What if you could lower your retirement tax bill and make a lasting difference at the same time? For retirees over age 70½, that’s exactly what a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) offers. By directing required withdrawals from your IRA straight to charity, you can reduce taxable income and put your money to work for the causes you care about most.
Social Security has turned 90! For nearly a century, this program has provided a reliable source of income for retirees, people with disabilities, and families who have lost a loved one. But what role should it play in your retirement strategy? Learn how Social Security benefits work, when it makes sense to claim, and how to weave it into a broader plan for long-term financial security.
When most people think about wealth, they picture numbers on a bank statement. But according to fee-only financial planner Darren Zagarola, true wealth is about something much bigger—freedom, purpose, and living life on your own terms. In this candid conversation, Darren shares how redefining wealth can change not just your finances, but your future.
Announcing your age as “and-a-half” dies out around the age of 12. But when you’re older, it starts making a comeback. In fact, starting at age 50, several birthdays and “half-birthdays” are critical to understand because they have implications regarding your retirement income.
We plan all our lives. A house, vacation, college. However, few Americans make plans for their late-in-life years. Have you considered how and where you’ll retire? Will you remain in your home, downsize, or live in a community? This article explores the pros and cons of aging in place.
Parents often face an ongoing struggle – should I save for retirement or fund my children’s education? It’s important to prioritize your needs. Here’s why.
Retirement can be a wonderful chapter, but ensuring your financial house is not just in order but thriving is crucial. Many retirees focus on investment management but often miss key areas that can significantly impact their long-term security and legacy. Here are five often-overlooked yet vital steps that you should consider taking.
The end of the year tends to be a popular time for people who are looking to retire to do so. For those fortunate enough to be able to choose between a monthly pension or taking a lump sum payment, the question they must ask is, “Which one do I choose?”
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment for 2025, effective January 1, marking a modest boost compared to last year’s 3.2% increase. This increase may feel insufficient to many.
As people live longer and healthier lives, more individuals are choosing to continue working well past the traditional retirement age of 65. Sometimes, it’s by necessity—they need the money—and sometimes, it’s by choice. Which path is right for you?
Many seniors are carrying debt in retirement, representing a serious problem for some. Let’s discuss good debt vs. bad debt and how debt in retirement can impact one’s financial independence.
Millennials often get a bad rap. Yet despite their financial hurdles, new research shows they may be on track to surpass their elders when it comes to saving for retirement!