A more diversified portfolio beat the 60/40 by about 5 percentage points in 2025 -- the biggest gap since 2009. But the 60/40 has beaten diversified benchmarks over the trailing 20 years. Here is what the data actually shows and what it means for your retirement portfolio.
Most people who have been disciplined savers their whole careers keep working past the point they needed to. Not because the math said keep going. Because nobody ever did the math with them. Here is how to know when you have enough to retire.
Ohio has no inheritance tax and no estate tax. But inherited retirement accounts, real estate, and assets from out-of-state relatives come with tax rules that can cost you real money if you are not paying attention. This post walks through what actually applies to Ohio residents.
In 2026, Ohio taxes capital gains as ordinary income at a flat 2.75% rate. For most retirees, that stacks on top of a 15% federal rate for a combined 17.75%. Here is what Ohio retirees need to know about federal rates, real estate rules, and strategies to reduce capital gains taxes before a sale.
Most people assume tax planning gets simpler in retirement. It doesn't -- it gets different, and the stakes are higher. Here is the exact process we run every year for our retirement clients to make sure nothing gets missed, no money gets left on the table, and April never comes as a surprise.
The early years of retirement often give you the best mix of health, energy, and freedom. That is why retirement planning should not only focus on how long your money lasts, but also on when you are most able to enjoy travel, family, hobbies, and new experiences. A strong plan protects your future while helping you use your best years with purpose
When you are retired, investing a lump sum is not just about chasing the highest return. It is about protecting your income, managing risk, and making sure one bad stretch in the market does not throw your whole retirement off course. A thoughtful plan can help you invest with more confidence and less regret.
Should you choose Trump Accounts or 529 plans for your grandchildren's education savings? For most families, the answer is both—but 529 plans should be your primary vehicle for education funding due to their superior tax-free treatment, while Trump Accounts offer a valuable $1,000 federal deposit for children born 2025-2028. If you're a grandparent or parent trying to decide how to help with education costs, here's what you need to know: Trump Accounts and 529 plans aren't competitors—they're complementary tools that serve different purposes in your family's financial strategy.
If you're wondering what really happened in the markets during 2025 and what it means for your retirement, you're not alone. Last year threw some curveballs that had many retirees questioning their investment strategy. But here's the thing: when we look at the actual data, 2025 told a story that might surprise you, and it's one that reinforces some timeless principles about long-term investing.
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a widely used savings vehicle for retirement. Once an account holder reaches a certain age, they must begin withdrawing a specific minimum amount annually, known as the required minimum distribution (RMD) from their traditional IRAs or workplace retirement plans. The IRS provides an RMD table to guide individuals on how much they need to withdraw each year. In this post, we'll explain how to use the RMD table for 2026, what it means for your retirement, and what can happen if you don't meet your required minimum distribution.
Time is running out. Every year, December 31st arrives faster than we expect, and once that date passes, your tax situation becomes permanent. No do-overs. No second chances. But right now, in these final weeks, you still have the power to make strategic decisions that could save you thousands of dollars. The answer to reducing your tax burden as a retiree lies in taking specific actions before the calendar year closes. These eight strategic moves can dramatically lower your tax bill, reduce future mandatory withdrawals, and keep more of your hard-earned money working for you instead of going to the IRS.
Picture this: Your grandchild just blew out the candles on their first birthday cake, and you're already thinking about their future. College costs are climbing faster than ever, and you want to help. You've heard about 529 plans, and you're ready to contribute. But here's the million-dollar question: Should you write one big check today, or spread out your contributions over the years?