Tag: Retirement Planning
The Retirement Success Equation
The age-old question of whether $1 million is enough for retirement continues to spark debate, but the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s time to move beyond general guidelines and focus on a more personalized approach.
Snowbirding or Settling: Which is Right for You?
Longing to trade snow boots for flip-flops? You’re not alone. Many people dream of escaping winter’s grip, and two enticing options exist: becoming a snowbird or permanently relocating to a sunnier climate.
3 Traps to Avoid as We Enter 2025
As we step into 2025, navigating the unpredictable currents of change will be inevitable. From geopolitical shifts to market surprises, the past year reaffirmed that uncertainty is the only constant. Here are three critical investing traps to avoid in the year ahead.
Your New Year Financial Checklist
Whether you’re working or retired, Q1 is the perfect time to revisit your financial goals. Are you on track for retirement, saving for a major purchase, or adjusting to changes in your lifestyle? Reviewing and updating your goals can help you make informed decisions about your spending, savings, and investments.
What Are My Social Security Benefits as a Widow/Widower? | Ask a Savant Financial Advisor
Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and difficult experience. During this challenging time, financial security may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, Social Security survivor benefits can offer some much-needed stability as you navigate this new normal.
10 Tax-Free Ways to Get Cash Without Tapping Your Retirement Savings
Discover 10 tax-free alternatives to withdrawing from your retirement accounts, including using your HSA, exploring margin loans, and leveraging home equity.
Retirement Planning Strategies for Educators and State Workers in Bloomington
Retirement planning for educators and state workers in Bloomington, IL. Optimize pensions, Social Security, and taxes with a trusted fiduciary advisor.
4 Ways to Turn Your Retirement from Surviving to Thriving
Reaching a financial milestone is a significant achievement. But what comes next? How do you transition from a focus on accumulation to a strategy for maximizing your wealth and enjoying life to the fullest? Let’s explore the possibilities.
Rethinking Retirement: Moving Past the 4% Rule
In 1994, financial advisor William Bengen introduced the “4% rule,” a retirement planning guideline suggesting retirees can withdraw 4% of their savings annually. While foundational, evolving financial landscapes and the rule’s limitations highlight the importance of personalization, flexibility, and regular reassessment when crafting sustainable retirement strategies.
Can My Ex Take My 401(k) in a Divorce? | Ask a Savant Financial Advisor
Few things turn a retirement plan upside down more than a divorce. You may be worried you will have to abandon your retirement plan if your 401K is divided in a divorce, and you very well may be right.
The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee
Life often feels overwhelming, especially during the holiday season. But a simple story about a jar, golf balls, and coffee offers powerful insight: focus on what truly matters. Prioritize the essentials, cherish connections, and always make space for moments of joy.
5 Tax Implications of the Snowbird Lifestyle
Are you tired of shivering during the cold winter months? Maybe you’re ready to join the leagues of retirees who migrate to a warmer climate when the first frost occurs each year.