When you’re starting out, your credit score has a big impact on your financial health. It directly affects your ability to get a credit card or a loan, and it’s the first thing lenders check when you apply for a mortgage. But what if you’re retired? You might not think your score matters much once you reach your golden years, but it does. In fact, maintaining good credit after you’ve [...]

You've probably spent a good portion of your life planning for (and perhaps worrying about) retirement. But once you're actually there, will you be able to enjoy it? According to the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory, retirement ranks No. 10 in a list of the top 43 stressors -- and that's after death, divorce, and going to jail. You certainly didn't work that hard all your life, only to wind up overwhelmed [...]

Pre-retirees and retirees have always faced several serious retirement planning challenges. On the one hand, it’s great that many people are living much longer lives than their ancestors. On the other hand, it’s not easy to be financially secure, physically healthy, and emotionally fulfilled for 25 to 30 years in retirement. And the current pandemic only makes living well in retirement more difficult. Fortunately, we can learn from people who’ve [...]

Your Social Security benefits are a huge perk of getting older. Whether you claim as soon as you blow out your 62nd birthday candles or you hold out until you reach septuagenarian status, it's hard to think of a better gift than guaranteed paychecks for life. But the rules surrounding your benefits can get tricky. Here are four mistakes that could derail your retirement.

For many Americans, retirement may look different in 2021 than it has in years past. The severe economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could push many people to consider retiring early, with less saved than they may need. Whether or not your retirement plans are looking secure, the new year is a great time to review where you stand. Regardless of your particular financial situation, the same retirement principles apply [...]

20-20 has been quite the year and while it may have seemed like it would never end 20-21 is now quickly approaching. So, when it comes to your finances, what should your year-end checklist look like? Today we’re talking about a few things you should consider doing before we put this year behind us. Joining us every Wednesday morning, for your Retirement Coffee Talk are George Fossing and Zach Jenkins [...]