If you’re thinking about retirement, you should check your Social Security benefits. One ingredient in every financial plan I do for clients is to run a Social Security maximization analysis to evaluate options. Making the correct choice can mean tens of thousands of dollars in additional benefits to my family. To begin this process, I …
Retirement
When do I need to do a required IRA distribution?
Most retired folks know that IRS rules require owners of retirement accounts to take distribution when they reach a certain age. It’s called the Required Minimum Distribution or RMD. But sometimes people get some of the details wrong. So here are a few things to remember about RMDs Getting the RMD wrong can sting If …
When Do Most People Retire?
Traditionally pension plans paid out at age 65. You can thank the “Iron Chancellor,” Otto von Bismarck of Germany for that. When he introduced a social security system to appeal to the German working class and combat the power of the Socialist Party in Germany during the late 1800s, he set the retirement age at 65. This …
What Happens if My Financial Planner Retires?
Financial planning is about thinking ahead, prudently planning for the future. With that in mind, it’s only natural that from time to time you might ask the question: “What happens when my financial planner retires?” Or you might as the question: “What happens if my financial planner gets hit by a bus?” What should I …
Fake News: Financial Style
We hear quite a bit about “fake news” these days. It’s a term that doesn’t have a reliable definition. But one thing is true: all the talk of “fake news” has made some people much more likely to question the information they receive. I think some healthy skepticism is prudent. It’s my hope that this …
Have I saved enough for retirement?
Many people wonder if they are at risk to outlive their money. Nobody likes the idea of running out of money in old age. Based on 91 years of market history and some reasonable assumptions, if you have been doing a good job of saving for retirement, you should be fine. Reasonable assumptions for investors …
