Retirement

Not long ago, investors had to pay the U.S. government for the privilege of owning Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. The real yields, that is the yields after factoring in inflation, were negative. Last year, like a phoenix rising, real yields broke above 0%. Today, the real yield on 10-year TIPS is about 2.50%. This offers some

Open Enrollment began October 15, and I tackled one of our first reviews for a long-time client. Alicia has had the same drug plan since 2018 when she started on Levemir insulin. It was quite a surprise when she learned that her plan would drop this drug from its formulary in 2024. Alicia was frustrated

Offering a wealth of lifestyle opportunities in an array of sun-drenched havens where the cost of living can be less than half of the average in the U.S., it’s clear why millions of North Americans have chosen to call Latin America home. Of course, Latin America is a big place… So where are some of

Not long ago investors had to pay the U.S. government for the privilege of owning TIPS. The real yields, that is the yield after factoring in inflation, were negative. Last year, like a phoenix rising, real yields broke above 0%. Today the real yield on 10-year TIPS is about 2.50%. This offers some intriguing options

The risks to our personal finances—and our very identity—posed by cybersecurity threats were scary enough before the machines started to think for themselves. Now with the emergence of AI into our daily workflows, it seems there is no better time to take another look at this issue and ask the question, “How can we best

It’s a widespread problem, not often in the spotlight: an elder who is dependent on drinking or drugs. The sad downward spiral of those aging parents who already face age-related health problems is hastened by the use of habit forming substances. What Dependency Is Most Common In Older Adults? Data from the National Survey on

Europe has a reputation for high taxes… but this isn’t always fair. In fact, there are many low-tax and even-no tax schemes in place in various countries, which investors, businesses, retirees, and even remote workers can take advantage of. These schemes are always subject to change or even cancelation… so I always advise people to

Fidelity Investments recently released its annual estimate of healthcare costs in retirement. The scary numbers indicate the average person older than 65 years old may spend $157,500 in out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare in retirement. A couple may pay an average of $315,000. Middle-aged Millennials should take note, this is not just a Baby Boomer problem.

The federal government recently released two important changes that are relevant to seniors. Social Security announced more than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits. On average, that’s about $50 a month, starting in January. (Read all about that here.) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the

Do an internet search on the Inflation Reduction Act. You’ll find several sites that mention deficit and carbon emissions reduction, investment in domestic energy production, and Medicare prescription drug negotiation. Buried somewhere in the text of the act is one change that will have an immediate impact in 2024: the elimination of the 5% coinsurance

Some words get overused to the point that their true meaning is obscured. I’m pretty sure if we could scan all the company mission and values statements, most of which have gathered dust since their initial articulation, the word “integrity” would be among the Top 10 invoked—maybe the Top 5. Of course, with the benefit

On October 12, 2023, there were two important press releases relevant to seniors. Social Security announced that more than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits. On average, that’s about $50 a month, starting in January. (Read all about that here.) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released

Even if you’re not a Swiftie, it’s nearly impossible to escape the hype surrounding Taylor Swift’s new album, tour, and movie. In fact, some would argue that she is the economic story of 2023. On the opening night of The Eras Tour at State Farm Stadium, the concert brought in more revenue for local businesses

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Social Security benefits will increase 3.2% in 2024 for the nation’s 71 million recipients, raising the average monthly check for a single retired worker to $1,907, up $59 from $1,827 this year, and for a retired couple both receiving benefits to $3,033, up $94 from $2,939

Medicare has a notorious history of not treating vaccinations equally. Here’s an example from Ed, one of my clients. My physician’s office contacted me because I was due for my DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) booster. I made an appointment. Then, I got the vaccine and a bill for $148 ($101 vaccine and $47 administration).

The 4% rule seems so simple. Multiply your savings by 4%, and that’s how much you can spend the first year in retirement. After that, adjust your spending by the rate of inflation. It’s simple, right? Not so fast. While many people nearing retirement have heard of the 4% rule, few have read the 1994

Retirement planning is about more than just accumulating wealth. All the money in the world won’t bring you happiness if you have no way to enjoy it. Likewise, no amount of money can buy you perfect health. However, there are things you can do today to improve your healthspan in retirement; some cost money, and

The youngest members of Generation-X are now in their 40s, while the oldest Gen-Xers are now in their late 50s. This means it is time for Gen-X to get serious about retirement planning. Are you saving enough for retirement? Are you on track for financial freedom? Sadly, many members of Gen-X will answer no to

The 4% Rule seems so simple. Multiply your savings by 4%, and that’s how much you can spend the first year in retirement. After that, adjust your spending by the reate of inflation. It’s simple, right? Not so fast. While many people nearing retirement have heard of the 4% Rule, few have read the 1994

Fresh off writing about how the extensive Harvard study on human development shows us how we can invest in our personal happiness, I read a snippet in a much-anticipated new book that illuminates quite the opposite—how we can use financial planning to decrease our happiness and strip ourselves of the joy in life that is