Without Counsel Plans Go Wrong, but With Many Advisers They Succeed.

Many retirees anticipate that they will spend less in retirement, but that's not always the case. How can you prepare to spend smarter? Let's find out.

Proactive tax planning is critical for your retirement wealth-building strategy because it saves you money and helps preserve the longevity of your nest egg.

Most financial advice encourages people to retire without debt. Where does your mortgage fit? Let's take a look.

Many retirees consider moving closer to their grown children and grandchildren. How can you make that move a central component of your plan?

Is this the year you are going to retire? Be sure you can answer these 6 questions first.

How can pre-retirees better prepare for the rising cost of healthcare in retirement? An important savings tool is an HSA. What is an HSA, and how can it impact your savings journey?

We want to thrive in our environment and use the tools and resources we have to build a beautiful life. But there are many things that stand in our way. One element that has certainly proven itself a formidable opponent is the coronavirus pandemic. While we may still be weathering this storm, there is a way to bring light and life to your finances this year.

Married couples have a unique opportunity to create a Social Security plan that supports both people. This makes spousal and survivor benefits so important. Let's take a closer look at what these are and how they will impact you.

Social Security is an important part of your retirement plan. Our team at Step by Step will help you evaluate your needs and create a strategy that will optimize your goals both now and in the future.

Planning for your retirement income is an important process with many moving parts. There are different income channels that you will need to account for like your investment portfolio, designated retirement accounts, Social Security, and your pension benefits.

Financial conversations are ongoing. Establishing a foundation of trust, transparency, and honesty will help you both find the meaning and fulfillment you desire in your golden years. We are going to tackle 4 unique aspects of retirement planning today. Let’s start the conversation.

Retirement saving is an important and integral component of your financial plan. While there are many ways to save for retirement, one of the most popular and ubiquitous vehicles is a 401(k). Your 401(k) has allowed you, and your employer in the case of a match program, to facilitate and manage your retirement savings. But what happens to that money should you decide to change jobs?

There are so many things that change when someone retires and one of the factors that new retirees have a tough time managing is their changing cash flow. For so many years, they have been dedicated to putting money into their retirement accounts, but what happens when they have to take it out?

Many retirees want to maintain their charitable efforts, but don’t know where to start. QCDs are an excellent tool because they allow you to create a planned giving strategy in retirement. You are able to build-in a giving plan into your retirement budget which will help you be more consistent in your charitable efforts.

I love watching football games, and eagerly anticipate football season each year. I played the game in high school, and that's a feeling you never quite forget. I remember how important it was at the time, and yet how incredibly simple: put the ball into the end zone, or in between the goal posts. That was it, really. Sure, there was strategy, but the goal never changed: score points, win the game.

QUESTION: Kevin, should I buy this annuity? ANSWER: Probably not. Slightly more helpful answer: It's not likely to be the best investment vehicle for you. Annuities have high fees and long reaching tax implications that make them poor choices for most people. If we look at your entire financial picture, we are apt to discover more fruitful ways of building your long term wealth and securing your financial future.

When it comes to retirement planning, there are four variables any couple needs to evaluate prior to turning in the notice. These variables include. . .

Today, I am launching the Step By Step Financial blog. The purpose of this blog will be to share ideas and thoughts regarding the financial planning needs of those on the cusp of retirement.