As you approach retirement and the possibility of enrolling in Medicare, it’s essential to be well-informed about what lies ahead. In this extended blog post, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of applying for Medicare, explore the different parts of the program, and take a closer look at two popular healthcare options: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans.
Continue readingJuly 2023 Market Update
The S&P 500 ended the second quarter and first half of 2023 at a 14-month high and most major stock indices logged solid gains in the second quarter following a pause in the Fed’s rate hike campaign, stronger-than-expected corporate earnings (especially in the tech sector), and the relatively drama-free resolution of the debt ceiling.
Continue readingRetirees Don’t Miss Working, They Miss People
According to a Harvard study, contrary to popular belief, the primary challenge for retirees is not boredom or a lack of purpose, but rather the difficulty of replacing the social connections they once enjoyed at work.
Continue readingWhat Causes Bond Prices to Rise and Fall?
The price of a bond can change over time, and there are many factors that can impact bond prices. In this blog, we will explore some of the key factors that affect bond prices.
Continue readingApril 2023 Market Update
The S&P 500 ended the first quarter of 2023 with a solid gain as hopes for an economic “soft landing” and the Fed signaling that their historic rate hike campaign is coming to an end helped offset two rate increases and the biggest bank failures since the financial crisis.
Continue readingMedicare Will Not Cover All Health Care Costs
Medicare is a critical program that provides essential healthcare services to millions of Americans. However, it is a myth that Medicare will cover all healthcare costs.
While there are insurance options available that can help fill some of these gaps, individuals should be aware of the limitations of Medicare coverage and plan accordingly to ensure they have adequate healthcare coverage.
Continue readingEmergency Savings or Your Retirement Goals?
When it comes to personal finance, there are a number of competing priorities that can make it difficult to determine where to focus your efforts. For many people, the choice between building emergency savings and working towards their retirement goals is one of the biggest dilemmas they face. So, which should you focus on first?
Continue readingEstate Planning Document Review
Just like your annual physical, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up for your estate planning documents to ensure everything is as you intend. Granted, it’s probably not the most exciting activity on your to-do list, but you don’t want to let important details derail all the work you’ve done.
Continue readingImportant Considerations Regarding SECURE Act 2.0
The SECURE Act 2.0 is now law and contains many provisions that retirees and pre-retirees should be aware of. Some provisions are effective in 2023 and others won’t kick in until future years.
Continue readingJanuary 2023 Market Update
2022 was the most difficult year for investors from a return and volatility standpoint since the Global Financial Crisis. Multi-decade highs in inflation combined with historically aggressive Fed rate hikes and growing concerns about economic and earnings recessions to pressure both stocks and bonds. The S&P 500 posted its worst performance since 2008 while major benchmarks for both stocks and bonds declined together for the first time since the 1960s, punctuating just how disappointing the year was for investors.
Continue reading