Powering Your Retirement

“How much do you know about Social Security?” quizzes you see online are fun and interesting, but the bigger questions you should be asking are those that can help you get the most out of the program. https://bit.ly/3VFSWfx

Now that the tax deadline is behind us, if you are taking Social Security and owed taxes, and you don't withhold anything from your Social Security payments, you can. I have heard stories about people spending hours on the phone trying to figure out how to set up withholdings. All you need to do is download a Form W-4V. Fill in Boxes 1, 2, and 3, select an option in Box 6, and sign and date it. Mail it to your local Social Security office, and give it 3 to 6 weeks. You should receive a letter, but if your payment amount changes, it is a pretty good bet the withholdings are now coming out. Social Security Office Locator: https://lnkd.in/gF92Kzq Download Form W-4V here: https://bit.ly/43IWsrw

If you haven't set up your Social Security Account on https://lnkd.in/gFsyaEM go do it. It is the best way to make sure your earning are being reported correctly and it protects you from fraudsters. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3U2cpFP

AT&T is the latest company to get hacked 73 Million accounts were impacted. AT&T already updated password, but if you have an AT&T account. You may be like many people that have repeated a password, if you did assume that the hackers might find that account, too.

If you have multiple 401k's, leaving them with your old employers has pros and cons. Here is a handy chart of things to consider. Download Here: https://bit.ly/3TM3E1d

The Two Key Ingredients to Growing Money: Generally speaking, building wealth involves two key pillars: time and rate of return. https://bit.ly/3J2ZX2o

With all the hype around Bitcoin ETFs, you would think I wouldn't get the number one question I get about Bitcoin. What is Bitcoin? Here is an explanation form one of the eleven Bitcoin ETF providers: https://bit.ly/3PNemUj

Estate planning is a process, not... ...a one-time event. After creating and executing a plan, it’s vital to ensure it's current. Life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or even new laws can make your old estate plan inadequate. Reviewing your plan regularly will help ensure your plan continues to work.

Embracing a disciplined, long-term investment approach is crucial for weathering market fluctuations and achieving favorable retirement outcomes. By staying the course with a diversified investment strategy, individuals can mitigate the detrimental effects of market timing and secure a more robust financial future. Digital Assets trade like any other assets, while more volitile, if you are a long term investor it makes sense to consider add a small part of your overall portfolio. Fidelity Canada recently added a 1% allocation to it Conservative model. They have had access to a spot BTC ETF for a while. US ETF providers are already moving in that direction.

Building a robust emergency savings fund is a cornerstone of financial preparedness, shielding individuals from the uncertainties of life. Whether facing unexpected expenses like car repairs or income disruptions such as job loss, having a financial cushion can prevent the need to dip into retirement savings prematurely, thus safeguarding long-term financial security. Here are key considerations for determining the appropriate size of your emergency reserves: Income Level and Personal Circumstances: Tailor your emergency fund size to your specific financial situation and comfort level. Guidelines for Working Individuals: Aim to set aside 2-3 months' worth of pay to weather potential income shocks. Guidelines for Retirees: Recognize the increased likelihood of significant spending shocks during retirement, especially related to healthcare expenses. Consider accumulating 3-6 months' worth of income to mitigate these risks. Impact of Household Income: Lower-income households may face larger and more frequent financial shocks relative to their baseline spending, necessitating a more substantial emergency savings buffer. By proactively planning and prioritizing emergency reserves, individuals can mitigate the financial strain caused by unforeseen circumstances, fostering greater resilience and peace of mind.