Retirement Planning

Plan now to enjoy a stress-free retirement later

15 articlesUpdated regularly
How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings in Your 40s and 50s
Retirement Planning

How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings in Your 40s and 50s

Starting retirement savings in your 40s or 50s is feasible by leveraging peak earning years, utilizing catch-up contributions in tax-advantaged accounts, and possibly reimagining retirement with phased approaches or working longer. Prioritize getting employer 401(k) matches and maintaining a diversified investment strategy, while considering tax-efficiency and debt handling. Emphasize a personalized savings plan and start taking small actionable steps to overcome retirement anxiety and achieve financial security.

4/7/202511 min read
How to Retire Comfortably on a Modest Income
Retirement Planning

How to Retire Comfortably on a Modest Income

Retiring comfortably on a modest income is achievable by focusing on strategic saving, maximizing Social Security benefits, and utilizing tax-advantaged and low-cost investment options like target-date and Roth accounts. Key steps include contributing to any employer 401(k) matches, calculating personalized retirement needs, considering working longer if necessary, and exploring creative ways to reduce expenses such as downsizing or moving to lower-cost areas.

4/3/20258 min read
Social Security Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know
Retirement Planning

Social Security Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know

In 2025, Social Security is expected to implement a more modest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of around 2.5% compared to previous years, potentially increasing average monthly benefits by approximately $48; simultaneously, the maximum taxable earnings limit may rise to $175,000-$178,000 due to wage growth. With Medicare premiums likely increasing as well, beneficiaries should prepare for potential impacts on net benefits and adjust their financial planning accordingly, while staying informed of any future legislative changes to the Social Security system.

3/31/202510 min read
401(k) vs. Roth IRA: Which One Should You Max Out First?
Retirement Planning

401(k) vs. Roth IRA: Which One Should You Max Out First?

When considering whether to prioritize contributions to a 401(k) or a Roth IRA, start by contributing enough to your 401(k) to receive the full employer match for the immediate return, then focus on maxing out your Roth IRA to benefit from its tax-free growth and flexibility, and if possible, return to your 401(k) for additional contributions. Your decision should also consider factors such as tax implications, investment options, and your personal financial situation, including age and income expectations.

3/28/20258 min read
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: Which Is Better for You?
Retirement Planning

Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: Which Is Better for You?

Choosing between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA depends on your current and expected future tax situations, with Roth IRAs offering tax-free growth and withdrawals using after-tax contributions, while Traditional IRAs provide tax-deferred growth with initial tax deductions. Key considerations include anticipated retirement tax rates, flexibility needs, and estate planning goals, which may make tax diversification—using both types—an advantageous strategy.

3/27/20258 min read
Retirement Planning for Millennials: What to Do Now
Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning for Millennials: What to Do Now

Millennials should start retirement planning early by tackling high-interest debt, maximizing employer benefits like 401(k) matches, and choosing appropriate retirement accounts to leverage compound growth. Despite challenges such as student loan debt and uncertain social security, strategic housing decisions, income diversification, and a tailored investment strategy are key to achieving financial independence and a secure retirement.

3/21/202511 min read
Best Retirement Plans for Freelancers and Self-Employed
Retirement Planning

Best Retirement Plans for Freelancers and Self-Employed

Freelancers and self-employed individuals have several retirement plan options, including Solo 401(k)s with high contribution limits of up to $69,000 ($76,500 if age 50+) and SEP IRAs offering up to 25% of net self-employment income or a maximum of $69,000. These plans provide significant tax advantages and are vital for long-term financial security, especially since freelancers must manage retirement savings independently.

3/9/202511 min read
Top Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid After 40
Retirement Planning

Top Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid After 40

Turning 40 is a pivotal time for retirement planning, and avoiding key mistakes such as not maximizing retirement contributions, prioritizing children's education savings over retirement, neglecting asset allocation, failing to plan for healthcare costs, and making emotional investment decisions is crucial. Experts advise increasing savings to at least 15% of income, focusing on appropriate asset allocation, ensuring retirement is prioritized over college funds, planning for healthcare expenses, and staying committed to long-term investment strategies.

2/25/20255 min read
How Much Do You Really Need to Retire in 2025?
Retirement Planning

How Much Do You Really Need to Retire in 2025?

To retire in 2025, one must consider factors beyond common savings benchmarks, such as personal lifestyle choices, expected longevity, and healthcare costs. While traditional guidance like the 4% withdrawal rule remains a reference point, adjustments to personal savings and withdrawal strategies might be necessary due to longer life expectancies and market uncertainties, with a personalized plan being crucial for achieving retirement goals.

1/22/20258 min read
FIRE Movement 2025: How to Retire Early and Live Free
Retirement Planning

FIRE Movement 2025: How to Retire Early and Live Free

The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) involves aggressively saving and investing to retire early and live off investment returns, with strategies like Traditional FIRE, Fat FIRE, Lean FIRE, Coast FIRE, and Barista FIRE gaining traction in 2025. Key developments include earlier access to retirement funds, evolving work dynamics, and reconsiderations of withdrawal rates due to inflation, while strategies include calculating a personalized FIRE number, maximizing savings, optimizing investment in low-cost index funds, and considering geographic arbitrage to achieve financial freedom.

1/2/20255 min read