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

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

Bitcoin, FOMO, Retirees

In the investment world, the recent meteoric rise of Bitcoin has become a topic of intense discussion, stirring a complex mix of excitement, speculation, and, for many, a palpable sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Let’s delve into the dynamics behind Bitcoin’s surge, the psychological pitfalls of FOMO for investors and retirees, and weigh the risks against the potential benefits of incorporating Bitcoin into one’s investment portfolio. Read More