Personal Finance

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Important Ages on the Retirement Planning Timeline

Retirement planning is one of those things you have to get right. It can make all the difference between the retirement you’ve dreamed of and one that doesn’t even come close. As part of the planning process, there are certain times and events you need to be aware of, usually expressed in terms of age. So, here are important mile [...]

By |2026-04-20T09:22:39-04:00April 20th, 2026|Financial Planning, Retirement Planning|

End of Life Documents

Remember that old adage, nothing is certain except death and taxes. Well, no matter your belief structure, or whether you’re reluctant to admit your own mortality, it’s a fact that none of us will live forever. And since no one knows if their demise will happen quickly or be proceeded by a lengthy illness, it’s good to make plans ahead [...]

By |2026-04-15T11:56:52-04:00April 15th, 2026|Aging Parents, Estate Planning, Financial Planning|

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Social Security Income?

Every tax season, the same question arises from Americans receiving Social Security. “Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security benefit?” The next question is a logical progression. “How much?” It’s based on an IRS formula for combined income.   Combined income = Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) + nontaxable interest + ½ of Social Security benefits.   Once [...]

By |2026-04-13T01:54:49-04:00April 13th, 2026|Financial Planning, Social Security, Taxes|

What To Do If You Put Too Much Into Your IRA

According to the Tax Policy Center, nearly 65 million taxpayers own individual retirement accounts, which include traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP IRAs) and Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE IRAs). The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute each year. Go over the limit, and you face a 6% excess contribution penalty. Fortunately, [...]

By |2026-04-08T12:27:03-04:00April 8th, 2026|Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Taxes|

Health Savings Accounts as a Retirement Planning Tool

A really long time ago… in a galaxy far, far away… I worked for a building contractor. That experience taught me that every successful building project requires the right tools. And sometimes a project turns out just a little bit better because of a specialty tool, one with specific characteristics not found in any other tool at your disposal. The [...]

By |2026-04-06T09:36:43-04:00April 6th, 2026|Financial Planning, Retirement Planning|

What Happens to Your Debts When You Die?

Someone close to you dies and you are now the executor of the estate. You’ve never been in this position before and if you’re like many of my clients who have been faced with settling an estate, you’re a little panicked by the whole prospect—you’re staring into the great unknown with no idea of what it all entails.   One [...]

By |2026-03-30T07:46:37-04:00March 30th, 2026|Aging Parents, Estate Planning, Financial Planning|
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