This is a true story involving someone I care about. Certain details have been changed or intentionally left vague to protect their privacy. She was sharp. Independent. Organized. The kind of person who knew where every bill was, managed her own finances, and took pride in not needing help. That’s why it worked. The call […]
Why Smart, Independent People Get Scammed Read More »
There’s a part of retirement planning that no spreadsheet can fix, and it’s probably the biggest challenge people face. It isn’t investment strategy or tax planning or market volatility. The real hurdle is simple. You’ve spent forty years saving. Now you’re supposed to turn around and start spending. The Challenge of Uncomfortable Emotions People picture
The Biggest Challenge in Retirement: When Saving Becomes the Problem Read More »
Like many of you, I have been a victim of procrastination…ok, obviously victim is not the right word. Though typically my procrastination is not financial procrastination, on occasion that type sneaks into my personal life too. There have been times where I have struggled to prioritize my time appropriately. I have been guilty of putting
Financial Procrastination: Tips to Help You Break Free Read More »
I still remember the first time I decided to tithe. I was in college, making just over minimum wage, paying for school myself, and—no surprise here—living with a negative net worth. At the time, the idea of giving 10% sounded like something people with real jobs did. I was just trying to buy gas and
The Return on Giving Read More »
When I started out in financial services, I worked nearly a decade as a captive agent for the Knights of Columbus. That meant I represented only their products — fixed life insurance and annuities. Today, at QED Wealth Solutions, I work independently as a financial planner. Insurance is still part of the work I do,
Captive vs. Independent: What I Learned From My Time on Each Side Read More »
Even the thought of retirement can be exhilarating. Knowing you’ll soon have the time freedom to do what you want, when you want, is enough to get even the most unimaginative person dreaming about the adventures, hobbies, and moments they’ve long put off. But along with the excitement comes some uncertainty. It’s hard to predict
What I Wish Every New Retiree Knew (Before they retired) Read More »
Just how “big” and “beautiful” are these BBB changes for retirees? When Congress names a bill the “Big Beautiful Bill,” you know two things right off the bat: As a financial planner, I’ve had a steady stream of people asking, “So is this actually good news for retirees, or just political fireworks with a fancy
BBB & You: Big Beautiful Bill and What it means Read More »
If you’re like most people nearing retirement, you probably think the hard part is behind you. You worked hard, saved consistently, and now you’re looking forward to slowing down and enjoying what you’ve built. Cue the hammock, the coffee mug that says “World’s Okayest Golfer,” and maybe a national park or two. But hidden inside
The Retirement Tax Time Bomb (and How to Diffuse It) Read More »
I recently had a client summarize retirement planning better than I ever could:“So basically… as long as I have more coming in than going out, I should be good?” Exactly! Income > Expenses = Freedom The math isn’t complicated. If your income is consistently greater than your expenses, then you’re not dependent on a paycheck
The Simple Retirement Formula You’ve Been Searching for Read More »
Retirement should be the reward for a lifetime of hard work—a time to enjoy life without the stress of a paycheck. But for many retirees, financial missteps turn what should be their golden years into a period of stress and uncertainty. Consider this: A study from the Center for Retirement Research found that nearly half
The 7 Biggest Financial Mistakes Retirees Make (and How to Avoid Them) Read More »