Retirement Savings and Investments
Backdoor Roth, Mega Backdoor Roth & Your IRMAA/ACA Costs
Two CFP® professionals answer real questions on Roth conversion timing, the pro rata rule, and avoiding surprise Medicare or ACA costs.
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Retirement Savings and Investments
84% of Retirees Take Only the RMD Minimum. Here’s When That’s Smart.
J.P. Morgan research found 84% of retirees never draw more than the RMD minimum. Here’s how to tell if that’s the right move for you.
Retirement Planning
Consumption Smoothing: Definition, Theory and Examples
Consumption smoothing is how you keep your standard of living stable across a lifetime of income changes, career shifts, and retirement.
Retirement Savings and Investments
A Trump Account Can Leave Your Kid With Less Than a Brokerage Account
Beyond the free $1,000, funding a Trump Account can leave your child with less post-tax than a brokerage account, unless you get the Roth conversion right.
Retirement Savings and Investments
A Guide to Managing Sudden Wealth: Key Financial Considerations
Inheriting money? Won the lottery? Here is what you need to know for long-term financial security after experiencing a sudden wealth event.
Retirement Savings and Investments
What Buying a House for Your Child Costs Your Retirement
A $150,000 gift can cost $360,000 in retirement terms. Here’s the opportunity cost math, gift tax rules, and four ways to structure the help.
Retirement Savings and Investments
S&P 500 Dividend Yield Is 1%: How to Plan Retirement Income
A 1% S&P 500 dividend yield leaves an income gap in retirement. An income floor can bridge it, and a Treasury ladder can help build it.
Retirement Savings and Investments
What’s a Safe Withdrawal Rate in 2026? Morningstar Weighs In
Morningstar puts the safe withdrawal rate at 3.9%, but flexible strategies can push it to 5.7%. Seven takeaways and what they mean for you.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Vanguard Target Retirement Lifetime Income: What It Can and Can’t Do for You
Vanguard’s new target-date trusts put guaranteed income inside your 401(k). But a floor isn’t a plan. Here’s what the product can’t tell you.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Balanced Funds: Are They a Good Choice in Retirement?
Balanced funds simplify investing while you’re saving. But proportional withdrawals can limit flexibility in retirement when it matters most.
Retirement Planning
Dave Ramsey Retirement Calculator: Test His Numbers Free
Run the Dave Ramsey retirement calculator math at his 11% return and a lower one, then see what his 8% withdrawal rule means for your target.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Early Retirement Withdrawals: How to Avoid the 10% Penalty
Five penalty-free ways to tap your 401(k) or IRA before 59½. How SEPP, Rule of 55, Roth withdrawals, and two more actually work.
Retirement Planning
2026 Catch-Up Contribution Limits: 401(k) and IRA
After 50, you can contribute up to $32,500 to a 401(k) and $8,600 to an IRA in 2026. Here’s how catch-up limits work at every age.
Retirement Savings and Investments
What Rate of Return Should You Use for Retirement Planning? Here’s the Range.
Use 6–8% while you’re saving for retirement, 5–6% while you’re withdrawing. The right rate depends on your asset mix and timeline.
Retirement Savings and Investments
CalSavers: What California Workers and Employers Need to Know
Learn how CalSavers applies to California workers and employers, including automatic Roth IRA enrollment, payroll deductions, and benefits.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Retirement Account Contribution Order: How to Get More From Every Dollar
The contribution order for retirement accounts can affect how much your money compounds tax-free. Here’s how to prioritize for tax efficiency.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Emotional Intelligence and Money: Are You an Emotionally Intelligent Investor?
Money is not all about numbers and analysis. Emotions can help and hurt your financial security. Learn how to be an emotionally intelligent investor.
Retirement Savings and Investments
401(k) Calculator: See Your Balance at Retirement
See your projected 401(k) balance in seconds, employer match included, using 2026 contribution limits. Free calculator, no email required.
Retirement Savings and Investments
James Choi’s Formula: How Much Should You Invest in Stocks?
James Choi’s investing model suggests your stock allocation should depend on income, savings, and future earnings, not just age.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Mutual Fund Fees Explained: Hidden Costs & What to Avoid
Hidden mutual fund fees can cost you thousands over time. Learn every expense ratio, sales load, and 12b-1 fee, and how to minimize them.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Roth 401k Limits for 2026: Contribution and Catch-Up Rules
The 2026 Roth 401k limit is $24,500, plus catch-up at 50 and up, with no income limit. See who has to put catch-up contributions in Roth this year.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Find a Lost 401(k) for Free: National Registry, DOL Database & More
31.9 million forgotten 401(k)s hold an estimated $2.1 trillion. Search the National Registry, DOL database, PBGC, and more for free.
Retirement Savings and Investments
10 Questions to Ask Yourself During Market Volatility
When markets feel uncertain, asking the right questions matters. These 10 questions can help you review your financial plan and make smarter decisions during vo…
Retirement Savings and Investments
The One Chart to Review Every Time the Markets Get Unsteady
Review the long term trajectory of the S&P 500, see how long historic recoveries have taken, and learn how to protect your financial security.
