When a financial advisor tells you he “only makes money when you make money,” it sounds like a perfect alignment of interests. And in a narrow sense, it’s true; if your portfolio grows, so does his fee. As one advisor TV commercial explains it, “We do better when you do better.” But here’s what that … Read more
Here is a fact about Moses that can get lost in the Sunday school version of the story: he was 80 years old when God sent him back to Egypt. Not young and ambitious; not upwardly mobile; not in his prime; he was 80 years old (and, as Indiana Jones once said, “It’s not the … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. In the first article of this Caregiving Principle series, we established the biblical foundation for preparing to both give and receive care. In the second and third articles, we explored healthcare planning before and after Medicare—the latter being the foundation of medical … Read more
Jesus’ words, as quoted by Paul and recorded in Acts 20:35, at first sound counterintuitive. He says that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Not equally blessed, more blessed. Which is either the most liberating financial principle ever articulated or the most inconvenient, depending on who you quote it to. I did … Read more
This year is a big deal for the people of the United States because we’re celebrating a major milestone—it’s been 250 years since we broke free from the rule of King George III and Great Britain’s control back in 1776. It’s a huge anniversary, and freedom is something that’s on lots of people’s minds. We’re … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. Even if you retire before age 65, Medicare becomes the foundation of healthcare coverage once you reach that age. It isn’t a perfect system—it has gaps and limitations—but it’s what we have, and it’s worth understanding well. I view Medicare as part … Read more
Earl is concerned about “sequence of returns risk,” and the “safe withdrawal rate” typically guides every spending decision in his life with clockwork precision. But it doesn’t appear to apply inside the Costco building. I generally don’t like shopping, but I don’t mind going to Costco. I sometimes go with my wife to get a … Read more
It’s simple. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Stocks get nervous. Yields go up. Good for retirees? Maybe, or maybe not. Any questions? Interest rates have been in the news for a while now, which is a polite way of saying they have become a regular and mostly unwelcome topic, showing up in headlines … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed for Retirement Steward series (BIFRS). Planning for healthcare, both before and in retirement, isn’t fun or glamorous. It’s not as exciting as planning for travel or hobbies in retirement. But it’s absolutely essential. Without adequate healthcare coverage and planning, a single medical crisis can severely impact your financial … Read more
