Please enjoy this 1-minute video (for those receiving this by email: please click on the blog title line above to view). For those over age 62, a reverse mortgage may be a useful tool. Fundamentally, they turn an illiquid asset into money you can spend. However, they shouldn’t be used “just because you can,” but […]
Working and Social Security Benefits
https://stocksnap.io/author/directmedia Working and Social Security Benefits Most people are not aware of the Social Security earnings test, or income limits, if they claim benefits while still working prior to reaching their Full Retirement Age (FRA) [FRA is THE MONTH & YEAR you are eligible for 100% benefits. Before FRA, benefits are reduced. After FRA, benefits […]
1-minute video: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement
Please enjoy this 1-minute video (for those receiving this by email: please click on the blog title line above to view). When it comes to retirement, most people have as their fundamental goal to maintain their lifestyle, or what I call their Standard of Individual Living (SOIL). But, just what is your lifestyle today? How […]
HSAs, Medicare, and Social Security
Who doesn’t love their HSA? Contributions are made with nontaxed money, investments build up free from current income tax, and distributions are tax free if spent on qualified medical expenses. As a savings vehicle they can’t be beat. In fact, savvy investors use these accounts primarily as a savings vehicle rather than the purpose for […]
1-minute video: When is the Best Time to Retire?
Please enjoy this 1-minute video (for those receiving this by email: please click on the blog title line above to view). Imagine what it is like flying to the moon. The moon is right there, you just fly to it! Right? Except, where the moon is now, is NOT where it will be when you […]
A Bank Statement Approach to Budgeting – but NOT used like you’d think!
Please note: The purpose of this simple exercise is to get the BIG PICTURE about your lifestyle and the total amount you spend … in the first place! Go from general impressions of your lifestyle to informed insights via the easy exercise explained below. This exercise simply keeps you from getting lost or confused by […]
1-minute video: What Is Your Money Purpose?
Please enjoy this 1-minute video (for those receiving this by email: please click on the blog title line above to view). This video explains a simple exercise to help women, and men, focus on what’s important to them. Once you know what you want to focus on, it is easier to have money purpose too. […]
Appealing the IRMAA (What’s that? Ans: Higher Medicare Part B & D premiums)
How do you appeal the Medicare Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA? Amid the long checklist of things you must do at retirement, this can easily be overlooked, causing you to pay more in Medicare premiums than you need to. The IRMAA was first enacted in 2003 as a provision of the Medicare Modernization Act […]
1-Minute Video: How Women Work With Financial Advisors
Please enjoy this 1-minute video (for those receiving this by email: please click on the blog title line above to view). My years of experience has shown me that women often make better decisions about money than men. Women and men do think differently about money. That’s a good thing! It means more than one […]
What should you ask yourself before you retire?
Dad and child People think about retirement differently. Some think about the financial side of retirement. Others don’t, and just jump in. Either way is okay. Beyond the money, the first question below, what else is there to consider … to be able to say … are you ready? Here are some points summarized in […]