Your guide for retirement news, insights, and resources

A sunny beach with a lounge chair, umbrella, and a drink, symbolizing retirement travel and senior lifestyle relaxation.

Embracing Solo Adventures: Traveling Alone in Retirement

09/03/2024

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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Cartoon cat in a wheelchair with glasses, representing senior lifestyle and aging population.

We Need All the Help we Can Get: a plan for an aging population

08/27/2024

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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"Illustration of a teacher and children with hello in different languages on a board, promoting multicultural education."

The Benefits of Learning a New Language in Later Life

08/27/2024

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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Fraud alert badge symbolizing elder fraud prevention and financial security.

Having a Badge Does Not Make You Official

08/19/2024

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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Cartoon character contrasting Monday blues with Friday happiness, symbolizing work-life balance and retirement planning.

Staggered Retirement

08/19/2024

Last week in our discussion of J.P.Morgan’s 2019 study Three Retirement Surprises we examined why the conventional wisdom of the 4% rule may not always apply. In a follow up study this year, they examined what happens to spending in households where couples do not retire at the same time. Their data concluded that partially…

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House with document in hand, symbolizing retirement planning and financial security for seniors.

Deed Fraud

08/12/2024

In the realm of property-related crimes, deed fraud stands out as a particularly alarming trend. This sophisticated scam involves criminals using forged documents to steal homeownership right from under the legitimate owners’ noses. While it may sound like something out of a crime novel, deed fraud is a very real and growing threat in today’s…

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A cartoon thief holding a green money bag, representing elder fraud prevention.

The Grandparent Scam

08/05/2024

The grandparent scam is a cruel tactic used by fraudsters to exploit the love and concern of older adults for their grandchildren. In this scheme, scammers pose as grandchildren in distress, seeking immediate financial help. Despite seeming obvious from the outside, these scams continue to succeed due to their emotional manipulation. Here’s how it typically…

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Medicare sign-up illustration with woman pointing at letters A, B, C, D on a board.

Navigating the Medicare Sign-Up Process: A Guide for Newbies

08/05/2024

Signing up for Medicare can seem daunting, but understanding the process is crucial for ensuring you receive the health coverage you need. This guide will walk you through the essentials of Medicare enrollment, from eligibility to avoiding common pitfalls. Eligibility Medicare is generally available to individuals 65 years or older, younger people with certain disabilities,…

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Who’s Actually Moving the Market?

04/21/2025

If you’ve ever watched the market jump or crash and thought, “Who decided that?”, you’re not alone. It’s easy to assume it’s a crowd of everyday investors, each clicking “buy” or “sell” on their phones. But the truth is, retail traders (people trading their own money) make up a small slice of the action. Most…

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What on Earth is Market Volatility?

04/14/2025

If you’ve ever checked your investment account and felt like you were on a rollercoaster, congratulations: you’ve experienced market volatility. But what does that even mean? In simple terms, volatility refers to how much and how quickly prices of stocks (or other investments) move up and down. A calm, steady market has low volatility. A…

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Navigating the Financial Squeeze: The Realities of the Sandwich Generation

04/07/2025

“Sometimes, carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement.” – Albert Camus Life has a way of throwing curveballs just as you start feeling like you have things under control – building your career, saving for retirement, having a family and so on – but at some point, you suddenly find yourself responsible for…

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Inflation-Protected Securities: Should You Consider TIPS?

03/31/2025

Inflation eats away at your money, whether you notice it or not. One year, your grocery bill is manageable; the next, you’re wondering if you accidentally bought caviar. Enter TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) – bonds designed to keep up with rising prices. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. Let’s break down what they are,…

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Understanding Yield Curves: What They Signal for Your Portfolio

03/24/2025

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

03/17/2025

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

03/10/2025

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

03/03/2025

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

03/03/2025

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

02/24/2025

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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Fear-Based Scams: How Market Panics Create Easy Targets

04/21/2025

When markets get shaky, emotions run high – and scammers know it. Fear, confusion, and a sense of urgency are exactly the conditions fraudsters look for. During volatile markets, scam activity often surges because people are more vulnerable. They’re scared about losing money and looking for quick solutions or safer alternatives. That’s when the predators…

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Financial Stress is Real: How to Stay Calm When Markets Get Wild

04/14/2025

If you’ve ever felt your chest tighten after seeing the stock market drop, or caught yourself refreshing financial news like it’s breaking bad news, you’re not alone. Market swings don’t just affect your portfolio. They affect your mood, your sleep, and even your sense of safety. Why Market Swings Trigger Anxiety Money is emotional. It’s…

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Federal Employees in the Sandwich Generation – What You Can Do Now

04/07/2025

For federal employees balancing the responsibilities of both aging parents and children, financial uncertainty can make an already difficult situation even more challenging. With recent workforce reductions and shifting benefits, many are reevaluating their financial plans while juggling caregiving duties. This is a massive adjustment because caring for a parent in and of itself presents…

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The Future of the G Fund: Should Federal Employees Stay or Move Their Money?

03/31/2025

The G Fund has long been the Thrift Savings Plan’s (TSP) safest investment option, offering federal employees stability, no risk to principal, and returns tied to special-issue U.S. Treasury securities. But as economic policies shift and the government looks for ways to cut costs, federal employees are asking an important question: Will the government reduce…

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Job Searching in the Nonprofit Sector – A New Path for Federal Employees

03/24/2025

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

03/24/2025

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

03/17/2025

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

03/17/2025

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

03/10/2025

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

03/10/2025

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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