Building a Social Security Bridge
Funding life between “I quit” and age 70—without gutting your portfolio Retiring before your first Social Security check arrives can feel like stepping off a pier and waiting for the tide to rise. Each year you wait to claim your benefits can boost your payments by roughly eight percent, plus cost-of-living adjustments, until you reach […]
Can Money Buy Happiness in Retirement?
What does it really mean to live well in retirement? For many, the initial answer might sound like a checklist: enough money to travel, pay the bills, and leave a little behind. But after the novelty of leisure fades, what then? Most people focus on acquiring wealth during their working years, but few pause to […]
How to Stay Sane When the Market Goes Crazy: The Psychology of Investing in Uncertain Times
When the market takes a turn, even the most disciplined investors can feel that familiar knot in their stomach. Maybe it starts with a headline, or a quick glance at your portfolio, then suddenly, your heart rate picks up and your confidence wavers. What if this time really is different? That reaction is normal. In […]
Managing Market Volatility in Retirement: A Guide to Making Smarter Decisions
It’s no secret that market volatility has returned with a vengeance. For retirees and pre-retirees, the stakes are especially high, as sudden downturns can threaten stability and long-term plans. In uncertain times, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that doing something is better than sitting still. But without a clear strategy, emotional […]
Understanding Market Volatility: What It Means and How to Navigate It
If you’ve been feeling unsettled about the market lately, you’re not alone. Seeing your portfolio fluctuate can naturally spark anxiety, especially when you’re focused on planning for a stable retirement. However, before headlines shake your confidence, it’s helpful to understand what’s behind these ups and downs and how to respond in a way that supports […]
When a Bond Ladder Might Make Sense
Whether you’re planning to fund a short-term gap or decades of living expenses, bond laddering is a practical way to secure your financial future. It provides stability and predictability while bridging the gap until larger income sources like Social Security kick in, or to create a predictable foundation while other assets are positioned for growth. […]
How Planning Assumptions Help Build a Strategy for Financial Security
When it comes to retirement planning, the assumptions you use are like the foundation of a house—get them wrong, and everything built on top can start to wobble. It’s not the most glamorous part of the planning process, but your return assumptions, inflation estimates, and spending expectations quietly shape your retirement path. And whether you […]
The Hidden Assumptions That Could Make or Break Your Retirement Plan
Many retirees think their financial plans are solid, anchored by facts and figures. But what if those figures are based on overly optimistic or unrealistic assumptions? The fine print in your financial projections might have a bigger impact on your future than you’d expect. Behind every plan is a set of assumptions about market performance, […]
Funded Ratio vs. Monte Carlo Simulations: What’s the Best Way to Plan for Retirement?
Planning for retirement can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without knowing exactly how the pieces fit together. How much do you need to save? How can you ensure your savings last as long as you do? And what’s the best way to estimate if you’re on the right track? These are big questions […]
The Four L’s of Retirement: A Framework for Financial Confidence
Planning for retirement can often feel overwhelming. Balancing the need for financial security alongside personal goals and flexibility might seem impossible. However, with the right framework, you can create a plan that works for you now and in the future. The Four L’s of retirement planning—Longevity, Lifestyle, Legacy, and Liquidity—offer a clear and structured way […]
