Retirement

One of the defining challenges of our time is the growing problem of economic inequality in the United States. In 2021, the top ten percent of Americans held nearly 70 percent of U.S. wealth, up from about 61 percent in 1989. The share held by the next 40 percent dropped correspondingly over that period, while

“I know what the numbers say,” more than one client has told me after looking at a positive statistical analysis suggesting they’ll not likely run out of money, “but I just don’t know how to be comfortable spending in retirement.” And who could blame them? Half of the financial world focuses on how woefully underprepared

An estate plan can be too detailed or rigid. When that happens there’s a good chance at least some of it won’t be followed. That’s especially true when assets are left in a trust or to charity. A good example is the continuing saga of the Barnes Foundation. Albert Barnes was a chemist and business

A new open enrollment period for Medicare is about to begin, and Americans 65 and older will be making or reconsidering one of their most important decisions. Open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. It’s important to ignore all the Medicare ads delivered through television and the mail during the period. Establish a

Most people think you only talk with a financial advisor about money. However, there is another thing that you should discuss. Your health should equally be addressed and considered when planning for retirement. If you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy your money, you probably aren’t living your dream retirement. To be even more blunt, if

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease. We read about it, we fear the disease and we still avoid discussing it with aging loved ones. It’s not just our elders who fear delving into the subject of possible dementia. It’s us, too, the adult

If you’re currently in your 60s or early 70s, there’s a good chance you’ll need to generate retirement income for 20 to 30 years. If you take care of your health and have above average income and educational attainment, you could easily live into your 90s or even reach age 100. As a result, it’s

Perhaps you are part of a family that includes siblings in conflict. Maybe there are some in your family who have been estranged for a long time. These issues may have existed unchanged for years until their aging parents’ situation reaches a crisis point. Rather quickly, siblings or others are forced to communicate about what

Most people with significant assets in IRAs and 401(k)s let Congress and the IRS determine their spending and distribution strategies. That’s a big mistake that can cost them and their families quite a bit of money. Most people don’t begin taking money out of their qualified retirement accounts until the required minimum distribution rules say

It could be argued that it is easier to prepare for retirement if you don’t have children. Think about all the extra time you have to advance your career and, assumedly, make more money over time while avoiding the astronomical cost of raising children. However, these benefits may run out as we age. Not having