How is Social Security Taxed?

With tax time approaching, some of you have asked if the social security payments you receive are taxed. The answer is yes if your annual income is above a certain amount when you’re receiving those payments, and because the income threshold is relatively low, it’s...

Not enough time

We often think of retirement in terms of years, and we muse that there isn’t enough time left in our lives to do all the things we planned on doing when we no longer had to work. That same thought of ‘not enough time left’ also comes to mind when we lose some of our...

Social Security Survivor Benefits

We often get asked questions about the best time a widow or widower should collect the survivor social security benefits they become entitled to. This week’s article may help you understand the process of applying for those benefits, and to know what information you...

Feel good about entering the New Year

Over the past few weeks we’ve reviewed some things to think about regarding providing for your family’s future and protecting what you’ve worked for. As we enter the New Year, there are also strategies you can think about putting in place that will pass on your...

Taking the first step to protect yourself

The pandemic and its impact has created a lot of unexpected events, changed the markets and caused each of us to adapt. Now is a good time to review how your needs may have already changed, or how you now understand they may change in the future. To get started, ask...

Everyone shares these risks

There are some risks in life that everyone should be prepared for. The question that needs to be answered is how do you protect yourself from these risks since the impact each has on you can change throughout your life? Those risks include the following: unexpected...

Medicare won’t cover it, but something else might

I read an article that I thought to share with you as it indicates Government data shows “nearly 70% of individuals who reach age 65 will need long-term care at some point.” Further, “while the median cost of an assisted living facility was $4,300 a month as of 2020,...

The Withdrawal Rate

The author of this week’s article tells us the “so-called withdrawal rate should shrink to 3.3% from 4% according to a Morningstar report.” What does that mean? The withdrawal rate refers to how much a retiree can “safely” withdraw from their savings each year without...

The Withdrawal Rate

The author of this week’s article tells us the “so-called withdrawal rate should shrink to 3.3% from 4% according to a Morningstar report.” What does that mean? The withdrawal rate refers to how much a retiree can “safely” withdraw from their savings each year without...

Considering Both

Commentary: We have been asked a question about whether someone should choose either an annuity product or a life insurance policy. That question is a reminder that it isn’t an ‘either/or’ choice. You may want to consider both annuities and life insurance for your...