[FOX 5 WAGA] Interest Rate Hike – A Balancing Act

[FOX 5 WAGA] Interest Rate Hike – A Balancing Act This week the Fed raised interest rates again, for the fourth time this year, in an effort to cool off record-high inflation. Is it going to work? I spoke with Good Day Atlanta’s Dana Fowle FOX 5 yesterday about what’s going on with the economy […]

[Senior Planet from AARP] Money: Best Online Finance Sites

Who can you TRUST to give you the best retirement planning information possible? There are several resources to turn to for advice. Here are some of the sites I personally use and recommend…

[Forbes Advisor] Guide To 403(b) Roth Conversions

Most investors can benefit from using an incremental Roth conversion strategy for 403(b) plans. That way, you only convert what you can afford to pay taxes on each year. You don’t want your Roth conversion to cost more than it has to.

[Bankrate] Pros and Cons of Hiring a Financial Advisor

Looking for a financial advisor? This Bankrate article I recently contributed to has got you covered with a list of pros and cons to consider before making your hiring decision. From personalized guidance to high fees, read up on what to expect before handing over your money.

[FA Magazine] Financial Planning For Couples Who Totally Disagree

“For richer, for poorer” sounds good in wedding vows, yet it doesn’t even touch on the many financial problems American couples face today. And every financial professional I know has had to deal with couples who simply aren’t on the same page financially.

How do you, the trusted financial advisor, handle a situation like that? Here are a few recommendations that could help…

[US News and World Report] Should You Consult a CFP or CPA to Plan for Retirement?

Have you ever wondered if there’s a difference between a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and which one you should consider working with to help you plan for retirement?

This US News and World Report article provides an in-depth discussion about their different areas of specialization and how they can work together in a complimentary manner as part of your retirement planning team.

[CNET] How Young Retirees Sidestep Early 401(k) Withdrawal Penalties

Want to retire early? A Roth conversion ladder allows you to sidestep the hefty early withdrawal fees that come with 401(k)s and other retirement accounts.

[Forbes Advisor] What Is A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)?

Since there aren’t many do-overs when it comes to your retirement income, the most important thing is that you are confident that your financial advisor has the training and skills to help you maximize your income while reducing your tax liability so you have enough money in the decades following your retirement.

If you’re within 10 years of retiring, you’ll benefit most from working with an RICP. The earlier you engage an RICP inside that window, the better.

Not sure if you should change advisors? This article in Forbes Advisor details the differences between CFPs, CRPCs and RICPs and how they can help you make sure your hard-earned savings last as long as you do.

[Senior Planet from AARP] Year-End Tax Strategies

There have been quite a few recent changes to tax laws that have had a big impact on retirees, and even more are coming down the pike.

I KNOW this is busy time of the year for everyone! Regardless, you have got to make an appointment with your accountant and financial planner before the end of the year to make sure you’re taking advantage of the best year-end tax strategies for your situation — now and in the future.

Here are five solid tax considerations for seniors and retirees…

[Marketwatch] COVID-19 Hit Retirees Hard – 6 Ways To Recover Financially

COVID-19 hit retirees especially hard. 2022 created a perfect storm — rising interest rates, assets dropping with the market and increasing inflation.

That generated a lot of negative emotions like anxiety and fear for many people — especially retirees, many of whom were forced to retiree before they were ready, and those who depend on Social Security for the majority of their income. But there are ways to move out of this time.

One of the most important things you can do right now is get a strategy in place for the next downturn. That way, the next time something happens with the market or in the world, you’ll be in the best position possible to survive it.

This MarketWatch article covers a few more things you can do to better prepare yourself for the next time things go sideways…