Financial Planning Blog & Retirement Resources

The Odyssey Plan: Design 3 Futures Before You Lock in Your Retirement

The Odyssey Plan helps you explore bigger possibilities, test tradeoffs, and choose with real confidence.

Mutual Fund Fees Explained: Hidden Costs & What to Avoid

Hidden mutual fund fees can cost you thousands over time. Learn every expense ratio, sales load, and 12b-1 fee, and how to minimize them.

Where Should You Retire? A 9-Factor Framework to Get It Right

Explore 10 things to think about – lifestyle and financial factors – when considering the best state for retirement.

Roth 401k Limits for 2026: Contribution and Catch-Up Rules

The 2026 Roth 401k limit is $24,500, plus catch-up for age 50 and up. See the new rules, including who has to use Roth for catch-up starting this year.

The Tax Bill Haunting Your 401(k) and I.R.A.

Find a Lost 401(k) for Free: National Registry, DOL Database & More

31.9 million forgotten 401(k)s hold an estimated $2.1 trillion. Search the National Registry, DOL database, PBGC, and more — all free.

How to Live Without Money: Lessons From People Who Did It

People like Jo Nemeth and Mark Boyle lived without money entirely. Here’s what they learned about community, self-reliance, and security.

Reverse Mortgage Calculator: How Much Could You Get?

See how much you could get from a reverse mortgage based on your age and home value, without personal information.

Video: Taxes in Retirement Office Hours

Planning for the future should involve strategizing to minimize taxes. Explore 25 tips to help you plan, do retirement tax filings, and save money.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself During Market Volatility

When markets feel uncertain, asking the right questions matters. These 10 questions can help you review your financial plan and make smarter decisions during vo…

The One Chart to Review Every Time the Markets Get Unsteady

Review the long term trajectory of the S&P 500, see how long historic recoveries have taken, and learn how to protect your financial security.

What Is an Index Fund? Why It Matters for Retirement

Index funds charge as little as 0.03% annually and outperform most actively managed funds over time. Here’s how they work.

5 Habits to Help Make Your Retirement Planning Highly Effective

Tax Season Checklist: 10 Essential Considerations to Review for Your 2025 Return

Are you “lucky” enough to have to worry about #3? Did you remember #5? Explore all 10 tips on this tax season checklist.

The Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees in 2026

Florida, Wyoming, and South Dakota are among the most tax-friendly states for retirees. Find out how all 50 states compare.

Portfolio Diversification: How to Measure What You Own

Most retirement portfolios look diversified by account. What they hold across all accounts is a different question. Here’s how to check.

TCJA Made Permanent: Your 2026 Tax Brackets Explained

Most TCJA provisions are now permanent, but your bracket thresholds, deductions, and credits still changed for 2026. Here’s what’s different.

What’s a Health Savings Account (HSA)? A Tax-Free Retirement Tool

Contribute up to $4,400 to an HSA tax-free in 2026 and let it grow. See family limits, HDHP rules, and how withdrawals stay tax-free.

Investing in Real Estate for Retirement: 8 Options Compared

Real estate can generate income, hedge inflation, and diversify your portfolio. Here are 8 ways to do it, from REITs to rental property.

Blue Zones Report: 3 Okinawan Secrets to a Long Emotionally, Intellectually, and Physically Healthy Life

Want to live healthfully to 100? Learn the powerful and well researched Okinawan secrets to a long life: ikigai, moai, hara hachi bu and more.

19 Reasons to Create Your Own Retirement Plan (It’s A Lot More than Knowing, “When Can I Retire?”)

What can you learn by creating a retirement plan? Get inspired by 19 planning insights and discover your path to a secure future.

Understanding How Concepts of Time Impact Your Financial Plans

Explore how different philosophical and cultural definitions of time can provide insights into your financial decision-making process.

Write A Retirement Manifesto: A Declaration of What You Want Your Life to Be

The transition to retirement is an ideal time to write a manifesto. In retirement you are no longer defined by the work you do for money. You can be defined by…

Retirement Business Ideas: 12 Ways to Start a Business After 50

You’ve built a career. Now build something that’s entirely yours. Explore 12 retirement business ideas for starting over after 50.