Back to the Basics: When Should We Claim Social Security Benefits?
When approaching retirement, one of the big questions you may be considering is when to file for Social Security benefits. Because most people can claim and receive benefits as early as age 62, but each year that you wait earns a bump in pay for the rest of your life, the decision can be confusing and anxiety-inducing. And while it’s …
Welcome to the Family
Pratik Mehta and family are welcoming Mehta number 5. Their bundle of joy is scheduled to arrive December 2023. Katie Murray and family are welcoming “their final puzzle piece.” Their 4th bundle of joy is scheduled to arrive early January 2024.
Briefcase Study: The Cash and Happiness Relationship
The Cash and Happiness Relationship With the dramatic change in interest rates this year, a lot of people are rethinking how much cash is appropriate in a financial plan. And while the answer depends on goals, resources available for short or long-term needs, and personal preference, this reminds us of the big question people continue to ponder: “Does money buy …
What’s So Risky About Retirement?
Life is fraught with danger; everybody knows this. When we take a closer look at one particular slice of life, retirement, we begin to see more clearly what those risks are. This recognition allows us to begin hedging against risks as best we can, through prudent planning. Before we get started, we must first agree on the desired outcome of …
The Right Retirement Ratio?
I don’t know what a perfect life looks like or a perfect retirement plan either. What I can say is that it would be really fun to plan a life that was built upon a 70/100 ratio (I just made that up, it’s not a thing). That is, a person would enjoy their work enough to retire from it at …
How Interest Rates Change Almost Everything About Investing
We need to talk about the stock market for just a bit. And before some of you tune me out because investments aren’t your thing, at least read far enough that you learn a new term with which to impress your friends. Because not only do I want you to win financially, I also want you to have a strong …
Mechanics of a Money Machine
I’m admittedly not much of an inventor. If there’s a need to create something from nothing, there are brighter minds out there than mine. On the other hand, when I can see an idea or an object that already exists, I can usually appreciate its greatness and often even improve upon it. So when I came across this one idea, …
Money, Health, and the Hedonic Treadmill
Much has been written about the real or perceived links between money and happiness. In a nutshell, once basic needs are met, more money doesn’t strongly correlate to more happiness. But what about health? Does having more money equate to improved health and wellness? Again, there can be a link, but it’s not a universal one. What is fascinating about …
Join us for a 2-Night Retirement Elevated Academy Class
Retirement Elevated Academy 2-Night Summer Classes We are excited to announce our upcoming Retirement Elevated Academy summer class schedule. We are offering four 2-night dates to choose from to fit your schedule. There is no cost to attend. If you or anyone you know would like to join us, contact us. Tues, Aug. 8th & 15th Thurs, Aug. 10th & …
Briefcase Study: Clutter: When Too Much Is Just Not Enough
Clutter: When Too Much Is Just Not Enough It may be time to declutter. Nobody is forcing you to declutter, but if I were to guess, I bet you’re probably feeling that desire on some level. You may have done some decluttering during the pandemic, but clutter doesn’t rest; it grows and sneaks up on you. Looking back, we spent …
