The first two articles in this three-part series provided background and introduced you to the Retirement Income Modeling Tool (RIMT). The articles and instructions on the Tool website cover almost everything you need to know, and you can contact me directly with specific questions (or issues—remember, it’s still in “beta mode”). To help you get … Read more
I admit, I’m interested in AI. It’s probably because I spent almost all of my adult life working in information technology (IT), but also because AI may be one of the most significant technologies of my lifetime, next to the internet (without which AI would probably not exist). Because of my interest, I’ve researched and … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. In this article, we’ll explore Tier 3 income. This variable, self- or advisor-managed layer sits atop your guaranteed income (Tier 1: Social Security, pensions, annuities) and semi-stable income (Tier 2: bonds, dividends, TIPS). It’s the most flexible part of your retirement income, … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. In the previous article, we explored Tier 1 Income—your guaranteed, lifetime income floor from Social Security, pensions, and annuities. This foundation is the bedrock of a sustainable retirement, providing income you cannot outlive, regardless of market conditions. We now move to Tier … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS). For a fortunate few, their retirement income may consist of more than one “guaranteed” income course (I use the term “guaranteed” loosely). Some will have a company pension in addition to Social Security, which together will provide most, if not all, of the … Read more
Originally published June 8, 2022 | Updated December 2025 I recently received another one: an invitation in the mail to a “free dinner and retirement discussion.” It seems like I’ve been averaging one every few weeks or so. (My wife also receives one every once in a while. So does somebody named “Current Resident” who … Read more
Well, the (MY) day of ”reckoning” is here. No, not the final judgement; I’m talking about sending the IRS their due (i.e., tax withholding) for 2025 for taxes due in April, 2026. As regular readers know, I’ve done more writing than usual about taxes, charitable giving, and the new tax laws. That’s because: If you’ve … Read more
Updated December 2025 to reflect the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) I’ve written previously about withdrawing from my Traditional IRA to help fund our retirement. I’ve also described how I began making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) in early 2023 after turning 70½ In a recent article, I explained how I might optimize my income … Read more
There are many retirement financial milestones to pay attention to: your penalty-free early distribution age from an IRA (59/12), eligibility for Social Security (early filer at 62 and full retirement age at 66–67), Medicare eligibility (age 65, for most), and your RMD age (currently 73; 75 beginning in 2033). I’ve already hit all those milestones … Read more
