Jacob Schroeder
Jacob Schroeder is a financial writer covering topics related to personal finance and retirement. Over the course of a decade in the financial services industry, he has written materials to educate people on saving, investing and life in retirement. With the love of telling a good story, his work has appeared in publications including Yahoo Finance, Wealth Management magazine, The Detroit News and, as a short-story writer, various literary journals. He is also the creator of the finance newsletter The Root of All (https://rootofall.substack.com/), exploring how money shapes the world around us. Drawing from research and personal experiences, he relates lessons that readers can apply to make more informed financial decisions and live happier lives.
Latest articles by Jacob Schroeder
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The Rule of 55 in a 401(k): One Way to Fund Early RetirementThe Rule of 55 lets you access your 401(k) retirement funds early. When paired with other strategies, it could help you kiss the office goodbye.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Rich but Restless: Why $5M Isn’t Buying Retirement ConfidenceI took a deep dive into what actually builds retirement confidence. The answers had less to do with the amount saved than I expected.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Why I’m 'Phone-Proofing' My Life Before I RetireOlder adults spend more time on screens than any other age group — and retirement may not change that. Here's how to reduce screen time and enjoy a fuller life.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The 80% Rule of RetirementThe 80% rule promises a comfortable lifestyle in retirement. Does it deliver, or should it go the way of paper checks and landline phones?
By Jacob Schroeder
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The Kevin Bacon Rule of RetirementThe Kevin Bacon rule is an ideal test of your happiness in retirement, because Six Degrees is "a beautiful concept that we should try to live by."
By Jacob Schroeder
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Early Retirement Withdrawal Strategies for the Long HaulYour early retirement withdrawal plan can make or break your FIRE strategy. Think beyond financial independence to how you will maintain a stable portfolio.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Take a Sabbatical Over Early Retirement for a Cheaper ResetA sabbatical can help you get over burnout, explore a new career or hobby and won't break your retirement if done right.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The Y Rule of Retirement: Why Men Need to Plan DifferentlyIf you have a Y chromosome (because you're a guy), following the 'Y rule of retirement' can help you transition to this new life stage with grace.
By Jacob Schroeder
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9 Habits for a Happy Retirementhappy retirement A long and happy retirement takes more than just money. Here are nine things happy retirees do — besides dutifully saving the money they’ll need to quit the 9-to-5 grind.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Things to Do When Retired and Boredhappy retirement Here are 14 ways to prepare now for retirement so that you’ll be happy, active, fulfilled and never, ever bored.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The 'Rule of Four Futures' in RetirementThe "Rule of Four Futures" plans for the retirement you expect — and the ones you don’t.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Retirement Mistakes My Boomer Parents Made That I'll AvoidWe inherit many traits from our parents, but these retirement mistakes don’t have to be among them. Gen Xers and Millennials can thrive in retirement.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Suddenly, Everyone's a 'Founder' on LinkedIn: Should You Join Them?Here's how to manage your own consultancy or startup while protecting your retirement wealth.
By Jacob Schroeder
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5 New Retirement Rules Taking Effect in 2026Sponsored by American National
Retirement planning in 2026 comes with new contribution limits, tax breaks and health care changes. Here's what savers and retirees need to know.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The '120 Minus You Rule' of RetirementThe '120 Minus You Rule' updates an older retirement rule, with a twist. Here's a better way to construct your retirement portfolio.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The Rule of Retirement InversionThe rule of retirement inversion says that to have a great retirement, you must ask yourself what would ruin a great retirement — and then plan to avoid it.
By Jacob Schroeder
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Find Joy and Meaning When You Want to Retire — But Can’t YetFor Gen X, delaying retirement can be an opportunity to pilot-test your second act, plan for your inheritance and structure trusts for your kids.
By Jacob Schroeder
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I Thought My Retirement Was Set — Until I Answered These 3 QuestionsI'm a retirement writer. Three deceptively simple questions helped me focus my retirement and life priorities.
By Jacob Schroeder
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How to Retire at 40: Build the FIRE NowIt's not easy, but you may be able to retire by 40 or 45 if you take these FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) steps now.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The Rule of 1,000 Hours in RetirementFor retirees, the rule of 1,000 hours brings intention and clarity to your day. Because time is the most valuable thing you can spend.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The Retirement Rule of $1 MoreThe Rule of $1 More explains how to plan for critical retirement thresholds. "You don't want to step off a cliff just because of $1 more."
By Jacob Schroeder
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The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' — A Retirement RuleThe '8-Year Rule of Social Security' holds that it's best to be like Ike — Eisenhower, that is. The five-star general knew a thing or two about good timing.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The Rule of 240 Paychecks in RetirementThe Rule of 240 Paychecks can help you plan for a lifetime of withdrawals. Because, like any good boss, you need to pay yourself wisely.
By Jacob Schroeder
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The 'Yes, And ...' Rule for RetirementRetirement rarely follows the script, which is why the best retirees learn to improvise.
By Jacob Schroeder
