Blog

Does Your Portfolio Reflect Your Risk Tolerance?

When it comes to investing, many people associate risk with losing money. But investing entails different types of risk. Understanding each type -- and the potential return associated with your retirement portfolio -- can help you...

Managing Cash Flow in Retirement

Detailed budgeting, frequent monitoring of income and expenses, and prompt action to address potential cash flow problems are essential elements of financial planning for retirees. Despite careful planning and reasonable assumptions...

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money

What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? “What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask any group of retirees and pre-retirees this question, “outliving my money” will likely be...

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period? The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the time during which Medicare beneficiaries can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them. Each year, Medicare plan costs and coverage...

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

Breaking down the basics & what each part covers. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, you should understand the parts of Medicare – what they cover and where they come from. Parts A & B: Original...

Brush Up on Your IRA Facts

If you are opening an individual retirement account (IRA) for the first time or need a refresher course on the specifics of IRA ownership, here are some facts for your consideration. IRAs in AmericaIRAs continue to play an increasingly...

Market Update

Good Window of Opportunity for Roth IRA Conversions

The Roth IRA is a powerful tax-favored retirement option since it can offer a hedge against future tax-rate increases. But beyond tax planning considerations, Roth IRAs have several important advantages over traditional IRAs:1. Unlike...

Retirement in Motion Tips and resources that everyone can use

Healthcare takes a bigger share of Social Security benefits as you age Many people expect that they will be able to live on less income in retirement. Some expenses clearly will fall for some (such as mortgage payments and commuting...

National Social Security Month

One thing “to do” during National Social Security Month By Vonda VanTil Grand Rapids, Michigan It’s National Social Security Month. If there’s only one thing that you do this month related to Social Security, do...

Investing for Your Later Years? Think Asset Preservation but Don't Forget Growth

After years of investing for retirement and other goals, you may have accumulated a substantial portfolio. If you're approaching or already enjoying retirement, there are important steps that you can take to help ensure that your...

Are You Financially Fit?

Steps to reaching financial wellness include having a budget, an emergency fund, a good credit score, and retirement savings. If you don't have a financial plan, that question may be hard to answer. To achieve financial wellness, you...