This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. It was initially published on April 9, 2024, and updated in 2025. Many people focus solely on their own retirement benefits when considering Social Security. However, it’s crucial to understand the significant role Social Security spousal and survivor benefits can play in retirement … Read more
We’re now in Holy Week. It’s the season on the church calendar when the profound significance of Easter and what it means to us as Christians are at the forefront of our thinking and are in our hearts: the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus—the forgiveness of sin and triumph of life over death, light … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. It was initially published in March 2024 and updated in March 2026. It’s that time of year again: income tax time. And I can’t be sure, but I think many retirees are more concerned about taxes in retirement than they were when working. … Read more
There are many good things about retirement. Some examples are more free time and greater flexibility in how we spend our time, less stress from work pressures, and more opportunities to give of our time, talents, and treasure, to name a few. These are all “good” in that they add fun, fulfillment, and joy to … Read more
In some previous articles, I’ve discussed longevity risk, withdrawal rates, and Dave Ramsey’s 8% withdrawal rate recommendation. These topics can quickly get mind-numbingly complex. The financial side of retirement has a lot to do with the math; it’s a big math problem we need to solve as best we can. We do this thoughtfully, humbly, … Read more
I recently realized that I’ve been retired for five years. (My wife says that I’m not really retired, but you know what I mean.) Wow, time flies! I retired in late 2018 at age 66, my ”full retirement age” (FRA) as defined by Social Security. It was a little earlier than I’d planned, as I … Read more
I recently came across a little book about Christmas titled Christmas Uncut: What Really Happened and Why It Really Matters by Carl Laferton. The title caught my attention. Did the author uncover some unknown historical account of the birth of Jesus? Did one of the magi take notes, and someone found them stashed and preserved … Read more
A sustainable withdrawal rate is integral to a wise retiree’s financial stewardship plan. Your withdrawal rate determines how much money you’ll take from your retirement savings to add to other sources of income to meet your spending needs. I became aware of a video of one of Dave’s recent shows in which he discussed retiree … Read more
Thanksgiving is here, and we’ll soon enter the Advent season leading up to Christmas. I’ve never had it, but I understand a festive dish known as “figgy pudding” originated in medieval times and was especially popular in Victorian England. It’s the dessert that Bob Cratchit and his family enjoy as part of their Christmas celebration, … Read more
