Your guide for retirement news, insights, and resources
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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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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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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Why You Need a Personal Advocate
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your life took a sudden turn for the worse – a car accident, emergency surgery….who would take care of your life while you were fighting for it? A personal advocate is an individual you trust to make decisions and take actions on your behalf when you’re incapable…
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Key Takeaways from This Year’s Midyear Financial Forecasts
Sometimes it is wise to take a look back ahead of a journey forward. We have been scrutinizing the midyear outlooks published by various financial institutions and respected strategists back in June. Our aim is to provide valuable context as we approach what could be a turbulent period. With a Presidential election right around the…
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The Green Gold Rush: A Comprehensive Guide to ESG Investing in 2024
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has gained significant attention in recent years, but many investors remain confused about its meaning, effectiveness, and potential impact on returns. ESG investing is a strategy that considers environmental, social, and governance factors alongside traditional financial metrics when making investment decisions. Here’s a breakdown of what each component means:…
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Investor Psychology: Navigating Market Volatility
Imagine the stock market takes a nosedive. Your retirement account value plummets, and anxiety sets in. Logic tells you to stay calm, but the urge to act becomes overwhelming. This scenario illustrates the power of investor psychology, which influences both individual consumers and professional money managers. The key is to recognize the behavior and take…
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TSP Death Benefits – PLEASE Check Your Beneficiaries
No one wants to think about planning for death – but sadly this is a reality that we must face and the better organized we are for those we leave behind, the better off they will be. No one wants to leave their spouse, kids, or any beneficiary with a mess. So today let’s start…
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The Study of JOY, Part 2
Last week we discussed the basis for finding happiness in our relationships and what that means in retirement. When you consider the relationships we have during our working lives and how structured they are, retirement is a huge change. Suddenly, we are without our colleagues on a daily basis, interacting with people a lot less.…
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The Study Of JOY
In 1938 scientists began a study to track the health of its participants over a long period of time to try to figure out what makes people healthy and happy. The study continues to this day, of course adding new participants (including the offspring of the OGs!). So what does this Harvard Study of Adult…
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The TSP Mutual Fund Window
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) introduced additional investment options back in June of 2022 that left many with mixed feelings. This feature, allowing folks to choose from thousands of mutual funds, comes with its own set of challenges. Participants face contribution limits, additional fees, a vast array of options, and minimal guidance – essentially presenting…
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JUNK Fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking companies to task to make sure you aren’t getting taken to the cleaners. Their plan is to save you billion$. To start, note that there is nothing wrong or illegal about adding fees to a service – the issue is that they are not being properly disclosed. Since they are…
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Coordinating FEHB and Medicare: What Federal Employees Need to Know
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) is a comprehensive health insurance program for federal employees, retirees, and their families. As federal employees approach retirement age, they often face questions about how their FEHB coverage will interact with Medicare. This coordination can be complex and often leads to confusion. While this won’t be our last discussion on…
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