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Retirement Milestone: The 401(k) Balance That Puts 65-Year-Olds Ahead of the Pack

Retirement Milestone: The 401(k) Balance That Puts 65-Year-Olds Ahead of the Pack

Key Points A 401(k) is a valuable tool for building retirement savings and, for many, their largest investment account. The average 401(k) balance differs greatly from the median balance. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › It is very hard to avoid comparing yourself to others, even though it can be harmful […]

The Motley Fool
Don’t Roth All of Your 401(k) Money

Don’t Roth All of Your 401(k) Money

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–Moderation in all things is a good way to live your life. This certainly applies to the Roth contribution/conversion dilemma, the most complicated question in personal finance and investing. Anyone who thinks this is an easy issue really […]

The White Coat Investor
What the Latest Social Security COLA Forecasts Mean for Your $2,000 Benefit in 2027

What the Latest Social Security COLA Forecasts Mean for Your $2,000 Benefit in 2027

Key Points The coming annual cost-of-living adjustment will be confirmed near the end of next month. Following last week’s release of August’s inflation data, a couple of forecasts for 2027’s COLA have recently been updated. The implied number is certainly close enough for Social Security recipients to start thinking about even before the official number […]

The Motley Fool
3 Medicare Misconceptions That Could Mess With Your Retirement Finances

3 Medicare Misconceptions That Could Mess With Your Retirement Finances

Key Points Don’t assume you won’t have to pay for Medicare. Know that the timing of your enrollment matters. Recognize that Medicare may not pay for all of the health services you need. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Once you turn 65, you may have a whole new option for […]

The Motley Fool
Managing Legacy Investments: 6 Best Practices To Reduce RIA Fiduciary And Compliance Risk

Managing Legacy Investments: 6 Best Practices To Reduce RIA Fiduciary And Compliance Risk

While financial advisors often have discretionary control over a client’s entire investment portfolio, sometimes new clients enter an advisory relationship with large, ‘legacy’ positions that they do not want (or are not able) to liquidate. For instance, the client might own a significant number of shares in a closely held business, hold a large position […]

Michael Kitces
This Trump Administration Policy Could Be a Backdoor Social Security Cut

This Trump Administration Policy Could Be a Backdoor Social Security Cut

Key Points Social Security is facing serious financial trouble in the coming years. A Trump administration policy moved up the date of trust fund depletion. The policy change could be a backdoor cut to Social Security by starving it of much-needed revenue. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security is […]

The Motley Fool
Why Are Valuations Falling in a Bull Market?

Why Are Valuations Falling in a Bull Market?

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. Some notable market moves we’ve experienced this year: Mortgage rates have gone from 6% to 7%. The 10 year Treasury yield has gone from 4% to 5%. The inflation rate was 2.4% earlier in the year. Now it’s 3.4%. Oil prices have shot up […]

Ben Carlson
Retiring With a Huge HSA Balance? Here’s an Important Rule to Know.

Retiring With a Huge HSA Balance? Here’s an Important Rule to Know.

Key Points HSAs make it easy to save for healthcare costs in a tax-friendly manner. Taking a non-medical HSA withdrawal can trigger a costly penalty. Once you reach a certain age, that penalty goes away. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re nearing retirement with a huge balance in your […]

The Motley Fool
What Was the Best Portfolio Over the Last 50 Years?

What Was the Best Portfolio Over the Last 50 Years?

By Nick Maggiulli, originally published at Of Dollars And Data. A few months ago, I analyzed U.S. stock returns over the last century. Today, I’m going to determine the best portfolio over the last 50 years among the following asset classes: U.S. Stocks International Stocks Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) U.S. Corporate Bonds 10-Year Treasury […]

Nick Maggiulli
Great News for Social Security Retirees: The 2027 COLA Will Most Likely Be the Highest in 4 Years

Great News for Social Security Retirees: The 2027 COLA Will Most Likely Be the Highest in 4 Years

Key Points Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment is determined by inflation data from July, August, and September. Retirees just received the second critical data point for the COLA. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Although inflation remains stubbornly high, Social Security retirees can take some solace in knowing they will likely […]

The Motley Fool
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts in 1 Month. Here’s Why Everyone Should Participate.

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts in 1 Month. Here’s Why Everyone Should Participate.

Key Points Medicare open enrollment starts on Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. It’s an opportunity for current enrollees to make coverage changes. Even if you’re happy with you Medicare plan, it pays to see what options you have. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › By mid-October, a lot of […]

The Motley Fool
The Biggest Social Security Mistakes Retirees Make in Their First Year

The Biggest Social Security Mistakes Retirees Make in Their First Year

Key Points Social Security benefits are an important source of income but the rules can be confusing. If you don’t understand how your benefits work, you could end up costing yourself money. This can be an especially big issue the first year if certain Social Security rules catch you off guard. The $23,760 Social Security […]

The Motley Fool
Growing Bigger For Succession And Then Intentionally Downsizing For A Simpler Lifestyle Practice: #FASuccess Ep 507 With Carolyn McClanahan

Growing Bigger For Succession And Then Intentionally Downsizing For A Simpler Lifestyle Practice: #FASuccess Ep 507 With Carolyn McClanahan

Welcome everyone! Welcome to the 507th episode of the Financial Advisor Success Podcast! My guest on today’s podcast is Carolyn McClanahan. Carolyn is the founder of Life Planning Partners, an RIA based in Jacksonville, Florida, that oversees $300 million in assets under management for 65 client households. What’s unique about Carolyn, though, is how she […]

Michael Kitces
Retirement Benchmark Revealed: Is Your 401(k) Balance Ahead of the Curve at 60?

Retirement Benchmark Revealed: Is Your 401(k) Balance Ahead of the Curve at 60?

Key Points The average is bigger than you might expect, although most people in this peer group have saved up much less than the average. The real surprise is how much less Generation X has saved in their retirement accounts outside of workplace retirement plans (compared to baby boomers). Although it’s an interesting reference point […]

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