When people retire, they often wonder what to do with the money in their 401(k) from their former employer. Be careful about withdrawing all the money at once just because you can. While there’s no tax penalty for withdrawing after age 59 ½, taking a large amount at once can impact your Medicare costs if you’re over 63. Read More
As a financial advisor, I’m sometimes told to be ‘neutral’ about politics when discussing your money. But when it comes to securing your financial future, there’s no room for gray areas. Let’s talk straight about three policies that, no matter who promotes them, won’t help you retire better.
Higher Taxes: There’s simply no way that paying more taxes will increase your returns or improve your retirement lifestyle. More taxes only mean more of your hard-earned money out the door and less for you to enjoy life.
Regulations in Banking and Investments: The more the government steps into the financial industry, the harder—and more expensive—it becomes for you to grow your wealth. This only distorts markets, raises your costs, and puts your retirement at risk.
Inflation: Inflation isn’t a mysterious force—it’s a result of government policies and printing money. When inflation rises, your dollar buys less, making everyday life, not to mention retirement, more expensive.
You deserve an advisor who’s not just going through the motions but actively working to reduce taxes, boost returns, and protect your freedom to live the life you envision. Retirement should be about what you want, not what gets taken from you.
Life still happens in retirement and at some point you will need a newer car. When deciding whether to buy a new or used car, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each. Let’s break down the key factors:
Should You Pay Cash for a Vehicle?
Paying cash for a car can be a smart financial move if you have the funds available. Here’s why:
However, paying cash might not always be the best option:
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether buying new or used is better or if you should pay cash. It ultimately depends on your financial situation, priorities, and long-term goals. For those looking to minimize costs, a used car and paying in cash often make sense. If you want the latest features and a full warranty, a new car with financing may be the right choice.
Confused on how to make the best decisions towards your retirement and making sure those decisions will allow you to stay retired? Make sure to contact me.
Retirement is a significant life transition, not just financially but emotionally and relationally. While many couples eagerly plan their golden years together, one question often goes unasked: Are both partners ready to retire at the same time? Read More
There has been increasing talk of taxing unrealized capital gains, especially targeting individuals with assets over $100 million. While this might sound like a good way to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their “fair share,” there are significant downsides to this approach. Lets explore three reasons why taxing unrealized gains is wrong and how it could eventually affect everyday investors if the policy trickles down. Read More
In just four years, the financial landscape for retirees has shifted dramatically, placing many in precarious situations. While retirement was once a time to enjoy the fruits of decades of labor, today’s retirees are finding themselves navigating a sea of economic challenges that threaten their financial stability. The rising cost of living, the inflated costs of maintaining home equity, and the volatile stock market are all contributing factors. These challenges make it clear that retirees are worse off today than they were just a few years ago. Read More
As election seasons roll around, the political climate intensifies, bringing with it a wave of speculation and uncertainty. Many people find themselves wondering if the outcome of elections will impact their retirement plans. While it’s true that elections can influence various aspects of the economy and financial markets, the real issue often lies in the sentiment and security of the retiree. Here, we will explore three key areas where elections might affect your retirement and emphasize that proper planning is the best way to prepare for post-election changes. Read More
When it comes to hiring a financial advisor, understanding how they get paid is crucial. The compensation structure not only influences their advice but can also affect your financial outcomes. However, one should not assume that any particular compensation method holds a moral high ground over another. Let’s explore the various ways financial advisors charge for their services and why none inherently stands as more ethical than the others. Read More
While some may see retirement investing as akin to gambling or a far-off dream, getting a handle on the basics early can pave the way for financial success down the road. Today, we’re going to talk about two buzzworthy topics in the investing world: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cryptocurrency (Crypto). Read More
In recent years, discussions about inflation have dominated headlines, kitchen tables, and policy debates alike. A key factor in these discussions is the role of minimum wage increases, often overlooked amidst broader economic narratives. As voters, we play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape, including decisions on minimum wage policies. This blog aims to shed light on how voting for higher minimum wages can influence inflation and, subsequently, the cost of everyday goods and services.
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, eroding purchasing power. While it is influenced by a multitude of factors, one of the more direct factors is the cost of labor—specifically, the minimum wage. Read More
