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Claiming Social Security at the Right Time Could Change Your Retirement
For many retirees, Social Security isn’t just a monthly deposit—it’s the foundation of their entire retirement income. But choosing when to claim it isn’t as simple as picking a birthday and signing paperwork. It’s a decision with lifelong consequences. Claim too early, and you could lock in thousands less per[...]
Understanding the Tax Treatment of Life Insurance in Retirement
When people think about retirement planning, they often focus on IRAs, 401(k)s, and investment portfolios. But for many retirees, life insurance can play a strategic role, especially when it comes to navigating taxes. Whether you're considering a new policy, already own one, or are weighing options for estate planning, it's[...]
4 Key Birthday Milestones in Retirement—and What They Mean for Your Financial Strategy
Birthdays in retirement aren’t just a reason to celebrate—they’re also checkpoints that can unlock new financial opportunities (or trigger important deadlines). From Social Security eligibility to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), several key ages mark turning points in your retirement journey. Here are four birthday milestones every retiree should know—and what[...]
Does Retirement Have to Happen All at Once?
Imagine transitioning into retirement not as a sudden leap but as a gradual, comfortable glide. This approach, known as phased retirement, is gaining popularity. It allows people like you to reduce working hours over time, allowing a smoother shift from full-time employment to full-time retirement... and it even has financial[...]
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Price of Panic
Navigating Retirement Planning Through Volatility

Staying invested during times of crisis is critical to long-term financial success, but it can be challenging to maintain perspective when markets are volatile and negative news is constant. Emotional reactions like shifting to cash investments may feel safer in the short term, but they can undermine the long-term growth essential for reaching your financial goals.
Federal Employee’s Guide to Retirement
A Foundation For Your Retirement Life

Your financial strategy is the foundation of your retirement life. However, it can be difficult and complex to keep up with the changing financial landscapes, laws, and regulations, especially if you’ve been a federal employee and have worked for the government throughout your career.


Why 59 1/2 is an Important Age
Prepare for 59 1/2

You’re nearing your 60th birthday, which doesn’t seem as significant a milestone as the moon landing or important birthdays like 16, but that’s where you’re wrong! Turning 59 ½ is almost as exciting as when you turned 16 and could drive because at 59 ½ you can withdraw from your retirement accounts without incurring a penalty. Hopefully you’ve been taking advantage of the ability to contribute extra money to your retirement accounts since you turned 50. You’re also nearing the age at which you’re eligible for Social Security benefits and Medicare. Keep reading to learn about your retirement options and how you can successfully transition into retirement.
A Short Introduction to Long-Term Care
Your Guide to Long-Term Care

If you know someone who takes care of their parents or if you’ve done it yourself, you know how stressful it can be. Now, think about a time when you might need that same care. Even if your family members are nearby and can help you around the house as you get older, they might not be able to provide you with all the care you need. That’s why having a long-term care strategy can help give you and your family peace of mind and help lessen the burden of an unexpected expense.


Social Security Guide
Optimizing Social Security In Today’s World

Social Security planning is one of the most important elements in any retirement plan, but getting the most from your Social Security benefit can also feel complex and frustrating. In our guide, “Optimizing Your Social Security in Today’s World,” you’ll uncover practical tips and easy-to-understand steps to get the most out of your Social Security benefits.
Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement
Your Guide to Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement

If you’re preparing for retirement or looking for more financial stability, you’ve likely thought about how your retirement savings can be used smartly to cover your costs and maintain your lifestyle. It’s normal to fear running out of money in retirement, given that you are done with your working life and are turning to your own source of savings and wealth for your financial security. But there are ways you can replace that steady paycheck that used to be the bedrock of your financial life by applying your savings to certain income-focused financial strategies.

Your Guide to Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement
Your numbers can help determine next steps
Personal Planning Services we always plan by the numbers. The calculators below are a great tool to begin a conversation about where you are today and where you want to be in the future.