Discover the Best Insights for Every Stage of Retirement

Your Guide to Happy, Healthy Pets

Your Guide to Happy, Healthy Pets...

Everything You Need to Know

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True Finance Review 2024: Is True Finance Trustworthy?

True Finance is a trusted cash advance app offering up to $100 interest-free, plus tools like credit monitoring, identity protection, and income opportunities. Learn how True Finance provides a low-co...

The 4% rule vs RMD requirements ?

I typed some semi-realistic numbers into RMD calculator. It seemed like the withdrawal amount was way way more than what my 4% would be in that same year of retirement. Is the RMD close to the same ea...

Has anyone worked longer, like an extra year, to give your earnings away?

So my wife and me (late 50s) are in good shape financially and health-wise and we have the ability to retire comfortably at 62 or 63. I have a job I like that pays quite well. We have some rental inco...

Six Missteps to Avoid as You Transition to Retirement

Don't lose sight of your finances when you finally reach retirement. These six classic missteps can chip away at the nest egg you’ve worked so hard to build....

Your Life Can’t Wait! Learn To Decumulate.

As you approach retirement, an accumulation mindset will not be ideal once you’re on the other side of full-time work. It's critical that you understand decumulation....

Concert and movie clubs - great deal in retirement?

I just caught a show at a fantastic small venue less than a mile from me. The venue is really eclectic - they host jazz, crossover country, rock tribute bands, comedy, you name it. They have a “...

Home maintenance in retirement, is a Home Warranty a good investment or scam

I have been retired for a year and my wife will be retiring soon. We own our small home (1100sq/ft) and do what ever maintenance our selfs. But we don't do our own, plumbing, electrical or roofing etc...

Help me understand the 4% rule. Doesn't it assume I don't make money?

Yes, I understand that things can go bad. But over the long run investors haven't lost money for decades. IDK, I can get a 12% long term bond for 7 years. Put 1/2 my money there, that covers the 4% fo...

Smart Borrowing: How Flexible Credit Lines Can Support Your Financial Independence

Achieving financial independence requires strategic planning and smart decision-making, especially when it comes to borrowing. Unlike traditional loans, flexible credit lines offer a dynamic approach ...

Scared To Spend? (You’re Not Alone)

It’s hard to spend money in retirement. I get it. I’ve been there. That paycheck has stopped, inflation is rampant, and you’re afraid your money may run out before you […] The...

How to Apply for Social Security

There are two ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits....

Thrift Savings Plan Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025

Thrift Savings Plan contribution limits are rising to $23,500 in 2025 from $23,000 in 2024. Plus, new catch-up limits for people 60-63....

A Simple Plan to Fix Social Security? Be Suspicious, Very Suspicious

This proposal would undermine support for the program and delay a real solution. My clever friend, and occasional co-author, Andrew Biggs is up to mischief again. He and his lawyer co-author Kristin S...

Ask an advisor: How can I Trump-proof my finances?

Not every investor is expecting a Trump boom. Some expect a crash. How should they adjust their finances — if at all?...

401(k) fees are lower but still hard to understand. Planners can help

A government watchdog reports that Labor Department regulations haven't made much of an impact on the levels of disclosure and comprehension....

'FIRE' ETFs catering to retire-early strivers make their debut

Two new ETFs, the FIRE Funds Wealth Builder ETF (FIRS) and FIRE Funds Income Target ETF (FIRI), cater to the growing FIRE movement....

A Plan for Reliable Lifetime Income Using Bucket and Income Floor Strategies

This is a deep dive into developing a retirement income plan using the concepts of an income floor and a three bucket plan comes from Glen Nakamoto, a long time user of the Boldin Planner. Here is Nak...

Think Abundance and Be Grateful: The Secret Mindsets for Building Wealth

Feeling grateful creates a sense of abundance and that has powerful wealth building powers. Learn how. The post Think Abundance and Be Grateful: The Secret Mindsets for Building Wealth appeared first ...

How To Have Difficult Conversations With Stubborn Aging Parents

Maybe you’ve been meaning to talk with them for future planning. Resistance gets in the way. Consider these tips to get the difficult conversation going....

Medicare Premiums For 2025 Rise 5.9%, Other Out-Of-Pocket Costs Increase

Medicare Part B premiums and other costs for beneficiaries will increase in 2025....

My Workout Routine (Muscles at 50!?!!)

Some friends and readers have asked me about my workout routine. Before I begin, please note that I’m an amateur. Before you take fitness advice from a nerd on the internet who plays with plasti...

Hiring a financial planner for a CD ladder

One of the concerns for a good financial plan is immediacy of money. The guy I'm talking with has a money market type bucket for money that is readily available (no charge for this service). A second ...

To Future-Proof Retirement Security, We Need Better Strategies

With retirees living longer and the inequalities that affect women and people of color, the retirement system needs some optimization. Here’s what would help....

Return On Effort (ROE) Is Your Key To Unlocking A Better Life

If you want to optimize your life, it's essential to understand the concept of Return on Effort (ROE). The higher your ROE, the more you get out of your efforts, making it an invaluable framework for ...

A Recipe for Financial Success: It’s as Easy as Pumpkin Pie

Do you have all the ingredients and the right recipe for financial success? It needn't be complicated. In fact, it can be as easy as pie. The post A Recipe for Financial Success: It’s as Easy as...

Is Sermo Legit? Medical Surveys for Money

We’ve all seen the ads for paid surveys. They’re easy to ignore at first, but after popping up a few ... Read more...

The Things You Can’t Buy

I recently got back from a trip to Kosovo to visit my now fiancée's family (more on that in a moment). Kosovo is located in southeastern Europe in the heart of the Balkans (east of Italy across...

Beware Three Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

Crooks are perfecting Medicare Open Enrollment scams to try to steal your money or personal information....

TurboTenant Review: Simplify how you manage your rentals

Investing in rental properties is a great way to diversify your portfolio and build wealth over time. However, rental property ... Read more...

How to Make Money Fast as a Woman in 2024: Top Earning Strategies

With the rise of the gig economy, side hustles, and digital platforms, there are more ways than ever for women to make money quickly and flexibly. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income on ...

Four Ways to Maximize Your 401(k) Contributions Before the Year Ends

To maximize your 410(k) contributions in 2024, assess how much you’ve contributed so far, check your employer’s match, take a look at your budget and consider increasing how much you set a...

For a More Secure Retirement, Build in Some 'Safe Money'

To solidify your retirement plan, write it down, reduce your market risk and allocate more safe money into your plan for income....

Ex-Spousal Benefits: What ‘Independently Entitled’ Means

Social Security ex-spousal benefits are the same as current spousal benefits but the criteria to qualify is different. Learn more about it in this article....

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Yay Or Nay?

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows a drug plan enrollee to spread their prescription drug costs out over the year....

Reader Case: How Do I Get My Money Out in Retirement?

It’s been a while since I’ve done a reader case, so here goes! Who do we have in our mail bag this week? Hi FireCracker! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year. Just finished r...

Get Kanopy Streaming From a Library as a Non-Resident

Kanopy offers high quality streaming movies. Get a card from a different library as a non-resident if your public library doesn't offer it. Learn the Nuts and Bolts I put everything I use to manage my...