Though the United States may avoid a full-fledged recession, it’s undoubtedly a difficult time to be a consumer. Here are some ways to protect yourself. The fear of a recession looms large, and though it isn’t certain that we’ll enter recession territory in 2023, there’s no doubt we’re in a period of constraint for consumers. Inflation is still high despite the efforts of the Federal Reserve to cut spending with interest rate increases, and 2022 brought the worst annual performance for all three major indexes since 2008[1,2,3]. Understandably, this can cause panic among American consumers and pre-retirees, whether they have
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Posts by Ryan Benning
Your 2022 Year-End Financial To-Do List
The end of the year is upon us. Here are some tasks to check off before 2023 arrives! As the year wraps up, it can be a great time to take financial inventory. Your circumstances are constantly changing and evolving, and the proper financial plan is not meant to be a set-it-and-forget-it thing. With the end of the year presenting the perfect chance to revisit your goals, here are a few areas you may want to check in on before we flip the calendar to 2023. Review Your Financial Plan The proper holistic financial plan isn’t just about your
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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid with Medicare
Medicare can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid! The Medicare open enrollment period has begun, so we thought it would be a great time to discuss some of the most common mistakes retirees make when it comes to their healthcare. Along with your streams of income that you’ve created for yourself during your career, Medicare is one of your most important tools in retirement. It can protect you against medical emergencies that could be financially devastating, especially when you’re living on a fixed income. It is, however, important to know that Medicare has its limitations, potentially making
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The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
A proper estate plan can protect your assets and your family. Here are some answers to questions you may have! October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to discuss the importance of having an estate plan. We get it. It’s something nobody wants to think about, especially your loved ones, who can’t imagine living without you. But estate planning is a necessary part of the financial planning process. It helps ensure that everything you’ve worked so hard to accumulate gets passed on according to your desires in the most tax-advantaged manner possible. Moreover, no
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4 Recent Innovations in Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance is no longer constrained to the inflexible policies our parents held. Here are some of the latest additions and innovations to give you more options than ever. Today’s life insurance policies are not the policies our parents and grandparents grew up with and purchased. They offer more features and more customization, at a price lower than many consumers expect to pay. In fact, a recent study showed that more than 50% of people assume that the cost of life insurance is three times higher than it actually is [1]. Furthermore, 44% of millennials, a group whose net worth
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What is COLA, and How Does it Affect Retirement?
The COLA on Social Security is projected to increase benefits by more than 10%. How does that affect your retirement? Inflation in the United States is at a 40-year high, and the entire country seems to be feeling the squeeze of rising prices, regardless of income level. Though the debate over the cause of current inflation rates rages on, one thing seems to be certain: the cost of everyday goods, like rent, gas and food, continues to rise [1]. Understandably, that leaves American consumers with questions and concerns. First, as the value of the dollar decreases, which lifestyle adjustments can
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Inflation as a Risk in Retirement
Inflation can be troubling, especially for those living on a fixed income. Here’s what you need to consider. Exiting the work force and beginning the next chapter of your life can be infinitely exciting. After a long career, free time afforded by retirement offers a great opportunity to check off long-awaited bucket list items or develop those relationships with loved ones. You might also stop setting alarms in the morning, making sure that you get the right amount of sleep to propel you toward your dreams. There is, however, one area in which you might not want to hit
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4 Tips to Save For and Fund Your Child’s College Tuition
College is an investment in your child and your family, but it can come at a hefty price. Here are some tips to save! College and other forms of higher education have always been a vital part of planning a career. The foundation of any resume, a recent study interviewing 500 professional recruiters showed that all 500 look for candidates with a college degree [1]. Some common rebuttals to the argument for college might start with names like Zuckerberg, Jobs, Gates and Oprah Winfrey, all who dropped out school. Those four have incredible stories, but they’re the exception, not
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7 Tips for Saving Money at the Pump
Gas prices are on the rise. Here are some ways to save a little bit of money. The surge in gas prices swooped in just in time to dampen the mood in 2022. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine continuing to impact oil prices all around the world, the best solution might be to embrace the climb and start brainstorming some small life changes we can make to compensate. According to AAA, the United States hit its highest average price per gallon Mar. 11 at $4.33 [1]. By adjusting, it’s possible to save hundreds, or even thousands, each month [2],
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How Big Events Like Ukraine Can Impact Your Retirement
World events can impact your retirement, but you can be prepared! The past few years have shown us that big world events can impact our lives at any moment. Sometimes we see them coming. Other times, we don’t have the ability to prepare and buckle in for the turmoil ahead. The COVID-19 virus is one of the best recent examples of major world events impacting the economy. Now, the Russian invasion of Ukraine appears to be taking an immediate toll on Americans financially. It begs the question, can we prepare for these types of events so that we can,
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