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Preparing Financially For Possible Widow/Widowerhood

“Discussing the end of life is never easy,” affirms today’s article. However, it warns that “because women live an average of four years longer than men…if the man takes the lead on family finances, the woman could be in for trouble one day.” It is against this sobering reality that the author outlines five things couples can do in retirement… 

Drill Down On Dental Costs, Retirees!

“Baby boomers beware: A major retirement expense may be hiding in your mouth.” Today’s article explains that, while “a majority of those age 50 to 64 either believe that – or are unsure whether – a Medicare health insurance plan will cover routine dental care”, Medicare, in fact, does not cover most dental care (or procedures, or devices). Recognizing that… 

The Emergency Fund: 8 “Soul-Crushing Situations” Where You’ll Be Glad You Have One

“It’s when the big things happen — the catastrophes and near-catastrophes that occur in life — when having enough savings can keep your world from crashing down around you, or at least feeling like it is.” Today’s article emphasizes the importance of having an emergency fund and outlines “eight scenarios where a pile of cash can really save the day.”… 

Retirement Savings Catch-Up For 50-Somethings

“When people reach their 50s, a common realization is how close retirement is getting — and how far they are from having enough money to enjoy life after work… 50-somethings who are falling short need to get serious about fattening up their nest egg.” Today’s article suggests several ways in which those trying to play catch-up with their retirement funds… 

Coming Down Retirement Mountain

“Your financial life, like climbing a mountain, does not end when you reach the summit, your retirement. Getting down safely, or making your retirement income last, requires a set of different strategies. How can you withdraw your money without depleting it?” Today’s article outlines four tips relating to withdrawing retirement assets (e.g. set a cash bucket aside) with the aim… 

Saving For Retirement?

When should you claim your Social Security? How much do you need to save for retirement? When should you retire? Today’s article argues that there is no simple and quick answer to these types of questions. Rather, “when planning for retirement we must avoid the pitfall of making isolated decisions without considering the impact on one’s entire comprehensive retirement plan.”… 

Uncle Sam Wants To Help YOU…Retire!?!

Uncle Sam wants (to help) YOU! Today’s article highlights several ways in which the federal government, “mindful that a lot of people are falling behind in financial matters, or never really got started, … has been making efforts just to get more Americans to Square One” in terms of retirement readiness. From new tools (e.g. myRA accounts) to established programs… 

Retirement For Two!

Retirement for two! “What could be more romantic than planning for your future together?” asks today’s article, which goes on to outline five considerations that should be part of the retirement conversation for couples. While the topics – and the related discussions they require couples to have -may not, in fact, be the stuff of romance (e.g. planning for potential… 

Be On Guard Against Electronic Tax Scams

Something in the financial world is surging. Unfortunately that something is electronic tax scams. Today’s article highlights a recent IRS consumer alert stating that “email and texting scams designed to trick U.S. taxpayers into providing personal data have surged 400% so far this year….” In fact, “the 1,389 incidents reported to date represent more than half the…total for all of…