For Mark Roberts' Use: As you plan for retirement, you might view Social Security as the foundation of your long-term stability. Over the years, you have made contributions to this system through paycheck deductions, and you expect your benefits to be there when you need them. But, as you have probably heard, the Social Security [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Your retirement dream is as unique as you are. Some people dream of retiring in the mountains, while others plan to move to Florida. You might even plan to travel the globe on a cruise ship! But some seniors prefer to simply stay in their own homes. In fact, a poll [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If you are (or were) and employee for someone, chances are good that you've utilized the company's sponsored retirement account. You're already ahead of the curve because you have considered your retirement income needs and you're working toward a secure future. However, what happens to that account if you decide to change [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Along the road to retirement, you might encounter many hazards that can set back your financial goals. From failing to max out your retirement plan contributions, to overlooking tax consequences, there are plenty of mistakes to be made. But you probably wouldn't think of parenting as a potential retirement pitfall! You [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If your company offers a 401(k) plan, this valuable work benefit can help you save for retirement while also reducing your income tax liability. But like most financial planning tools, a 401(k) is most helpful when it is utilized correctly. Follow these five rules to reap the most benefit from your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: It can be difficult for many families to juggle their priorities, so you're not alone in feeling this way. For parents in particular, putting yourself and your own financial needs first can induce feelings of guilt. You might feel tempted to place college savings above your own retirement planning on the financial [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: For generations, retiring free of debts has been a central part of the American Dream. In particular, most of us hope to pay off our homes before we retire, allowing us greater flexibility in our retirement budgets. But of course, many of us purchase our homes by utilizing a 30-year mortgage, and [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: In the retirement planning world, we see that many people tend to focus on how much money they need to save for retirement. While that is certainly one way to look at it, we often find it helpful to also ask, how long will I need income in retirement? After all, it [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Until you retire, most of your life will be spent working hard and saving for retirement. You might focus on your savings goal so hard that you forget you will one day withdraw money from that account! But your withdrawals are another important part of the overall retirement planning process. Analyze your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Our clients often want cut-and-dry answers. How much should I save for retirement? When should I retire? How can I find more room in my budget? These are all questions that clients ask. It's easy enough to give a solid answer, but of course you don't just want someone to tell you [...]