Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Interest Rates: An Ever-Changing Landscape
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.
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Five Steps to Protect Your Family from Financial Fraud
Financial fraud is becoming more sophisticated with advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology. Learn five practical steps to protect your accounts, strengthen safeguards, and reduce your family’s risk of financial loss.
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This Valentine’s Day, Fall in Love with a Smarter College Plan
Valentine’s Day is a reminder that thoughtful planning is an act of care—and college planning is no exception. This article explores why starting the college conversation early, understanding financial aid timelines, and setting clear expectations can help families make confident, financially sound decisions long before tuition bills arrive.
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Preparing for Inflation: Practical Budgeting and Investment Strategies for a Higher-Cost World
Inflation has reshaped household budgets and long-term financial planning, with the cost of living rising nearly 20% since 2021. This article explores practical budget adjustments and investment strategies designed to help protect purchasing power and build resilience during prolonged inflationary periods.
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The Case for Diversification in a World of Gold and Silver
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.
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Do Gold and Silver Belong in My Portfolio
Gold and silver have surged to record highs, reigniting investor interest in precious metals. But strong recent returns don’t automatically mean they belong at the center of your portfolio. In this article, we explore what’s driving today’s rally, the historical role of precious metals, and how gold and silver may fit into a diversified, long-term investment strategy.
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Importance of Knowing Your Tax Situation
Understanding your tax situation is more than just knowing how to file—it’s a critical foundation for smart financial decision-making. From choosing the right filing status to working with a CPA or financial advisor, clarity around your taxes can uncover opportunities to save money today and build wealth for tomorrow. With the right strategy and professional guidance, you’re not just paying taxes—you ’re paying them in the smartest way possible.
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The Widow Trap
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.
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