The numbers are staggering, and frankly, they should wake up every American planning for retirement. Fidelity Investments just released their 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, revealing that a 65-year-old retiring today will need an average of $172,500 to cover healthcare expenses throughout their retirement. That's a 4% jump from last year's already eye-opening $165,000 estimate.
Cognitive decline poses a hidden threat to retirement security that most people never see coming. While retirees carefully plan for market crashes and inflation, few prepare for the possibility that their own decision-making abilities might deteriorate with age. Research reveals that more than 55 million people worldwide live with some form of cognitive decline that affects financial management, with this number expected to double by 2040.
The landscape of retirement planning underwent a dramatic transformation on July 4, 2025, when President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This legislation doesn't merely extend tax cuts—it fundamentally reshapes how Americans should approach retirement savings, particularly when considering Roth conversion strategies.
When John, one of my long-term clients, reached out with a question about required minimum distributions (RMDs) and sequence of returns risk, I knew he was touching on one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of retirement planning. His concern was simple but profound: "What happens if I'm forced to withdraw money from my retirement accounts during a market crash?"
If you received an email from the Social Security Administration claiming that Trump's 2025 tax law eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits, you're not alone. Unfortunately, this information is misleading and has caused significant confusion among retirees and those approaching retirement.
If you're 65 or older, the newly signed "One Big Beautiful Bill" could put thousands of dollars back in your pocket—but only if you know how to claim these benefits. On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed this sweeping tax legislation that specifically targets relief for America's retirees, and the changes are more significant than most seniors realize.
After fifteen years of helping retirees navigate their financial transitions, I've witnessed countless surprises emerge during those first crucial years of retirement. While most of my clients come to me well-prepared with solid savings habits and carefully calculated withdrawal strategies, there's one persistent challenge that continues to catch even the most diligent planners off guard.
Are you getting the most from your existing annuity? This comprehensive guide reveals 12 critical factors every annuity owner should review to ensure their investment still serves their financial goals. Many people purchase annuities and forget about them, missing opportunities to reduce fees, improve performance, or find better alternatives.
Is paying a financial advisor 1% worth it for retirement? Discover when this fee makes sense, when it doesn't, and alternative options for retirees to maximize their savings and secure their financial future.
Are you curious if you need a lot of money to get financial advice? Many think you need a big bank account to hire a financial advisor. But is that really true? Financial planning can seem scary, especially when you don't know the costs. Whether you're starting to invest or want to improve your portfolio, knowing when to get a financial advisor is key. It's important for your financial health.
Social Security is a key part of financial planning for many in Dayton. Understanding eligibility, benefits, and the application process can help you make informed decisions. Whether you're planning for retirement or need disability or survivor benefits, local resources are available to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Are you over 70½ with an IRA and a passion for making a difference? Then you've likely encountered one of retirement's most frustrating dilemmas: balancing your desire to support worthy causes with the reality of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and their tax consequences.