Financial Wellness
What Is Middle Class in America? Beyond the Income Range
The middle class spans roughly $55,000 to $167,000 nationally. It varies by area, and says less about financial security than most expect.
Articles by Kathleen Coxwell
Family and Relationships
If Your Kids Inherited Only Your Financial Habits, Would They Become Wealthier?
Your kids are already inheriting your financial habits, whether you know it or not. Here’s why, and how you can be more intentional about it.
Happy Retirement
Retirement Travel: 20 Ideas for Keeping It Affordable and Safe
Travel is a top retirement goal. Get the most out of it with senior discounts, cheap lodgings, national park passes, and long-trip strategies.
Financial Wellness
How Your Money Beliefs Shape Your Financial Future
The beliefs you carry about money help determine what you do with it. Here’s why your biggest financial obstacle isn’t a number.
Financial Wellness
Money Dysmorphia: What It Is, Who Has It, and How to Fix It
Money dysmorphia is a distorted view of your finances, even when the numbers are fine. Here’s how to spot it and what to do about it.
Planning
The Best Retirement Planning Software, Compared
Boldin vs. ProjectionLab, MaxiFi, Empower, Right Capital, and 9 more — compared on taxes, Roth strategy, Social Security, and cost.
Lifestyle
Best Places to Retire in the World: 2026 Rankings and Costs
Some 44% of Americans seriously consider retiring abroad. Greece ranked #1 in 2026. See costs, visa requirements, and where demand is going.
Retirement Planning
Why Having a Plan Gives You More Freedom in Retirement
A retirement plan isn’t about restriction. It’s what turns limited resources into real confidence. Here’s why the constraint is the point.
Retirement Planning
Why the Average Retirement Age Is 61, Not 66
Layoffs, health problems, and caregiving push most retirements earlier than planned. See average retirement age by state and data source.
Annuities
What Is an Annuity? A Complete Guide to How They Work
An annuity trades a lump sum for guaranteed income. Here’s how the main types work, what they cost, and how to know if one fits your plan.
Retirement Savings and Investments
What’s a Safe Withdrawal Rate in 2026? Morningstar Weighs In
Morningstar puts the safe withdrawal rate at 3.9%, but flexible strategies can push it to 5.7%. Seven takeaways and what they mean for you.
Uncategorized
Legitimate Work From Home Jobs for Seniors With No Experience
Remote jobs for seniors offer flexible hours and real income. See pay ranges by role, plus the warning signs of a scam job posting.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Balanced Funds: Are They a Good Choice in Retirement?
Balanced funds simplify investing while you’re saving. But proportional withdrawals can limit flexibility in retirement when it matters most.
Retirement Planning
Average Net Worth by Age: Federal Reserve Data by Age Group
The average U.S. net worth is $1,063,700. The median is $192,900. See how people your age compare.
Retirement Planning
15 Retirement Regrets: What to Do About Each One
74% of retirees have financial regrets. These 15 planning mistakes are the most common, and every one of them is still fixable.
Earning
20 Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees, With Pay Ranges
Consulting pays $40–100+/hr, tutoring $15–30/hr. See pay ranges for 20 flexible part-time jobs, plus how work affects Social Security.
Retirement Planning
Running Out of Money in Retirement: What Happens and What to Do
40% of households will run out of retirement savings. Here’s what that looks like, and specific moves that can change the outcome.
Retirement Planning
Dave Ramsey Retirement Calculator: How the 25x Rule Works
Spend $60,000 a year? Ramsey’s retirement calculator says you need $1.5M. Here’s how the formula works and what it misses.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Early Retirement Withdrawals: How to Avoid the 10% Penalty
Five penalty-free ways to tap your 401(k) or IRA before 59½. How SEPP, Rule of 55, Roth withdrawals, and two more actually work.
Financial Wellness
How Much Does the Average American Have in Savings?
The median U.S. household has $39,000 saved. See how the middle class compares by age, from cash to home equity.
Earning
How to Apply for Social Security: 5 Steps, One Big Decision
Applying takes 15 minutes. Deciding when to start pays off far more, and it’s permanent. Here’s the 5-step process, plus what to weigh first.
Financial Wellness
‘Atomic Habits’ and Your Money: 6 Lessons for a Wealthier Future
Using ‘Atomic Habits’ to reach your financial goals — James Clear’s habit framework applied to wealth building and long-lasting confidence.
Taxes
Creative Tax Planning: 8 Unusual Strategies — and What Works Better
We cover 8 creative tax strategies, plus the retirement planning approach that can save you more money.
Happy Retirement
How to Find Meaning and Purpose After Retirement
Learn how to find purpose after retirement using mindfulness, ikigai, and other research-backed strategies for feeling fulfilled again.
