Retirement Planning

My Spouse Just Passed – Should I Treat Their Retirement Accounts as Inherited, or My Own?

When a spouse passes away, managing retirement accounts can quickly become confusing. Associate Financial Advisor Joseph Browning explains the key differences between keeping an IRA as inherited or treating it as your own—and how that decision can affect taxes, withdrawals, and long-term financial planning.

The Hidden Tax Advantages of Starting A 401(k)

Many business owners assume a 401(k) plan is too expensive to start—but recent tax credits may significantly reduce the cost. Associate Financial Advisor David Gearhart explains how startup, employer contribution, and automatic enrollment credits can help businesses provide valuable retirement benefits while lowering their tax burden.

A Life-Changing Ah-ha Moment: What I learned from Dave Ramsey

Financial Advisor Joe Mains reflects on a life-changing lesson he learned from Dave Ramsey during Financial Peace University—and how it reshaped his view of investing, retirement income, and legacy planning. Discover the powerful “10% principle” and what it could mean for your family’s future.

Tactical Portfolios: Navigating Bull and Bear Markets

Markets move in cycles, and successful investing requires both long-term strategy and tactical flexibility. This article explores how strategic and tactical asset allocation can help investors manage risk, respond to changing market conditions, and make retirement withdrawals more efficiently. Learn how a disciplined approach can help navigate both bull and bear markets.

The Leisure Lie: A Retirement Unfulfilled?

Retirement is often portrayed as a permanent vacation, but true fulfillment comes from purpose, relationships, and meaningful engagement. This article challenges the cultural “leisure lie” and explores how retirees can build a rewarding next chapter grounded in connection and contribution.

72(t) & Rule of 55: Options for Early Retirees

A new kind of retiree is emerging—the Everyday Millionaire, Generation 2.0. Raised on God’s wisdom and disciplined financial habits, they avoided debt, saved faithfully, and invested 15% of their income. Many will have more than enough to retire early. But retiring before age 59½ raises questions. The good news? IRS rules like 72(t) distributions and the Rule of 55 allow early access to retirement savings—without penalties—when used wisely and intentionally.

Making Money a Strength in Marriage

Let’s establish the fact that money will have an impact on your most important relationship on earth. You cannot ignore the topic, because one or both spouses will deal with money, either in small or large amounts, virtually every day.

2026 Retirement Contribution Limits: What Changed and What You Should Do Now

The IRS increased retirement contribution limits for 2026, giving investors more room to build wealth. IRA and Roth IRA limits are now $7,500, with a higher catch-up for those 50 and older. Income limits and deduction rules still apply, so knowing where and how to invest matters. This update breaks down what changed and why you may need to adjust your monthly contributions to stay on track.

The Little-Known Strategy That Can Turn IRA Dollars Into Tax-Free Money

Most people don’t realize you can make a one-time, tax-free transfer from an IRA into an HSA. If you’re covered by an HSA-eligible health plan and not yet on Medicare, this strategy can quietly turn tax-deferred IRA dollars into tax-free money for future healthcare costs. For people in their early 60s with large IRAs, it can reduce future RMDs and create meaningful flexibility for medical and long-term care expenses.

Can I Save for College and Retirement at the Same Time?

Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps suggest saving for retirement before college — but that doesn’t mean you have to finish one before starting the other. Financial Advisor Matthew Harris breaks down how to balance both goals, use time and compounding interest to your advantage, and make smart choices that keep you on track for retirement without sacrificing your kids’ education.

How Social Security COLA and Portfolio Strategy Impact Retirement Planning

Ensuring adequate savings for a lengthy retirement stands as the paramount concern for retirees and individuals nearing retirement. Recent years of elevated inflation have diminished the buying power of cash reserves, creating additional hurdles.

How Much Can You Safely Withdraw in Retirement?

How much can you safely withdraw in retirement without running out of money? While the 4% rule is a good starting point, research by Bill Bengen—and tools like Monte Carlo simulations—help us build smarter, more personalized plans. At Whitaker-Myers, we go further by using strategies like rebalancing, managing sequence of return risk, and diversifying into non-correlated assets to help your retirement income last as long as you do.