Retirement Planning

Alright, let's talk retirement savings. You're likely here because you're wondering, maybe even worrying, if you're actually putting away enough. It’s the question I heard constantly over 25 years of advising real people. Engineers, teachers, small business owners. They’d used generic online calculators, got a big confusing number, and...

Look, if you've been with Publix for a while, you probably own a decent chunk of stock. That's great, it shows you believed in the company and stuck around. But here's the thing: having too much of your net worth in any single stock is risky as hell for...

Is starting the biggest hurdle keeping you from a secure retirement? Forget generic advice. Let's get specific. I've helped thousands just like you take their first Roth IRA step in 2026. And it's often the start of a major financial shift. Ready to learn how to open a Roth...

Finding your old 401k accounts can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But locating those lost funds is crucial for your retirement planning. As a financial advisor, I've helped many clients in this exact situation. The good news? New tools like Beagle 401k Finder make tracking...

The average 403(b) balance hit $125,400 in Q2 2025—up 8.7% in one quarter. That's what compounding does when you're contributing consistently. But most educators and nonprofit workers don't realize a 5% increase in contributions over 30 years can add $600,000+ to their retirement balance. The 2026 contribution limit jumped...

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is not just an IRS rule; it's a critical annual event that can either silently erode your retirement savings through hidden taxes or, with the right strategy, become a powerful tool for financial efficiency. For most retirees, it's a source of anxiety. For the...

Imagine inheriting a substantial IRA from a loved one, only to face unexpected tax bills that erode your newfound wealth. In 2026, navigating the maze of Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules is more critical than ever. With recent changes under the SECURE Act and IRS updates, making a...

Imagine reaching age 73 and having the flexibility to keep your money growing tax-deferred, instead of the IRS forcing you to withdraw it. That's the powerful and often misunderstood advantage of a non-qualified annuity. Which is why people keep asking; are non-qualified annuities subject to required minimum distributions? As a financial...

Does your spouse stay home to raise the kids or manage the household? Did they take a career break for school, or do they work part-time with a low income? If so, you're likely facing one of the most common retirement planning anxieties I saw in my 30-year career:  How...

Imagine you've spent decades carefully saving for retirement. Your nest egg is ready. But then, a not-so-welcome surprise arrives: your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The IRS is knocking, and you’re asking the right question: "Is my RMD considered earned income?" The short answer is no: a Required Minimum Distribution...