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Hidden Retirement Costs—What You Don’t Plan for Can Impact Your Finances
What exactly are “hidden costs” in retirement? Hidden costs are the expenses that don’t make it into your retirement spreadsheet—but still show up in real life. They include things like rising healthcare bills, inflation, home repairs, and financial support for family. While not necessarily “surprise” expenses, they’re often underestimated or[...]
Why the Federal Reserve Works, And What It Means for Your Retirement
The Federal Reserve may seem distant or complicated, but its decisions ripple through everything from interest rates to inflation, and that may affect your retirement directly. Let’s explore why the Fed works, why its independence matters, and what that means for your financial stability in retirement. What exactly is the[...]
“I Think I Have Enough Saved—Why Am I Still Worried?”
You’ve worked hard and saved diligently, and now you're in retirement or on the doorstep of it. You’ve run the numbers. You might even have a sizable nest egg. So why do you still feel uneasy? That lingering anxiety is more common than you think, even among those who appear[...]
Follow the Bond Market to Better Understand Your Finances
On May 16, 2025, Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing concerns over the nation's rising debt and interest payment burdens. This move follows similar downgrades by S&P in 2011 and Fitch in 2023, marking the first time all three major credit agencies have rated[...]
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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.




