Medicare and Income; Be Careful Taking that IRA Distribution

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

Do Elections Affect Your Retirement?

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

Understanding Financial Advisor Compensation: No Moral High Ground

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

The Stupidity of Voting Yourself a Raise

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

Your Return vs. Market Return

Investing in the stock market is like a long adventure where you can earn money over time. But not everyone makes the same return on their money with their investments. Even if the whole market is doing really well, you might find your own money growing a bit slower. Here’s why your own investment return might be different from the big market return:

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