Retirement Savings Analysis: African-American Women

Americans are wedding less frequently, and the ones that are getting married are not staying married for as long as their previous generation.  This can affect the way retirement is saved and collected, putting many African-American women at risk of running out of retirement money.   Social Security Spousal benefits for Social Security is often …

The Pros and Cons of Annuities

Annuities are financial investments that entitle an investor to a fixed sum yearly, typically for the rest of their life.  Intended to ensure against living a long time, an annuity removes the fear of running out of retirement savings.   Annuities Versus Stocks There can be two camps when it comes to annuities versus the …

Retirement “Expiration” Dates

When developing a retirement plan, it is important to understand when and how expiration dates can affect decisions.  Some expiration dates fall under strict regulations while some are vague and more sensible. Fixed Expiration Dates Social Security retirement benefits can be claimed from age 62 to 70.  A delay to claim benefits past the age …

10 Considerations for Early Retirement

Early retirement is a dream for some people.  But, not everyone has the desire or need to retire early.  The path to early retirement is not an easy one, and those considering this option should have a plan and some introspection pertaining to their finances, fulfillment, health, and self-worth. No matter where a person is …

Frugality and Retirement

With a very difficult decade behind most consumers, the concept of being frugal doesn’t have the same stigma it did 20 years ago.  During the 1980’s, there began a shift from waiting and saving before making a large purchase such as a car or home, to maxing out credit cards and borrowing 100% of a …

Retirement Savings: Side Businesses for Growing Wealth

In our quest for financial stability and success, many American workers are simply not satisfied with the regular paycheck and benefits that come from traditional jobs. These regular paychecks certainly do help pay the bills, but in today’s economy, it can be tough to get ahead, even on the salary a well-paying job provides. Many …

Finding Validation in Retirement

Throughout our careers, many of us dream of the day we can finally retire. We dream of endless peaceful days when we can do what we want, when we want to, all without the demands of deadlines and work stress. Retirement sounds great, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, many new retirees find themselves without direction, without self-worth, …

Age and Required Minimum Distributions

Most financial planners tell their clients to diversify when setting aside money for retirement. Having retirement savings in multiple accounts and multiple products makes sound financial sense. By funding retirement savings in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a person can help ensure a stable financial future when …

Tips for Lowering Your Tax Bill

Many people dread tax season and the April 15th deadline every year. Paying taxes is simply something Americans do, and most do it grudgingly. Scrambling to find last-minute deductions and tax credits has become something of a rite of passage for many taxpayers. Luckily, there are several such credits and deductions available for many people …

Your Legacy and Your Children as a Retiree

In the past 50 years, the way Americans look at legacy giving has changed.  Generational views on inherited wealth are changing and questions about how much to leave children are being asked. The Silent Generation The parents of baby boomers, this generation lived through the Great Depression and World War II.  Because of this, they …