To say that we live in tumultuous times would be an understatement. We’re experiencing turmoil and upheaval in multiple areas: political, financial, cultural, social, and even in the church. And there’s war in Europe on the largest scale since WWII. None of this should be a big surprise to us—God’s Word tells us what to … Read more
(Note: We all have our eyes, hearts, and prayers directed toward what is going on in Ukraine. But with everything happening in the world—globally and domestically—I think part of good retirement stewardship is acquiring understanding so that we can make wise decisions about how to manage God’s money during difficult times (Prov. 1:5). If you … Read more
This article is the second of two about retirement account transfers and rollovers. First, we focused on transfers, which I defined as moving assets between two of the same type of retirement account, e.g., from a Traditional IRA with one provider to a Traditional IRA at another. In this article, we’ll look at rollovers, which … Read more
I’ve recently had the opportunity to discuss the rationales and mechanics of IRA transfers, 401(k) rollovers, and ”Solo” 401(k)s with a few folks. It’s not uncommon to want to focus on getting on our ”financial ducks in a row” at the start of a new year. For some, that means simplifying their financial life and … Read more
For many people, the end of one year and the start of another is a good time for a financial health checkup. For some, this includes assessing their progress toward their retirement saving goals. Over the years, as I’ve counseled and coached folks getting closer to retirement who realize that they’re not as financially prepared … Read more
I’m occasionally asked how I manage my retirement finances. I’ve touched on some aspects in previous posts, but I thought I’d share a little about my not-very-formal-or-complicated year-end regime. I don’t do this to suggest that I handle things in an exemplary way or that you should do what I do. Retired families can have … Read more
Most don’t think too much about income taxes in retirement. They just assume that they’ll pay less since it’s possible (likely?) that their income will be less. For many, that’s a reasonable assumption (at least as long as tax rates remain relatively low). Others believe that their Social Security retirement benefits aren’t taxable, further reducing … Read more
A Dave Ramsey (Ramsey Solutions) article on investment fees opens with this: Just like airline fees, investment fees are also a fact of life. The difference is, investment fees aren’t always as clear as an extra baggage fee. Many folks we talk to are confused or blindsided by them. And sometimes, that confusion keeps people from making … Read more
Regret. Webster defines it as “Feeling sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or missed opportunity).” We all have regrets. Why? Mainly because we are fallen people living in a fallen world (Rom. 5:12). Our regrets may be over something we did or did not do or … Read more
