If you’re retired—or planning to retire soon—you’ve probably seen the headlines about the 2026 Social Security COLA and the Medicare Part B premium increase. You might even be trying to figure out what your real monthly increase will look like after everything is deducted.
If you’re planning for retirement, you’ve almost certainly encountered the 4% rule—the widely cited guideline suggesting you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, adjust for inflation each year after, and expect your money to last 30 years. It’s simple. It’s memorable. And for many retirees today, it’s unnecessarily restrictive—or worse, potentially risky.
If you’re retired or approaching retirement, you’ve probably seen headlines asking whether President Trump will cut Social Security benefits, raise the retirement age, or eliminate taxes on benefits.
What is FERS? Understanding the Federal Employees Retirement System If you’re a federal employee hired after December 31, 1983, you’re likely covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)—a comprehensive retirement plan designed to provide financial security through three integrated components. Unlike the older Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), FERS combines a modest pension with…
DISCLAIMER: This case study is based on a real client scenario encountered in our practice. All names, figures, and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. The results shown are specific to this hypothetical situation and should not be considered a guarantee of future performance or outcomes. Past performance, including historical market scenarios,…
Most people assume their 401(k) is protected, diversified, and grounded in long-term fundamentals. But this policy shift introduces a dangerous blind spot: complex, opaque, and often unregulated private equity products that can lock up your money, charge sky-high fees, and fail to deliver. This post explores the real risks behind this policy, the ugly truth about private equity returns, and why retirees should think twice before embracing Wall Street’s next big pitch.
“How much money do I actually need to retire—and will it last?” If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. Recent surveys show that 57% of working Americans say they’re behind on retirement savings, and among those who have saved substantial amounts, the fear of outliving their money ranks as the top concern. The brutal truth? Most retirement planning advice is dangerously outdated.
Most people think they have their Social Security strategy figured out. Wait until 70. Get the biggest check. Win at retirement. But what if that “winning” strategy is actually putting your financial future at risk? Here’s what the calculators won’t tell you: 79% of retirees claim Social Security before their full retirement age, despite endless advice to wait. Are they all making a mistake?
The headlines are everywhere: Social Security may be depleted by 2034. Politicians promise fixes. Analysts debate what’s likely. But here’s the truth: Your retirement security shouldn’t depend on Congress getting its act together.
Are you a federal employee wondering if you should accept the government’s Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) offer? While early retirement sounds appealing, it’s a decision with long-term financial and lifestyle implications.