Should You Have a Mortgage in Retirement? Pros and Cons

Retirement planning often involves the goal of eliminating mortgage payments before leaving the workforce. This approach is based on the idea that it’s easier to make ends meet in retirement by reducing expenses and not having to deal with a mortgage while on a fixed income. However, is eliminating your mortgage always the best approach? … Read more

Can a Spouse Not Named as a Beneficiary Receive Assets from a 401(k)?

You will be asked to name beneficiaries when you enroll in a 401(k) plan at work. These are the individuals or other entities who will inherit the account in the event of your death. It’s possible that you disregarded the significance of designating the appropriate beneficiaries and maintaining that information current when you first opened … Read more

How Do I Calculate My Retirement Age? A Comprehensive Guide to Retirement Age and Benefit Reduction

Retirement planning is an essential aspect of financial security. Determining your retirement age is crucial for making informed decisions about your future. This guide will explore the concept of retirement age, how it is calculated, and the implications of starting retirement early. Understanding Retirement Age Retirement age refers to the age at which you become … Read more

Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for Retirement Accounts

All individual retirement accounts (IRAs) must eventually have their balances disbursed to the account owner or the beneficiary of the owner. This includes both Roth and traditional. One significant distinction between the two kinds of IRAs is that, if you are the original owner, you are exempt from having to take any withdrawals from a … Read more

Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide to FERS

How many years do you have to work for the federal government to get a pension? This is a common question among federal employees, and the answer depends on the specific retirement system you are enrolled in. For those covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the answer is at least 5 years. However, … Read more