Latest articles by Tony Drake, CFP®, Investment Advisor Representative
-
SECURE 2.0 Act’s Automatic Enrollment Provision: Pros and Cons
The new legislation requires employers to automatically enroll employees in retirement plans like 401(k)s. What are the benefits and drawbacks?
-
Inflation Getting You Down? 3 Simple Tips to Navigate the Anxiety
From being strategic about spending (make a grocery list!) to delaying Social Security benefits, you can mitigate inflation’s impact on your retirement.
-
4 Steps to Take if You Lose Your Job Near Retirement
Being let go from a job later in life can lead to financial disaster, but there are some things you can do to help lessen the damage.
-
What to Look for in a Financial Adviser
We all want to reach retirement age confident we have the means to live a comfortable and enjoyable life, and choosing a financial adviser is one of our most critical decisions.
-
3 Key Ways You Can Help a Child or Grandchild Pay for College
college Options such as 529 plans, education savings accounts and tax-free gifts can ensure you don’t carry a child’s student loan debt into your golden years.
-
What Rising Interest Rates Mean for You
interest rates With inflation continuing to grow, the Federal Reserve’s battle against it isn’t ending anytime soon. This means higher interest rates making it harder for families and businesses to borrow money. Balancing inflation and interest rates is a complex issue, and it has a big influence on your wallet.
-
Is A Recession Looming? Why History Says We Shouldn’t Panic
investing From rising interest rates to battle growing inflation and supply chain issues that don’t show any hint of resolving, warning signs of a recession are becoming hard to ignore. Despite the state of our current economy, there are many reasons not to panic about a possible recession.
-
Retirement Comfort: How to Avoid Running Out of Money
retirement planning When it comes to retirement planning, one thing all of us worry about is whether we will have enough money to last. Financial professionals can help you plan for retirement now and ensure your money lasts through your golden years.
-
Education is Key: 3 Financial Lessons for Retirees Nearing Retirement
retirement planning When it comes to retirement planning, educating yourself can keep you from making big mistakes. Here are three key lessons that everyone preparing for their golden years should know.
-
3 Strategies to Help You Plan a Successful Semi-Retirement
retirement If you’re ready to retire but don’t want to leave the workforce entirely, semi-retirement might be a good option for you. Before you take the leap, there are strategies that can help you navigate this lifestyle.
-
Inflation Continues to Rise: How to Navigate the Uncertainty
retirement Inflation is at a 40-year high. For those nearing or in retirement, it could pack a painful punch, but there are things you can do now to address inflation and make sure you don’t run out of money in your golden years.
-
The 4 Phases of Retirement
retirement Retirement means more than no longer working 9 to 5. There are four phases of retirement, and you should be prepared for each one.
-
The Big Financial Stories of 2021 and What to Expect in 2022
retirement planning There were a lot of big financial stories in 2021, especially as the economy tried to rebound amid the pandemic. As we head into the new year, there are some significant financial changes everyone should keep an eye out for.
-
3 Questions to Ask Before You Take a Pension
retirement planning As retirement approaches and you must decide whether to take pension payments or a lump sum, the first very important question to ask is this: How safe is my company’s pension plan?
-
Estate Planning During a Pandemic – Quit Stalling
estate planning The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t going away anytime soon. This global health crisis has proved especially dangerous for older Americans, a stark reminder to ensure your affairs are in order. Here is an overview of what you need to cover.
-
How to Prepare for Early Retirement
retirement planning COVID-19 has forced us to look closely at many areas of our life, including our plan for retirement. As this pandemic continues with new variants of the Coronavirus, some people nearing retirement are looking at this time of uncertainty as an opportunity to leave the workforce.
-
Taking Stock of Your Finances at the Halfway Point of 2021
retirement planning Believe it or not, we’re more than halfway through 2021. It’s the perfect time to revisit your financial goals. Are you on track?
-
Scam Alert: 4 Types of Fraud That Target the Elderly (and How to Beat Them)
Scams Scams target people of all ages, but the most vulnerable tend to be older adults — and the money they lose can have a big impact on their retirement. According to the National Council on Aging, seniors lose an estimated $3 billion each year to financial scams!
-
3 Money ‘Musts’ for Every One of Us, Inspired by Financial Literacy Month
personal finance Now more than ever, those preparing for retirement need to understand their finances and the impact their decisions have on their financial future. Here are three money rules we all should be living by. Are you?
-
Turning 60? Ask Yourself These 4 Important Questions
retirement planning Retirement is an exciting milestone, and planning becomes even more crucial once you get within a few years of saying goodbye to your career. As we turn 60 and inch closer to retirement, there are important questions to answer.
-
5 Strategies for Tax Planning Now and in Retirement
tax planning Tax planning is one of the best things you can do to keep more money in your pocket in retirement. There are specific things to consider when planning for your taxes in the future.
-
How to Address Retirees’ No. 1 Concern
retirement planning It’s a top worry for people nearing retirement: the fear of running out of money. By preparing for retirement with an income plan, you can feel confident in your golden years.
-
Mark Your Calendar: 6 Birthdays to Know for Retirement
retirement planning There are important milestone ages to note before and throughout retirement. Mark these birthdays on your calendar to boost your retirement income and avoid unnecessary penalties.
-
Money Can’t Buy Happiness: 4 Secrets to a Happy Retirement
happy retirement You know the saying: Money can’t buy happiness. While that may be true, there is one thing you can do financially to impact your happiness in retirement, and that’s proper planning.
