Regular readers know that I think a big part of retirement stewardship is having plans and documentation in place so that things go as well as we have hoped and prayed for after we’re gone, especially for our spouse should we predecease them. I sometimes refer to this in principle as “loving your widow.” Depending … Read more
Many people focus solely on their own retirement benefits when considering Social Security benefits. However, it’s crucial to understand the significant role Social Security spousal and survivor benefits can play in retirement planning. We don’t usually like to think about our mortality and how our passing will affect those we leave behind financially. Nonetheless, it’s … Read more
My wife and I recently had the privilege of assisting a widow in our church with some legal/financial issues after her husband’s passing. It was my first experience with the “Clerk of the Superior Court” in my county. Fortunately, this woman and her husband had their affairs in order. They had a will and a … Read more
An increasing number of boomer-aged families are receiving inheritances; it’s all part of a trillion-dollar transfer of wealth that will happen over the next several decades. Gen. Xers are next in line. Many families near or in retirement have aging parents, so an inheritance may be in their future. They can come in different forms—possessions, … Read more
In my last article, I discussed some things to consider as you decide about giving in retirement. I touched on leaving a legacy (inheritance) as a form of giving and discussed it (biblically) relative to spending and giving. However, I didn’t detail the mechanics of doing so, should that be your desire. As I mentioned … Read more
I was recently working at our church’s welcome desk on a Sunday morning. An elderly lady whom I would guess is well into her 70s or early 80s came up and handed me a $20 bill and asked that I please make sure it went toward our ministry to families with children with special needs … Read more
In my last post, I suggested some New Year’s resolutions you may want to consider. In this article, I want to carry that theme forward, but in a slightly different way. Not too long ago, I read an article on the Center for Retirement Research website titled “Husbands Ignore Future Widows Needs.” As I read … Read more
Earlier in 2019, I wrote about some retirement legislation that was pending in Congress. Well, surprise, surprise—it passed recently. (Interestingly, the bill was languishing in congress until it was added to a 2020 spending bill and seemed to slip in under the radar.) It’s the most significant legislation since the Pension Protection Act of 2006 … Read more
Well, folks, I have great news: as of today, my new book, Reimagine Retirement: Planning and Living for the Glory of God, has been released by B&H Publishing (LifeWay)! It is a project I have been working on for about 18 months, and I am thrilled to announce that it is available to order from LifeWay.com, Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, … Read more
