Retirement planning does not have to feel like a giant spreadsheet that bites back. For most families, the real goal is simpler: know what you have, know what you need, and make a plan that lets you sleep a little easier at night. A lot of folks put off retirement planning because it sounds bigger and more complicated than it really is. But the truth is, retirement planning is mostly about answering a few plain-English questions: How much money will come in? How much will go out? And how do you make those two things play nicely together for the long haul?
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Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your friends up to date on everything from finance to health care. We strive to help you make the most informed financial decisions to help you achieve financial success, so you can enjoy everything life has to offer. That's what our blog is for!
Financial Planning for Retirement: A Friendly Guide for People 50 and Older
National surveys keep finding the same thing: a lot of people are unsure if they’re on track for retirement. In recent Federal Reserve reports on household well‑being, only about one‑third of non‑retirees say their retirement savings are on track, even though most retirees say they’re doing at least “okay” financially. That gap between “I hope we’ll be okay” and “I know the numbers” is where a simple retirement plan can make a big difference.
Health: The Most Underrated Investment You’ll Ever Make
If someone offered you an investment that improved your energy, lowered your stress, boosted your confidence, reduced future costs, and made your retirement years way more enjoyable… you’d at least hear them out, right? Good news: that investment exists. Bad news: it doesn’t come with a ticker symbol. It’s your health. Health is one of the most talked-about things in the world—and somehow still one of the most overlooked when it comes to long-term planning. We talk about eating better “someday.” Exercising more “after things slow down.” Managing stress “once life settles.” (Spoiler alert: life does not settle. It just changes outfits.)
Tax Notes
This year, the official start date for filing 2021 income tax returns was Jan. 24, and the season ends on April 18 for most filers. According to the IRS, the typical period for refunds is three weeks or less. Be aware that you can speed up the process by filing electronically and submitting your direct deposit information.
The 2022 Economy: Reasons To Be Positive
Year-end brought a resurgence of COVID-19 panic, led by the onset of the omicron variant in the United States. Families and friends met in large gatherings during the holiday season, the weather got cooler — sending people indoors — and hospitals became overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases.
The Business of Influencing
For centuries there have been leaders in government, companies, churches, and local communities that influence people through their opinions. Then advertisers took advantage of this phenomenon to influence consumers with print advertisements and commercials.
This is Your Brain on Technology
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that the company is rebranding as “Meta.” The initiative is designed to focus the company’s vision on virtual reality (VR) in the future, through what Zuckerberg refers to as the “metaverse.”
U.S. Health Care in a Post-COVID Era
As many workers returned to their offices this fall, employers took on much of the expense of paying for weekly COVID testing, as well as insurance coverage and paid leave for sick and quarantined workers. These extra expenses may well lead to higher insurance premiums for everyone.

Top 10 Actions When Preparing For Retirement
Planning for retirement income may seem like a daunting task, but can help you get a handle on preparing for your financial future.
Retirement Planning Made Simple: A Friendly Guide to What Matters Most
Retirement planning does not have to feel like a giant spreadsheet that bites back. For most families, the real goal is simpler: know what you have, know what you need, and make a plan that lets you sleep a little easier at night. A lot of folks put off retirement planning because it sounds bigger and more complicated than it really is. But the truth is, retirement planning is mostly about answering a few plain-English questions: How much money will come in? How much will go out? And how do you make those two things play nicely together for the long haul?
What Retirement Means for Men and Women
In general, retirement rates have increased during the pandemic. Before COVID-19, the retired population grew by about 1 million retirees per year. But during 2020 and 2021, 3.5 million more people retired
COVID, Life and Insurance
By mid-January 2022, the United States had recorded more than 865,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19. Once the vaccine was available in early 2021, life insurance companies expected COVID-related deaths to decline.
Replenish Emergency Funds
Americans have largely been on one of two tracks since the beginning of the pandemic: Those who suffered income and net worth losses and those who gained wealth. A good example of this was the result of relief checks mailed out by the federal government.
Tax Notes
This year, the official start date for filing 2021 income tax returns was Jan. 24, and the season ends on April 18 for most filers. According to the IRS, the typical period for refunds is three weeks or less. Be aware that you can speed up the process by filing electronically and submitting your direct deposit information.
The 2022 Economy: Reasons To Be Positive
Year-end brought a resurgence of COVID-19 panic, led by the onset of the omicron variant in the United States. Families and friends met in large gatherings during the holiday season, the weather got cooler — sending people indoors — and hospitals became overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases.
Retirement Planning Made Simple: A Friendly Guide to What Matters Most
Retirement planning does not have to feel like a giant spreadsheet that bites back. For most families, the real goal is simpler: know what you have, know what you need, and make a plan that lets you sleep a little easier at night. A lot of folks put off retirement planning because it sounds bigger and more complicated than it really is. But the truth is, retirement planning is mostly about answering a few plain-English questions: How much money will come in? How much will go out? And how do you make those two things play nicely together for the long haul?
What’s Up With Real Estate?
The U.S. housing market is still suffering from low inventory: too few houses available for the numbers of home-seeking buyers. Naturally, the capitalist principals of supply and demand kick in, meaning that prices inevitably rise when there are too few products available to purchase.
What Retirement Means for Men and Women
In general, retirement rates have increased during the pandemic. Before COVID-19, the retired population grew by about 1 million retirees per year. But during 2020 and 2021, 3.5 million more people retired
COVID, Life and Insurance
By mid-January 2022, the United States had recorded more than 865,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19. Once the vaccine was available in early 2021, life insurance companies expected COVID-related deaths to decline.
Replenish Emergency Funds
Americans have largely been on one of two tracks since the beginning of the pandemic: Those who suffered income and net worth losses and those who gained wealth. A good example of this was the result of relief checks mailed out by the federal government.
Tax Notes
This year, the official start date for filing 2021 income tax returns was Jan. 24, and the season ends on April 18 for most filers. According to the IRS, the typical period for refunds is three weeks or less. Be aware that you can speed up the process by filing electronically and submitting your direct deposit information.
