Blog Posts

How much do you really know about retirement benefits?

If you’re like most Americans, it’s not that much. In fact, most of us have fairly poor “retirement literacy,” especially when it comes to the finer points of retirement benefits.¹

That may not seem like a big deal, but it can give rise to all sorts of landmines in the future, possibly derailing your retirement plans and goals. It could also impact your quality of life and your opportunities to live your best life in retirement.²

First, let’s start by uncovering the most common mistake in estate planning…

Surprisingly, this frequently made mistake might already be on your doorstep. A staggering number of people haven’t yet started an estate plan. It’s a critical oversight that can have far-reaching implications, but this isn’t the only pitfall that can disrupt your planning efforts.

Here’s a breakdown of 4 estate planning missteps and how to fix them:

How do you feel about the state of the economy? In more contemporary terms, what are your "vibes" telling you?

A power of attorney (POA) can grant you certain authority and specific responsibilities. While the extent and limitations of POAs can vary based on many factors, stepping into the role of power of attorney can be unlike anything else. That’s because it puts you in the driver’s seat to make key decisions and oversee vital needs for someone else. That doesn’t mean that POAs come with carte-blanche powers or that one power of attorney will mirror another. Explaining how POAs work, this guide shares more fundamentals, detailing some common types of powers of attorney and the responsibilities you may have as an agent of one of these devices.

How many years will your retirement last?

What are the chances you’ll live past 90?

Most of us answer those questions wrong because we don’t have strong longevity literacy.¹

That means that about 81% of us1 aren’t working with a viable understanding of our own life expectancy.

Let’s explore how understanding longevity could create a positive impact in your retirement planning.

After months of simmering inflation reports, it looks like inflation finally eased slightly in April. Are prices stabilizing? Can we breathe a sigh of relief? Let's dig a little deeper.

With healthcare costs often resembling an unpredictable market, and long-term care expenses looming, the post-work years require careful financial planning. This blog post advocates for partnering with a financial professional to navigate these challenges, offering tailored guidance on Medicare, long-term care funding, and retirement law changes. By preparing strategically, retirees can confidently set sail into their golden years, free from the turbulence of unforeseen financial burdens.

Believe it or not social media scams have been picking more pockets than any other scam today––including phone call and text fraud.¹

There have been more than $2.7 billion in losses to social media scams between January 2021 and June 2023.²

And whether or not you’ve seen these cons in action, they don’t look the same today as they did even a year ago.²

They’re becoming more personalized and harder to detect from real opportunities.¹

Markets have been very volatile lately. What’s going on? Let’s take a quick look at the factors that are influencing markets right now.

How much do you need to retire wealthy? Believe it or not, there’s no set number for anyone. Lifestyle and the quality of your retirement plan are certainly two big factors. But when considering the economy and inflation, a definitive picture of our financial future can feel somewhat elusive. So, to shed a little light (and provide a little guidance), here are a few telltale signs you might be set up for a “comfortable” post-work lifestyle.