Should You Claim Social Security Early and Invest It?
You're approaching age 62. While you've heard the warnings about how claiming Social Security right away can reduce your checks, you also don't want to wait too long and potentially...
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? Not Necessarily.
There are certain broad pieces of financial advice you'll see often. Aim to save 10 times your salary before your career comes to an end. Withdraw from your retirement savings...
6 Ways You Could Lose Social Security Spousal Benefits
If you receive Social Security spousal benefits, that money is probably important to you. And like all financial matters, the more you know, the better you can plan for whatever...
Not Sure What to Do With Your Tax Refund? Here Are 3 Great Options.
Next to avoiding legal trouble with the IRS, a tax refund is the best part of filing taxes for most people. The average refund is $2,476, as of Feb. 13,...
Here’s How Far $1 Million Will Go in Retirement
For years, $1 million in retirement savings was the benchmark everyone aimed for. Hitting the seven-figure mark was a sign that you'd made it and were finally ready to step...
Social Security’s 2026 COLA Will Probably Fail Retirees. Here’s Why
When the Social Security Administration announced last year that benefits would be getting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, in 2026, many recipients were happy. After all, last year's COLA...
Retirees Are Discovering Modesto as a Surprisingly Affordable Way to Live the California Lifestyle
As you think about and plan for retirement, you might be daydreaming about relocating to a different region. There are many lists of the best places to live and the...
The New Senior Tax Deduction: The Good, The Bad, and The Reality Explained
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced a particularly interesting change for Americans 65 and older: a new, temporary tax deduction. Beginning this tax season, individuals age 65+...
When I Turn 65, I Really Want to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan, but Here’s Why I Won’t
Healthcare is costly, and as we age, we may need more of it. So it's vital to make good decisions regarding healthcare as we approach and enter retirement. One critical...
Think You’re Snagging a 401(k) Match? Here’s Why You May Not Get It
There are certain pitfalls to saving for retirement in a 401(k), like limited investment choices and, in some cases, costly administrative fees. But there's also a major benefit to participating...
3 Great Reasons to Opt Out of Your Company’s 401(k) This Year
There's a reason 401(k) plans tend to be a well-liked retirement savings tool. With a 401(k), your contributions are taken as automatic payroll deductions. This means you don't have to...
Medicare Beneficiaries on These 10 Medications Could Save a Ton in 2026
Even with a Medicare Part D plan, prescription drug costs can take a toll on seniors' finances, especially those living on a fixed income. Fortunately for some, the government has...
Don’t Let RMDs Wreck Your Retirement: 2 Strategies for Minimizing the Pain
Saving for retirement in a traditional IRA or 401(k) can seem like a good idea at the time you're doing it. And if you're a higher earner in a higher...
Sacramento Could Be the “Sweet Spot” Retirement City California Buyers Haven’t Noticed Yet
Many people, as they approach retirement, think about moving to a new location. California is often top-of-mind, with cities such as San Diego popular candidates. Here's another major California city...
Do You Have Retirement Savings You Don’t Even Know About?
I don't know how much you have in retirement savings, but I'm almost certain it's less than you'd like. Sometimes that's because you weren't able to start saving as early...
The 401(k) Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make in 2026
Does your employer offer a 401(k) plan? If so, congratulations! Only a little more than half of the United States' private sector workers have access to any sort of workplace...
This “Easy” Retirement Savings Move Could Prove Costly
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming. You're trying to guess how much money you need for an uncertain future, and then you have to make room for savings in your budget....
This Move Could Be the Secret to Saving Your Retirement Portfolio in a Market Crash
There's a reason so many people are scared to invest their retirement savings. The stock market has a long history of being volatile. And it's a highly unpleasant thing to...