Personal Finance

As the golden years approach, many soon-to-be retirees look forward to improved golf scores, but there’s another score that doesn’t necessarily follow the same positive trajectory: the credit score. This might seem counterintuitive; after all, shouldn’t years of diligent on-time payments, coupled with a reduction in income obligations, result in an improved credit score during retirement? According to Ethan Dornhelm, Vice President of Scores and Analytics at FICO, it’s not quite so simple. Dornhelm explains that while the act of retirement itself does not directly impact credit scores, related lifestyle…

As we approach retirement, our wish list for the golden years often includes extensive travel, quality time with grandkids, and the pursuit of long-standing passions. However, a critical need overshadows all these aspirations, and it’s non-negotiable: we mustn’t outlive our money. The twilight of our lives often signals an increased need for care and support. Financial dependence at this stage is not an option for many of us. While Social Security and pensions provide a level of certainty for some, for many, these income sources fall short of covering basic…

In the grand puzzle of homeownership, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has typically represented a tantalizing piece for many home buyers. Known for their initial low rates that make the early years of homeownership more affordable, ARMs have often been the go-to solution in times of soaring 30-year fixed-mortgage rates. However, today’s mortgage landscape tells a different story. Presently, the appeal of ARMs is rather dim, thanks to a financial twist of fate. With the average rate on ARMs oscillating between 6.5% and 7.21%—almost equivalent to the average 30-year fixed rate…

Retirement is often envisioned as a blissful period of relaxation and enjoyment, finally free from the stress of our working years. However, the reality can often be starkly different. Every day, thousands of Americans retire, only to find themselves short on cash, friendships, and plans. Many retirees express regret, realizing too late how they could have better prepared for a more financially secure and rewarding postwork life. They wish they had saved more, fostered stronger relationships, prioritized their health, and cultivated new pursuits. Why is retirement so challenging to prepare…

There’s a new strategy in town that is making waves among retirees and the charitable organizations they support: donating a portion of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to fund gift annuities and receive a steady stream of income in return. This strategy, made possible by recent changes in legislation, is a win-win for both parties, offering significant tax benefits to the donor and a reliable source of funding for charities. Background Late last year, Congress passed a series of legislative changes affecting retirement savings. Starting from January 1, these changes…

In recent times, an increasing number of Americans are facing a harsh reality: their home-insurance provider is not renewing their coverage. Damage from extreme weather events, a surge in lawsuits, and the escalating costs of rebuilding have compelled many leading insurance companies to halt the renewal of existing policies and stop issuing new ones. Homeowners in states like Florida, Louisiana, and California are especially affected, but the problem is rapidly spreading nationwide. The cost of coverage is also skyrocketing as insurance companies grapple with an uptick in claim payouts. As…

Homeownership offers various benefits, one of which is the ability to tap into the equity of your home in your retirement years. A financial tool that can facilitate this is a reverse mortgage. But what is a reverse mortgage, and does it make sense for you? This article aims to demystify the concept and provide the information you need to make an informed decision. The Reverse Mortgage Concept: An Overview A reverse mortgage, specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is a financial product insured by the federal government, designed…

Congratulations! You’ve reached a significant financial milestone by amassing a quarter of a million dollars in savings. This is no small feat, and it’s a testament to your discipline, diligence, and smart financial choices. However, reaching this point is not the end of your financial journey. In fact, it’s just the beginning. This blog post will provide some advice to help you manage and grow your wealth. The first piece of advice is to consider getting a second set of eyes on your finances. You’ve done well to reach this…

Starting with the basics, insurance is a financial product designed to protect your income and wealth from various risks. To fully appreciate its importance, consider the potential financial implications of an unforeseen incident on your life. Whether it’s an illness, accident, or even a lawsuit, such occurrences can drain your finances and undo years of hard work. As a safeguard, four main types of insurance deserve your consideration: disability insurance, long-term care insurance, umbrella liability insurance, and life insurance. Disability insurance is an essential yet often overlooked part of comprehensive…

When thinking about retirement, many people may focus on how much they have saved or invested, without giving proper consideration to how that wealth will be distributed over their golden years. A well-rounded retirement income plan should provide three key features: Guarantees, growth potential, and flexibility. This approach ensures that your income in retirement is not only sufficient but also stable, adaptable, and capable of fulfilling your long-term needs and legacy goals. The first pillar of a well-rounded retirement income plan is guarantees. This means securing your day-to-day expenses with…