Retirement Planning

Confused about the difference between an HSA and an FSA? Associate Financial Advisor Clay Reynolds breaks down eligibility rules, 2026 contribution limits, tax advantages, and smart planning strategies to help you make the most of your healthcare dollars.

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.

Interest rates influence everything from borrowing costs to bond prices and stock valuations. Understanding how Federal Reserve rate changes ripple through the economy can help investors stay disciplined and focused on long-term financial goals.

Gold and silver are grabbing headlines as investors seek shelter from inflation, volatility, and global uncertainty. While precious metals can play a limited role during turbulent times, they don’t generate income or long-term growth—and their prices are often driven by speculation. In this article, we explore the recent rise of gold and silver, weigh their pros and cons, and explain why true diversification through productive assets remains the most reliable path to lasting wealth.

Retirement planning doesn’t end when you stop working — it evolves. From managing RMDs and Medicare IRMAA surcharges to navigating the often-overlooked widow’s trap, smart tax planning can make a meaningful difference in preserving your wealth. Learn how strategic Roth conversions, tax diversification, and proactive planning can help protect your retirement income and support surviving spouses.

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.

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.

An income floor is the minimum reliable monthly income needed in retirement to cover essential expenses like housing, food, and healthcare. It typically includes Social Security, pensions, and dividends. Building this foundation offers stability, reduces the risk of selling investments during downturns, and supports long-term security. Pairing it with a solid budget helps retirees confidently manage cash flow and maintain their lifestyle.

Baby Step 4 of the Ramsey Plan recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. This guide explains how to structure those savings using a 401(k), Roth IRA, or taxable brokerage depending on your income, filing status, and employer plan access. Key rule: “Match beats Roth, Roth beats Pre-Tax.” Whether you're single or married, with or without a plan, there’s a strategy to fit your situation. Consult a financial advisor to create a plan that works for you.

Not all financial advisors are created equal. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) stands out for their fiduciary duty, rigorous training, and ethical standards. CFP® professionals offer holistic planning, objective advice, and a commitment to your best interests. With trusted credentials and dedication, they provide peace of mind in your financial journey. Choose wisely—your financial future depends on it.

STRS is offering an early retirement incentive for defined benefit plan members with 33 years of service or age 60 with 5 years of service between June 2025 and July 2027. Deciding whether to accept depends on your full financial picture. Run benefit estimates for different retirement points and factor in any salary increases. Then, meet with an STRS counselor and your Whitaker-Myers advisor to determine the best option for your goals.

Sequence of return risk—the timing of investment returns near retirement—can significantly impact portfolio longevity. Losses early in retirement are far more damaging than losses later. Investors approaching the “Retirement Red Zone” should reduce risk exposure and consider tools like income annuities, buffer assets, and diversified portfolios. A trusted financial advisor can help build a plan to retire with confidence and stability.