Financial Planning
Financial Lessons from Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury: He created the first national bank, consolidated the new country’s war debts, and established federal credit. You could say he was America’s first Chief Financial Officer. He was also a self-taught immigrant who started with no wealth but ended up on the $10 bill. Hamilton never…
Read MoreIs Our Government Anticipating Inflation?
The Consumer-Price Index (CPI) rose to 4.2% in April as compared to last year.[1] We could see higher prices when it comes to travel, food, cars, and other common goods and services. High inflation can hurt retirees who are living off their savings, especially when we have near-zero interest rates. We already see bigger Social…
Read MoreWhen Will You Transition from Saving to Spending?
In retirement, you have to transition from saving to spending. You’ve worked hard to amass wealth, and now you must protect it from market downturns and make it last for the rest of your life. We have seen record highs in the stock market recently, but the state of the market at the time of…
Read MoreRising Costs in Retirement: Are You Prepared?
In 1960, a gallon of milk cost 36 cents, and today it costs $3.35 on average.[1] Inflation is to blame, and we could see higher inflation in the coming years. It’s important to have a sense of how much you’ll need to spend in retirement, but this is difficult when future costs and tax rates…
Read More3 Things to Think About Before Buying a Vacation Home
A home is one of the most significant purchases you’ve made in your lifetime, so you should take your time when thinking about buying a second one. Many people have a favorite vacation spot in a scenic area, but they can’t spend a significant amount of time there until they’re retired. If you’re thinking about…
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need to Save for Retirement?
While $1 million is sometimes cited as the ideal number for retirement savings, this assumes a one-size-fits-all approach to retirement planning. Everyone’s retirement goals are unique, and preparing for retirement might not be as simple as saving a certain amount at all. It’s worth taking a more in-depth look at your finances and future…
Read MoreHave You Factored Inflation into Your Retirement Plan?
We’ve seen increased government spending due to COVID and significant increases in government debt. Some economists theorize that this could lead to increased inflation, and many claim that we are already seeing the effects. Although the official inflation rate may remain low for now, you may notice price increases of everyday items and services. If…
Read MoreWill You Have to Retire Earlier Than You Expected To?
If you’re nearing retirement age and know you’re not financially prepared for retirement, your solution may be to work longer. While forgoing an early retirement can be prudent, your career might not last as long as you’d like it to. The pandemic and resulting economic conditions forced 1.9 million workers ages 55 and over out…
Read MoreIs It Time to Spring Clean Your Financial House?
If you spring clean your house, why not take some time to spring clean your finances too? If you have a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement account, this is especially important. Managing this area of your finances isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ activity. Here’s how you can see if you need to take…
Read MoreDon’t Forget About These Big Retirement Expenses
The rule of thumb says you’ll need about 80% of your pre-retirement income in retirement, but everyone is different. Many retirees want to upgrade their lifestyle in retirement or maintain their current lifestyle. In fact, a recent study shows that about one in three retirees actually spent more than they expected they would when they…
Read More