We project the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits next year under different scenarios. Retirees are better off with a lower COLA.
Two Fundamental Drivers of Financial Success in Retirement
Keep your eyes on these two fundamental drivers that determine the financial success of your retirement. Don’t get distracted by the optimization tactics.
Fidelity Retirement Planning Tool: High-Level Model, Not Tactical
Fidelity’s retirement planning tool shows how much leeway you have and what moves the needle. It isn’t designed to give year-by-year tactical guidance.
A Large Margin of Safety Reduces Stress and Need for Precision
You don’t have to be precise when you have a large margin of safety. It reduces stress and it makes your solution more robust against adverse conditions.
Relocating for Retirement: Buy or Rent – Old Rules and New Rules
Some of the old rules for buying versus renting when you’re relocating are either outdated or don’t apply to everyone. Here are some new rules.
See Your Social Security Benefits Estimate In an Interactive Chart
Social Security Administration added an interactive chart in the online account but a third-party tool still does a much better job.
401k vs Pension: How To Get As Much From a 401k As a Pension
Next time you hear “people used to have a pension,” think “people used to save 15-20% of their pay.” Nothing stops you from doing so today, unless you don’t want to.
Positive Cash Flow: An Open Secret In Early Retirement
Having both current income and an investment portfolio makes you financially more secure. That’s the smart way to do FIRE.
Can 401k and IRA Contribution Limits Go Down If We Have Deflation?
401k and IRA contribution limits are adjusted for both inflation and deflation. If we have bad enough deflation, the limits can go lower.
Who’s Leaving 401k Match On the Table?
While everyone says get the 401k match, lower income employees end up losing out in a system against them.
Pension Choices: Lump Sum, Single Life Or Joint & Survivor
How do you decide which payment option is the best for your pension? A lump sum, lifetime monthly payments, or a joint & survivor pension?
Retiring Early: Effect On Social Security Benefits
Retiring early means lower average earnings for calculating Social Security benefits. However, once you reach the second bend point, you aren’t losing much. I show you how to see when you will reach the second bend point.