This is the second of two articles about some of Donald Trump’s campaign promises, which, if enacted, could significantly impact retirees or near-retirees. Interest rates Promises PolitiFact: ”Trump said ‘we’re going to cap’ credit card interest rates ‘at around 10%. We can’t let them make 25% and 30%.’ When he made the pledge in September … 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
The 2022 Social Security Fund Trustees’ Report is out, and here’s the latest on Trust Fund solvency: The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivors benefits, will be able to pay scheduled benefits on a timely basis until 2034, one year later than reported last year. The fund’s reserves will … 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
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
I announced earlier that I would soon publish my next book, Redeeming Retirement: A Practical Guide to Catch Up. I’m excited to announce that it’s been released and is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions! In this article, I want to tell you more about it and offer some giveaways to celebrate … Read more
This article is the second about the incoming Biden administration and its plans and proposals that could be most impactful to those planning for or already in retirement. I wrote these articles because part of wise retirement stewardship involves understanding the changing “times and seasons.” As Dan. 2:21 says, He changes times and seasons; he … Read more
I am very excited to announce that my new book, The Minister’s Retirement, has been released and is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. The following is from the introductory material in the book: “This is a book about planning for retirement targeted specifically at ministers. Granted, most ministers I know would … 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
