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The 6 Financial Stages of Retirement

The 6 Financial Stages of Retirement

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–Retirement is classically divided into three stages based on the activity level of the retiree: The go-go years The slow-go years The no-go years Financially speaking, people tend to spend more during the go-go years (often on travel) […]

The White Coat Investor
Improving The Scalability Of Flat-Fee Models To Capture The ‘Whole Value’ Of Advice

Improving The Scalability Of Flat-Fee Models To Capture The ‘Whole Value’ Of Advice

Over the decades, the work that financial advisors do has changed considerably &ndash; from product sales to investment management to more ‘holistic’ financial advice and behavioral coaching. As the advisor’s offerings have shifted, so too have their fee models: product sales have evolved towards an assets under management (AUM) model. Some of today’s advisors, facing […]

Michael Kitces
Jerry Seinfeld’s Evergreen Career Advice

Jerry Seinfeld’s Evergreen Career Advice

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. A lot of people are worried about the impact of artificial intelligence For good reason. Here’s something Bill Gates said this week: “In private, people who understand how good this stuff is, and how much better it’s getting, they’re very worried,” he said. But […]

Ben Carlson
Facing RMDs in Retirement? 2 Key Moves to Reduce Your Financial Stress.

Facing RMDs in Retirement? 2 Key Moves to Reduce Your Financial Stress.

Key Points Required minimum distributions (RMDs) apply to non-Roth retirement accounts. Failing to take RMDs could leave you facing steep penalties, but there’s a way around that. RMDs could drive up your taxes, but one strategy could minimize the sting. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There’s a reason people are […]

The Motley Fool
The Retirement Risk Most Investors Overlook Could Leave You With Too Much

The Retirement Risk Most Investors Overlook Could Leave You With Too Much

Key Points The goal of building a retirement nest egg is to use those saving to support spending in retirement. Some savers never manage to shake the habit of saving, which could be bad for them and even their heirs. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › How much is enough? That’s […]

The Motley Fool
3 Social Security Rules Too Many Retirees Don’t Know About

3 Social Security Rules Too Many Retirees Don’t Know About

Key Points Not knowing the ins and outs of Social Security could cost you. Make sure you understand what happens if you work while collecting benefits. Know what happens if you file for benefits too early or claim spousal benefits too late. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If there’s one […]

The Motley Fool
My Favorite Mutual Fund

My Favorite Mutual Fund

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–I confess that I play favorites. Back in 2005, when I finally started figuring out what the heck I was doing with my four-figure investment portfolio, the first mutual fund I ever purchased without the “assistance” of a […]

The White Coat Investor
Social Security’s Trump Bump-Led 2027 COLA Is Set to Make History 3 Different Ways

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Led 2027 COLA Is Set to Make History 3 Different Ways

Key Points One of the most anticipated days of the year for Social Security’s more than 71 million traditional beneficiaries — the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal — is rapidly approaching. Two of President Trump’s policies are directly affecting consumer prices and influencing next year’s Social Security COLA estimates. In addition to traditional beneficiaries receiving one […]

The Motley Fool
I Have a 650 Credit Score. Can I Still Get a Balance Transfer Card?

I Have a 650 Credit Score. Can I Still Get a Balance Transfer Card?

Image source: Getty Images Short answer: yes, you can, but it’s harder than it should be, and it’s not a sure thing. A 650 credit score sits in what lenders call the “fair” credit range. Most balance transfer cards are built for people in the next range up, good to excellent credit, which usually starts […]

The Motley Fool
If You Haven’t Done This Calculation, You’re Not Ready to Claim Social Security

If You Haven’t Done This Calculation, You’re Not Ready to Claim Social Security

Key Points Social Security may be your only guaranteed income source for life in retirement. Before filing for benefits, make sure you know what your spending needs entail. That could help you avoid a decision you regret. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Retirement is a period of life that requires […]

The Motley Fool
Here’s the Maximum Social Security Increase You Could Get From a 3.6% 2027 COLA

Here’s the Maximum Social Security Increase You Could Get From a 3.6% 2027 COLA

Key Points The maximum 2027 Social Security benefit increase will be $187, assuming a 3.6% COLA. The average benefit increase will be closer to $75 per month. We should learn the official 2027 COLA on Oct. 14, 2026. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › The 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) […]

The Motley Fool
Struggling to Cover Your Costs in Retirement? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself.

Struggling to Cover Your Costs in Retirement? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself.

Key Points If money has been getting increasing tight in retirement, it’s time to take action. That could mean returning to part-time work. It could also mean making strategic housing and healthcare decisions. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re having a hard time paying your bills in retirement, you’re […]

The Motley Fool
These 2 Expenses Might Eat Up More of Your 2027 Social Security COLA Than Expected

These 2 Expenses Might Eat Up More of Your 2027 Social Security COLA Than Expected

Key Points Medicare Part B premiums and Social Security benefit taxes might consume some or all of your COLA. We will learn the 2027 Medicare Part B premium increase later this year. You could owe ordinary income taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits in 2027. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]

The Motley Fool