Your guide for retirement news, insights, and resources
Your Vulnerability to Scams Increases When You’re Desperate
In times of crisis or desperation, we often become more susceptible to scams and fraudulent schemes. This increased vulnerability can have severe consequences, leading to financial losses and emotional distress. Understanding why desperation makes us more vulnerable and how to protect ourselves is crucial in today’s world of sophisticated scams. Desperation creates a sense of…
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Retiring Overseas
Retiring overseas has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking adventure, affordability, and a fresh start. This can often result in much lower cost of living as well as access to affordable healthcare options. However, it’s crucial to approach this decision with a clear understanding of both the potential benefits and the very real…
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The Devil You Know: When Elder Abuse Hits Close to Home
We’ve all heard the horror stories of elderly individuals falling prey to elaborate phone scams or internet fraud. These tales serve as cautionary examples, prompting us to educate our older relatives about the dangers lurking in the digital world. However, this hyper-focus on stranger danger can inadvertently blind us to a more immediate threat: financial…
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High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts for Federal Employees
As a Federal employee, understanding your health insurance options within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is crucial. This guide focuses on High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), options that have become increasingly popular among Federal workers. The Basics High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) – An HDHP is a…
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Behavior & Budgeting: Mastering Your Finances for a Secure Future
In today’s complex financial landscape, understanding the relationship between our behavior and our budgeting practices is more crucial than ever. At My Retirement Network, we’re committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate your financial journey successfully. While we will be offering a webinar on “Behavior & Budgeting” for workplaces…
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Securing Your STUFF When you Travel
When we travel, we are often at increased risks on two fronts. First, we may be taking some valuables with us – jewelry, extra cash, laptops, etc. – and leaving them in unfamiliar places, all putting us at some type of heightened risk. Second, we increase our risk of identity theft due to the increased…
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Embracing Solo Adventures: Traveling Alone in Retirement
Gone are the days when retirement meant rocking chairs and early bird specials. Today’s retirees are strapping on backpacks and jet-setting solo around the globe. It’s a trend that’s reshaping the golden years for many. The idea of traveling alone at an advanced age might seem daunting to some. Yet, many retirees find it’s the…
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We Need All the Help we Can Get: a plan for an aging population
The term “silver tsunami” has gained traction as a metaphor for our rapidly aging population. However, unlike actual tsunamis that offer little warning, demographic shifts provide ample notice. The question is: Will we use this foresight to prepare, or will inaction leave us vulnerable to the challenges ahead? The Latest… The Department of Health and…
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The Benefits of Learning a New Language in Later Life
Just as our bodies require care and exercise, so do our brains — especially as we age. One way to stimulate those mental muscles is to learn a new language. Admittedly, the research is mixed – there are studies that indicate learning a new language can the onset of dementia, while others say that may…
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Having a Badge Does Not Make You Official
Phone scammers are starting to get hip to the fact that WE’RE getting hip. A larger majority of people are asking the right questions and doing the right thing when receiving phone calls from unknown actors claiming to be from a Federal agency. SO – these bad actors have taken it a step further by…
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Understanding Yield Curves: What They Signal for Your Portfolio
Let’s talk about the yield curve – no, we’re not talking about traffic signs. But just like a real yield sign tells you to slow down and pay attention, the yield curve can signal when the economy might be heading for a rough patch Yield curves are one of the most reliable economic indicators, often…
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Economics 101: What Actually Matters for Your Wallet
When you hear terms like inflation, recession, or GDP, it can feel overwhelming. But these indicators aren’t just abstract numbers; they shape the cost of living, wage growth, and even the interest you pay on loans. Here’s a closer look at these key economic concepts: Inflation: Beyond the CPI Inflation measures the rate at which…
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How Do My Skills Transfer? Making a Career Shift After a Layoff
Losing a job can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Even more frustrating is hearing that companies are desperate for workers while you’re struggling to get interviews. If the job market is so strong, why is it so hard to find a new role? The answer isn’t always about your…
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Building an Emergency Fund: Your Financial Safety Net
Life is unpredictable. A sudden job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected home repair can throw even the best financial plans off track. That’s why having an emergency fund isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential. An emergency fund provides a financial cushion that helps you cover unexpected expenses without relying on debt or disrupting…
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The Power of Expense Tracking: Navigating Financial Uncertainty
Financial uncertainty is a fact of life. Whether it’s rising costs, job instability, or unexpected expenses, economic shifts can happen anytime. The good news? You have more control than you think. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to gain financial clarity is by tracking your expenses. At first, tracking expenses might seem tedious…
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Making Sense of Your Tax World: A Guide for Every Stage
Get Our Complete Tax Season Playbook: Ready to master your tax planning? Subscribe now to access our comprehensive 12-chapter Tax Season Playbook, your complete guide to making tax-smart financial decisions: https://myretirementnetwork.com/subscribe Once you receive your welcome email from [email protected] simply reply with ‘Send Tax Guide” and we’ll make sure to reply with your private link…
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The Ownership Illusion: Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?
Owning a home has long been a cornerstone of the American Dream, and recent surveys show that sentiment hasn’t changed. According to Realtor.com and Bankrate, homeownership remains a top priority for many Americans. Even those who anticipate challenges in achieving it still view owning a home as a key marker of success and an essential…
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Smart Strategies for Education Funding: Unlocking the Benefits of 529 Plans and Tackling the True Costs of College
Planning your child’s education is a pivotal financial milestone, and with college costs continually rising, having a solid strategy is more important than ever. While grants, scholarships, and student loans can help bridge the gap, these options are often uncertain and difficult to plan for in advance. This guide focuses on the key savings tools…
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2025 Market Outlook: Putting Your Financial Knowledge to Work
Now that we’re a month into 2025, we can begin to see how the year is taking shape and evaluate the major forecasts with fresh eyes. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the fundamentals of financial literacy – from understanding different types of investment accounts to breaking down various asset classes and investment strategies.…
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Understanding Investment Fees: What You’re Paying For and Why It Matters
When it comes to investing, fees might not be the most exciting topic, but they’re one of the most important. We keep talking about keeping fees low and leaning toward ETFs – but in the end that is a personal decision as mutual funds do come with some added benefits. So in order to arm…
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Job Searching in the Nonprofit Sector – A New Path for Federal Employees
With mass layoffs hitting federal employees, the private sector isn’t the only option – nonprofits are actively hiring and many federal skills translate well. If you’re looking for meaningful work that aligns with public service experience, here’s how to get started. Why Nonprofits Make Sense for Former Feds Where to Apply – Specific Resources If…
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Financial Fear vs. Financial Frenzy: Managing Money Without Losing Your Mind
Money is emotional. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just trying to keep up with bills, financial decisions are rarely just about numbers. Fear can make us freeze, while frenzy can push us into impulsive decisions. So how do you manage your money with a steady hand without getting consumed by worry or making reckless…
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What to Do with Your TSP If You Leave Federal Service: Navigating Uncertainty Without Panicking
Mass layoffs, agency restructuring, and talk of government-wide cost-cutting have left many wondering: Is my TSP safe? Should I move my money? What happens if I do nothing? There’s no sign that the government will seize or change existing TSP balances, but the sheer uncertainty is making a lot of people uneasy. If you’re asking…
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Bargain or Bust? Beware of Fake Deals
In today’s digital landscape, scam artists have long exploited consumers’ search for savings. With evolving tactics and increasingly sophisticated online schemes, they continue to prey on anyone seeking a bargain. From fake online retailers to counterfeit goods and deceptive membership offers, here’s what you need to know – and how you can protect yourself. “Discount…
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Managing Stress Amid Job Insecurity
Job insecurity can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. The uncertainty of when or if a paycheck will come, the fear of falling behind financially, and the emotional toll of feeling undervalued or overlooked can create overwhelming anxiety. While the stress of job loss or career uncertainty is real, managing it effectively…
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Federal Workers: Exploring the Shift to Contractor Roles
The recent federal workforce reductions have left many dedicated public servants facing uncertainty about their future career paths. While these layoffs are primarily aimed at reducing government size and spending, there is ongoing speculation about whether more government services will be outsourced to private contractors. If this happens, private firms may seek individuals with federal…
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Translating Federal Experience to the Private Sector
For federal employees considering a move to the private sector, the transition can feel overwhelming. Federal roles often come with unique responsibilities, specialized language, and structured career paths that don’t always have a direct counterpart in corporate America. However, federal employees bring valuable skills, experience, and expertise that can be highly desirable in private industry…
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Understanding Tax Implications of TSP Withdrawals
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a cornerstone of retirement planning for federal employees. While it’s an excellent way to save, understanding the tax implications of TSP withdrawals is essential for making the most of your hard-earned money. Recent legislative changes, such as SECURE Act 2.0 and updates to TSP rules, make it more important…
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Navigating Uncertainty: What Federal Employees Can and Can’t Count On
In any unstable environment, planning for the future feels nearly impossible. Agencies are reshuffling, buyouts are being offered, and legal rulings are constantly shifting employment statuses. We at My Retirement Network always take a financially conservative approach in uncertain times – assume the worst in every scenario and budget accordingly. If things turn out better,…
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Scholarship and Student Loan Scams
With rising education costs, many students and families eagerly seek financial aid opportunities. Unfortunately, scammers often exploit this desperation through deceptive scholarship and loan schemes. Learning to identify these scams is crucial for protecting your financial future. Common Red Flags Application or Processing Fees Legitimate scholarships and federal student loans never require upfront fees. Be…
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