- Breaking Down Inflation Under Trump vs. Biden
Inflation trends during the Trump and Biden administrations unfolded against markedly different economic conditions. In Trump’s first term, inflation stayed relatively subdued and often below the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, supported by stable supply chains and lower energy costs. Inflation accelerated significantly beginning in 2021 under Biden, driven by pandemic-related supply disruptions, expansive fiscal stimulus… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 66?
Social Security is a key source of income for millions of retirees. And knowing what the average Social Security check looks like at age 66 can help you plan more effectively. For those born before 1960, their full retirement age (FRA) is between 66 and 67. While those born after 1960 have an FRA of… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 65?
For many Americans, Social Security is a foundational source of income in retirement. And knowing how much you can expect to receive, such as what the average Social Security check is at age 65, can help you plan ahead. It’s also important to note that claiming Social Security at 65 or earlier will result in… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 64?
Knowing what the average Social Security check is at age 64 can help you decide when to retire and create a plan for your income in retirement. Collecting Social Security at 64 does mean you’re claiming benefits before your full retirement age (FRA), which still means a permanent reduction to your monthly benefit. But if… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 63?
Social Security is a key source of income for many retirees. With that in mind, it’s useful to know what the average Social Security check may be at age 63 so you can better plan for retirement. It’s also important to understand that while you can begin collecting Social Security as early as 62, claiming… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 70?
For many Americans, Social Security represents a significant part of their average retirement income. By age 70, most people have either already claimed their benefits or are about to. If you’ve waited until now to claim, you’ll receive the maximum possible monthly benefit thanks to delayed retirement credits. Regardless of when you claimed, knowing what… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 67?
Planning for retirement means figuring out how much income you’ll have. And for many Americans, Social Security is a big part of that. Your monthly benefit at full retirement age (67) depends on your work and earnings history. A financial advisor help you determine when to start and build a retirement plan that fits your… read more…
- What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 62?
Social Security benefits are a key part of retirement income for many people. You can start collecting as early as age 62, but doing so will lower your monthly payment for life. It’s important to know how early retirement affects your benefit and what the average payout is at 62 before deciding when to start.… read more…
- Is Your Pension Considered Earned Income? Tax Planning Rules
When it comes to tax planning rules, many retirees often ask one question in particular: is a pension considered earned income? The short answer is no—pension income is generally not classified as earned income for tax purposes. Unlike wages, salaries, tips and self-employment earnings, which qualify as earned income, pensions fall into the category of… read more…
- HSA vs. Roth IRA: Pros and Cons for Retirement
The comparison between HSA vs. Roth IRA for retirement planning isn’t about choosing one over the other. Rather, it’s about understanding how each might fit into your comprehensive financial plan. Your health needs, current tax situation and retirement timeline are all relevant in determining the optimal strategy. As healthcare costs continue to rise and represent… read more…
- What Is a Miller Trust and How Does It Work?
For individuals who require long-term care but earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid, a type of trust called a Miller Trust can help bridge the gap. Sometimes called a qualified income trust (QIT), this type of trust allows individuals to meet Medicaid’s income requirements while still using their funds to cover care-related expenses.… read more…
- Is Trump Going to Raise the Retirement Age?
President Donald Trump has not publicly endorsed increasing the Social Security retirement age, but recent remarks from administration officials have raised questions about whether the policy could be considered as part of future reforms. In September 2025, Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano stated that “everything’s being considered” when asked about the possibility of raising the… read more…
- How to Convert a 529 Plan to a Roth IRA
A new opportunity has emerged for families with leftover college savings: converting 529 plan funds to a Roth IRA. Previously, withdrawing 529 funds for non-educational expenses meant facing income tax and a 10% penalty on earnings, creating a dilemma for families whose children received scholarships or chose not to attend college. But thanks to the… read more…
- Can You Stop Social Security Benefits and Restart Later?
Deciding whether to stop Social Security and restart it later depends on your age and how long you have been receiving benefits. If you have been on Social Security for less than 12 months, you can apply to withdraw your application. This will essentially erase the claim. For those who have reached full retirement age… read more…
- Cross-Border Retirement Planning: What You Need to Know
Cross-border retirement planning can introduce unique financial questions for those living, working or retiring across more than one country. Tax rules, pension portability, healthcare access and currency risk can all affect retirement income and expenses. Planning ahead can help you account for differences in tax treaties, investment regulations and residency requirements. Whether you are moving… read more…
- What’s the Ideal Age to Retire for Longevity?
Retirement isn’t just a financial milestone, it can also shape how long and how well you live. While many people focus on reaching a specific age to stop working, the timing of retirement can influence everything from stress levels to social connections and daily habits. Understanding how retirement age impacts longevity can help you make… read more…
- 401(k) Asset Allocation By Age: Examples and Charts
Your 401(k) might be one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth, but how you invest it matters just as much as how much you contribute. The right asset allocation at 25 looks very different from the right mix at 55 or 65. As your time horizon and risk tolerance change, your portfolio… read more…
- 401(k) Millionaires by Age Group
Becoming a 401(k) millionaire represents a significant milestone in retirement planning. According to recent data, the average age at which individuals attain this status is 59 years old, typically after 26 years of consistent contributions to their retirement plans. The length of time typically required to become a 401(k) millionaire underscores the importance of long-term… read more…
- What’s Considered an “Aggressive” 401(k) Strategy?
An aggressive 401(k) strategy typically involves allocating a larger share of retirement contributions to stocks, particularly those with higher growth potential. This approach aims to maximize long-term returns by accepting greater short-term volatility. It’s often favored by younger investors who have more time to recover from market downturns. Asset choices might include small-cap funds, emerging… read more…
- Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA Without Having Earned Income?
You generally need earned income—such as wages, tips, or self-employment income—to contribute to a Roth IRA, since these accounts are meant to support retirement savings from active work. If you don’t have earned income, you typically can’t contribute directly, though exceptions like spousal IRAs or indirect strategies may offer alternatives. A financial advisor can help… read more…
- Do You Pay Taxes on 457(b) Withdrawals After Age 70?
If you are approaching retirement and have savings in a 457(b) retirement plan, you might wonder which taxes you’ll pay on withdrawals after age 70. This is important when it comes to retirement planning. Otherwise, it could be hard to accurately estimate your future income and tax liabilities. While 457(b) plans offer unique benefits when… read more…
- Employee Deferral vs. Roth Deferral
If you have to choose between a traditional or Roth deferral, you will have to decide whether it’s better to get a tax break now or in retirement. A traditional deferral lowers your taxable income today, while a Roth deferral offers tax-free withdrawals later. A financial advisor can work with you to determine which is… read more…
- What Is the RMD for a 401(K) If You Still Work?
Retirement accounts like 401(k)s come with specific withdrawal rules. One of the most important is the required minimum distribution (RMD), which determines when you must begin taking money out. But if you’re still working when you reach RMD age, the rules can be different. Whether or not you have to take an RMD from your… read more…
- We Will Make $360k Combined This Year. Can We Use a Backdoor Roth Strategy to Reduce Our Taxes?
A backdoor Roth can sometimes be a good idea. The government puts income limits on who can contribute to a Roth IRA portfolio. In 2025, these limits are set at $165,000 for single filers, and $246,000 for joint filers. If you’re above this cap, you cannot contribute money to a Roth IRA. However, there is… read more…
- What Are the Distribution Rules for Inherited IRAs?
When you inherit an individual retirement account (IRA), it comes with a set of rules that dictate how and when you must take distributions. Knowing which rules apply to you can help you avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties. It can also help ensure that you make the most of your inheritance. The IRS has specific… read more…