They were wrong. The answer to the question does money buy happens is… yes! In fact, the research is overwhelming. And, there are actually multiple ways to spend to increase happiness. Here are 11 ways to spend money to buy happiness. The following 11 tips are valuable whether you are 75, 65, 55 or 15!…
As you look for signs of recovery from the economic turmoil of the pandemic, you’ll want to keep your eye on a few economic indicators that are usually seen as bad news. Why? Well, because in the topsy turvy world we live in today, bad news may actually be good news. Rising Unemployment Rising unemployment…
There is no right answer for whether to purchase long-term care insurance. In fact, long term care insurance pros and cons are pretty balanced. Many people opt not to purchase it because it costs too much or they simply don’t know enough about it. While others want to assurances that they will be taken care…
Want to know how to take control of your finances? Ask some smart people who are managing their own finances and actively planning for a secure future. On the NewRetirement Facebook group (join now), we recently asked: “What is one action you have taken that has improved your financial life?” How to Take Control of…
Most people think of financial planning as a source of stress. If this is you, I have news for you: you have it ALL wrong. Creating and following a financial plan is a great way to REDUCE your stress. In fact, financial planning activities are guaranteed to release the four key hormones –dopamine, seratonin, oxytocin…
The Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) is not usually thought of as an institution that adds a lot of value to our lives — to the contrary in fact. However, a few years ago, the researchers at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College came up with a simple and relatively safe retirement withdrawals strategy…
What Is a Self-Directed IRA? A Self Directed IRA is a type Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that allows you to invest in a really wide variety of alternative investments. Traditional IRAs require that you invest in traditional asset classes — mainly stocks, bonds, funds, treasuries, annuities and certificates of deposit. Self Directed IRAs and Self…
Financial planning is probably not on your top ten list for how to spend your time. However, getting your hands around your finances and planning a secure future retirement can make you feel great. And, it doesn’t have to be hard. Here is your complete retirement planning guide. This simple eight step plan will help…
Everyone knows that if you want to achieve something, you had better set a goal. However, very few Americans actually do or even know how to set financial goals. According to Schwab’s Modern Wealth Index, only 25% of people have some sort of written plan or goals. What’s worse? The Financial Health Network finds that…
In 2020, Fidelity reported that the majority of people who were making financial resolutions for the new year wanted to achieve a debt free life. While fortunes have shifted after the pandemic, it is still a very worthy goal. Not sure how to get out of debt? You have options. Based on my experience, there…
Feeling frazzled by holiday fanfare? Do you also have nagging worries about your retirement plans? One of the best ways to control stress of any kind is to make a list and check it twice. And we have done that for you. Here is a handy yearly retirement checklist — 24 things you should do…
Another gift guide? Yep! But, this one is focused on long term financial success and retirement happiness — not cool gadgets and warm sweaters — for everyone on your list, young and old. Great Gifts for Kids of Any Age Shares of an Index Fund Let’s say that you have a child who is 10…
When planning retirement, you need to somehow prepare for many different kinds of unpredictable possibilities — inflation rates, stock market fluctuations and the prospect of a long-term care need for example. Any of these could have a dramatic impact on your finances. However, have you considered how the possibility of climate change might impact your…
This has been a year like no other. As you prepare to say a big buh-bye to 2020, use this list of year-end tax planning tips for 2020 and beyond to help launch you into a better future. In 2020, the rules were updated for everything from tax withholding to socializing. While we can’t help…
This year family gatherings may be different (more Zoom, less slobbery kisses and heart felt hugs), but it will undoubtedly feel more important than ever to celebrate togetherness. While the focus of our gatherings will still be on love and celebration, the holidays are also an opportunity for discussions related to family and money. Like…
The holidays are the time we come together to give thanks and celebrate. It can also be a stressful time full of demands to cook, decorate and spend money. Sometimes the stresses crowd out the fun, so we have to remember to take time to be thankful and practice gratitude for our blessings. And, it…
Don’t worry, be happy… about your retirement. The last few months have been an emotional rollercoaster for many people, and you may be feeling constantly stressed about your finances. You’re probably asking yourself, do I have enough money to be happy in retirement? If you are worried, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted…
We all love reading lists of the best places to retire. They interest us, peak wanderlust and they make us think about what is possible in retirement. Besides, deciding if one of the best places to retire is in your own home or somewhere far away is a really BIG and somewhat complicated decision. Browsing…
Very few people are experts at managing their finances, planning retirement, building wealth, and ensuring a secure future. Effective money management is often perceived as being: 1) too hard, 2) not immediately important, 3) something you can tackle next year or 4) too expensive (if you think you need to hire an advisor). In fact,…
How to make sense of retirement planning? Here is your guide to the 16 retirement numbers that are most important for a secure future.
Tis the season… No, it is not quite time to decide whether you’ll say Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Bah Humbug or none of the above. It does, however, involve shopping! The 2020 Medicare Open Enrollment season is upon us and will last from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Now is the time to assess your…
If you think you haven’t saved enough for a truly secure retirement, think again. The impossible could become possible with these 10 creative ways to retire. You see, saving diligently your entire life and then quitting work to play bridge is only one way to get to retirement. And, the odds are that it is…
To say that Social Security and Medicare are important to the financial well being of seniors would be an understatement. Sixty-two percent of eligible beneficiaries rely on Social Security income for more than half of their income. And almost everyone who is eligible uses Medicare to help fund their healthcare after 65. Here are the…
According to reporting from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, retirees have a wide variety of savings and investments. Here are the average cash, savings, and home equity balances in the U.S. Keep reading to see how your accounts and investment types compares to that of most retirees. Use the NewRetirement Planner to see your…
An enjoyable retirement is the goal, right? You work your whole life and hopefully create and follow a plan so that you can kick back and do what you want to do when the time comes. Well, a recent survey from Nationwide suggests that all is not going according to plan for many retirees. The…