Planning

2024 Year-End Financial Planning Checklist

2024 is almost in the books. Below are 12 financial planning ideas to consider before year-end....

4 Creative Ways For Retirees To Responsively Leave A Legacy

Help your families—and change the world—by including legacy planning in your retirement plan....

Hidden Flaws That Frequently Mess Up Estate Plans

Many people believe they have solid estate plans but really are putting their legacies at risk because of some very common oversights....

2024 Year-End Investment Checklist

Investors can create a well-structured plan to help achieve their financial goals before year-end. Check out these six investment planning ideas to consider....

Alert: Mutual Of Omaha And Clear Spring Are Dropping Part D Drug Plans

Mutual of Omaha and Clear Spring have decided to leave the Medicare Part D drug plan market. Thousands of people could end up with no coverage....

A Fun Way To Help Your Retirement Over The Holidays

You’ll gain helpful insights to plan your retirement by asking retired relatives and friends thought-provoking questions during the holidays about their life in retirement....

What Not to Do When Planning Your Retirement

Committing any of these four common mistakes can set you back in your golden years. Here's how to increase your chances of a successful retirement....

GreenPath 401k Debuts as ‘First Fully Vetted and Transparent’ Retirement Plan for Legal Cannabis Industry

Green Leaf Business Solutions taps First Citizens Bank as Custodian to bring top-tier 401(k)…...

Corporate Roundup: Fiserv and ADP Partnership, NAGDCA Offers Governmental DC Plans Guide

The latest news from Fiserv, ADP, NAGDCA, T. Rowe Price, and more...

12 Year-End Tax Planning Strategies to Keep More 2024 Money and Prepare for Future Wealth

These 12 year-end tax tips for retirement will help you minimize your 2024 taxes and reduce future tax bills. The post 12 Year-End Tax Planning Strategies to Keep More 2024 Money and Prepare for Futur...

The Bucket Planning Strategy: Your Key to a Reliable Retirement Plan

How can you do more of what you enjoy in retirement? Start by creating a plan. Watch a free clip from the “Retirement Ready: Building Your Financial Plan” online […] The post The Bu...

Retirement planning by the hour or fee based investing?

Hi. We're about five years out from retirement. Want to safeguard our nest egg while maximizing any possible returns. Most of it is in pre-tax IRAs. Financial advisor proposes one of two ways to move ...

Hiring a financial planner for a CD ladder

One of the concerns for a good financial plan is immediacy of money. The guy I'm talking with has a money market type bucket for money that is readily available (no charge for this service). A second ...

Smart Borrowing: How Flexible Credit Lines Can Support Your Financial Independence

Achieving financial independence requires strategic planning and smart decision-making, especially when it comes to borrowing. Unlike traditional loans, flexible credit lines offer a dynamic approach ...

Thrift Savings Plan Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025

Thrift Savings Plan contribution limits are rising to $23,500 in 2025 from $23,000 in 2024. Plus, new catch-up limits for people 60-63....

A Simple Plan to Fix Social Security? Be Suspicious, Very Suspicious

This proposal would undermine support for the program and delay a real solution. My clever friend, and occasional co-author, Andrew Biggs is up to mischief again. He and his lawyer co-author Kristin S...

A Plan for Reliable Lifetime Income Using Bucket and Income Floor Strategies

This is a deep dive into developing a retirement income plan using the concepts of an income floor and a three bucket plan comes from Glen Nakamoto, a long time user of the Boldin Planner. Here is Nak...

For a More Secure Retirement, Build in Some 'Safe Money'

To solidify your retirement plan, write it down, reduce your market risk and allocate more safe money into your plan for income....

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Yay Or Nay?

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows a drug plan enrollee to spread their prescription drug costs out over the year....

Why Most People Still Plan To Take Social Security Early

Despite knowing that they're giving up higher income, many pre-retirees plan to claim Social Security benefits before full retirement age....

The C.S. Lewis Quote That Could Transform Your Financial Future

You can't change the beginning of the story in your financial plan—but you can change the ending....

Estate Planning: How Does the Basis Step-Up Rule Work?

The step-up in basis, one of the most powerful tools in estate and tax planning, can make a huge difference in capital gains taxes owed....

The 4% Rule: Clearing Up Misconceptions With Its Creator Bill Bengen

I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Bengen, creator of the “4% Rule” for retirement planning. Bill has been a reader of Financial Samurai for many years and has always been courteous ...

How to Create a Retirement Income Plan to Cover Caregiver Costs

Getting all of your assets to work together is key to having enough retirement income to pay for caregivers and other long-term care needs....

Retirement Plan Participants Want More in Digital Experiences

Still, a Corporate Insight report finds that 87% of plan participants are “somewhat…...

Plan For Retirement Beyond Your Go-Go Years

With long retirements, you’ll need to plan ahead for multiple phases of life that come with different needs and interests....

From Soldier to Financial Planner: Jim’s Journey to Inspiring Others

In a world where financial stability often feels elusive, Jim’s journey from military service to financial planning offers a unique perspective on discipline, planning, and the importance of a [...

How to Plan for Retirement When Only One Spouse Works

When you're married but only one spouse works, leaving retirement planning to the working partner puts financial security at risk. A joint effort is vital....

Why Do Workers Yearn for Defined Benefit Plans?

A closer look at the Boeing negotiations only makes the question more puzzling. Boeing workers recently accepted the company’s third offer. The agreement does not include reopening the Boeing de...

Time for Some Fall Financial Maintenance: Here's a Checklist

As you rake the leaves and clean the gutters, you should also consider tackling seven key year-end planning chores....

How Women Can Navigate Competing Priorities as They Age

It takes planning and some frank conversations, but women can aim for a happy and financially secure retirement while supporting loved ones. Here's how....

Looking for a great retirement option that is affordable!

I'm 59 and my retirement savings situation is not great. I'm single, female, and live in Texas. I do own a home right now, I have about $140k in equity. I am still working full-time and I'm planning t...

Trump Presidency: Yes, Estate Planning Is Still Important

President Trump might extend the bonus estate tax exemption or even repeal the estate tax. But estate planning remains important, just different....

Want Your Kids to Inherit? You Need an Asset Protection Plan

You've worked hard for your wealth. Don't let it fall into the wrong hands. Consider prenups, trusts and other protections to safeguard your family legacy....

The Election is Over: Should You Think Any Differently About Your Retirement Plans?

President Trump's reelection likely means major policy shifts. Here are 5 considerations for preparing your retirement plans for these changes. The post The Election is Over: Should You Think Any Diff...

Looking for thoughts on how you developed interests while planning retirement.

Thoughts on developing interests after retirement I’m not retired, but working hard to be. My wife and I are currently 55 and m looking at 4-6 more years. I have a retirement planning notebook w...

Financial Planning Through Changing Presidencies: My Journey

With Donald Trump set to become the 47th President of the United States, it’s natural to wonder what this new administration could mean for your finances. For most people under 30, a change in l...

457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025

There are higher 457 plan contribution limits for state and local government workers in 2025 than in 2024....

Are You an Estate Planning Procrastinator? Where to Start

Quit putting it off, because it's vital for you and your heirs. From wills and trusts to executors and taxes, here are some essential points to keep in mind....

Planning for 2025's tax brackets and retirement rules

The adjustments reflect how inflation is slowing down and upcoming changes to the rules based on the Secure 2.0 Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act....