Is Retirement Dead? The New Trend That’s Redefining Life After 65

Traditionally, retirement meant stopping work entirely around age 65 and relying on pensions and Social Security. However, as pensions become rarer and life expectancy increases, many are reconsidering their approach. The COVID-19 pandemic also reshaped the workforce, prompting some to retire early while others delayed retirement to navigate economic uncertainty. In 2023, workforce participation among those 65 or older exceeded 20% for the first time in over 50 years, highlighting a shift toward extended employment.

For those not ready to stop working completely, phased retirement offers a smoother transition, providing financial stability and an opportunity to adjust emotionally and socially to post-work life. Read More

The Importance of Cash in Retirement

When planning for retirement, many people focus on maximizing the return on their investments. While growing your money is important, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of financial security in retirement: keeping a healthy amount of cash readily available. Having quick access to cash, even a substantial amount, can be crucial for a successful and stress-free retirement. Here are three key reasons why maintaining a cash reserve is vital. Read More

Post Election Perspectives for Your Investment Strategy

Political news is everywhere, dominating conversations and stirring emotions. It’s tempting for investors to react to these developments, whether it’s debates over tariffs, inflation concerns, or discussions about immigration policies. But making changes to your portfolio based on political headlines—or what you think might happen—is rarely a wise move. Read More

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

3 Government Policies that Destroy Retirement

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.

 

 

 

 

Why Taxing Unrealized Gains is Absurd

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

The Declining Financial Security of Retirees in Today’s Economy

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

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