grow, many of us are…
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Financial Literacy Essentials: Building Blocks for Every Stage of Life
Financial literacy forms the foundation for a secure and confident future. Regardless of age or financial goals, understanding key money management skills can have a lasting impact. While some of these concepts have been covered in prior issues, this week revisits and ties them all together—because sometimes, a bit of repetition is beneficial for reinforcing…
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No 401(k)? No Problem: How Gig Workers Can Still Save for Retirement
Traditional employees often benefit from retirement education and easy access to savings options through their HR departments. Gig workers, however, face the challenge of navigating this information on their own, which can be overwhelming. Many gig workers—freelancers, rideshare drivers, and independent contractors—tend to overlook long-term financial planning. Instead, they focus on short-term financial stability, managing…
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Life Insurance – Yes or No?
Life insurance is one of those financial products we’re all told to get. From advertisements to financial gurus, it seems like the ultimate safety net for everyone. But here’s a radical thought: life insurance is not for everyone. That’s right. Despite its merits, there are scenarios where life insurance might not be the right fit,…
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The Stress of Money – Managing your Mental Wealth
Money-related stress has become a near-universal experience. Countless surveys and studies highlight a surprising truth: financial worry isn’t exclusive to any particular income bracket. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or managing a substantial portfolio, the stress of money can affect us all. Financial stress is a great equalizer. It doesn’t discriminate based on income,…
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Election Guide 2024
*a subscriber exclusive* In this exclusive guide, we explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on your investments, taxes, and retirement. Learn from 90 years of market data, discover common investor mistakes during election years, and get actionable strategies for safeguarding your financial future. Whether it’s Social Security reform or sector volatility, this guide…
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Behavior & Budgeting: Mastering Your Finances for a Secure Future
*a subscriber exclusive* Curious about the link between your habits and your financial health? Our latest subscriber-exclusive article delves into the psychology behind budgeting, offering insights into why so many of us resist it—and how to change that. Discover the key behavioral patterns that influence your financial decisions, and learn practical strategies to align your…
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Hidden Costs of Retirement Relocation
Tired of seeing endless articles about the “10 Best Places to Retire” or “Cheapest Cities for Retirees”? You’re not alone. These articles paint a rosy picture of retirement relocation, making it seem as simple as picking a sunny spot and packing your bags. But the reality is far more complex—and potentially costly. While dreams of…
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Federal Workforce in Flux: Navigating Uncertainty Under the New Administration
With the Trump administration preparing to take office alongside a Republican-controlled Congress, federal employees face a period of uncertainty and speculation. Proposals such as downsizing agencies like the FDA and Department of Education or creating a new Department of Government Efficiency have sparked concerns and raised questions about what lies ahead. While headlines may suggest…
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FEHB Open Season Final Week Reminder: Last Chance to Review Your 2025 Health Plan Options
With just one week left in the 2025 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season, now is the time to make any final adjustments to your health coverage for the coming year. Open Season ends on Monday, December 9, 2024, so use this last week to ensure your plan fits your needs and budget. This…
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Holiday Shopping Discounts for Federal Employees
The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive discounts available to you as a federal employee. From electronics to travel deals, there are plenty of savings to be found if you know where to look. Here’s your guide to making the most of your…
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Calculate Your FERS Pension: A Comprehensive Guide
Calculating your FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) pension is a critical step in planning for your retirement, but it can be confusing. Although federal agencies provide estimates, they don’t always capture your unique situation. Understanding how your pension is calculated and taking responsibility for the process ensures accuracy and helps avoid surprises when you retire.…
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Cyber Scams Targeting Kids: What Every Parent Should Know
With kids spending more time online, they are increasingly exposed to scams designed to catch them off guard. From fake giveaways to phishing attempts in games and apps, these scams can compromise your child’s data—and even lead to unauthorized purchases. Here’s a guide to understanding the types of scams that target kids, with practical steps…
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Breaking the Cycle: How Kids Learn Bad Financial Habits Early and How to Help
Kids absorb financial habits quickly, often without even realizing it. Some of these behaviors—like impulsive spending or avoiding money conversations—can persist into adulthood, impacting long-term financial well-being. By identifying these tendencies early on, parents can guide their children toward healthier financial habits that support a more secure future. Identifying Impulsive Spending BehaviorsMany kids see immediate…
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TSP Loans: Understanding Your Options and Making the Right Decision
A Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan can be a useful tool for federal employees who need access to funds while still employed. However, there are several important details to consider before deciding if this option is right for you. Here’s a closer look at the types of TSP loans, the process, and key considerations to…
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FEGLI vs. WAEPA: Choosing the Right Life Insurance for Federal Employees
As a federal employee, life insurance options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Two primary choices are the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and the Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA). While both offer life insurance coverage tailored to government workers, their differences in pricing, coverage, and flexibility can significantly impact your decision. Let’s…
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TSP Financial Wellness: Insights from the 2023 Survey and Beyond
As we approach the midpoint between the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board’s biennial Financial Wellness Surveys, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the findings from the 2023 survey and consider how they might inform our financial planning strategies moving forward. This biennial survey, combined with discussions from the January 2024 FRTIB meeting, paints a…
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Will FLTCIP come back?
In light of our article today on long-term care, you may be wondering about the ongoing suspension of the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). This blurb focuses on whether new applications for FLTCIP will be reinstated in the future and is not referencing current enrollees and their decisions about premium increases. The suspension…
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