Dear Chuck, We’re considering hiring a financial advisor to help us develop an estate plan. We want to protect and pass down our assets and possibly set up a giving fund that the children will jointly manage. Any suggestions on how to do this right? Stewarding Our Estate Dear Stewarding Our Estate, It is encouraging […]
We like the idea of retirement. After all those years of working hard, progressing in our careers, and making sacrifices, we feel like retirement is when we’ve finally made it. We see it as a season to enjoy all the luxuries we’ve convinced ourselves we deserve. Reaching 65 is heralded as a time when you […]
Dear Chuck, Is it wrong to carry a mortgage in retirement? We are both preparing to retire but have 20 years left on our home mortgage. Senior Mortgage Concerns Dear Senior Mortgage Concerns, My general response is to recommend that you (and everyone else) get completely out of debt before you retire. This verse […]
Dear Chuck, My husband’s sales job has not produced good income since the pandemic. We’re in our early 60s, have $10,000 in a savings account, $25,000 in our 401(k), a paid-off home, and no debt. We’ve considered downsizing. Do you advise drawing down on our 401(k) now? Managing Cash Flow Dear Managing Cash Flow, […]
Dear Chuck, Although I don’t really believe in it, I am thinking of adding Bitcoin to my retirement funds. What do you think about it? To Buy Bitcoin or Not to Buy Bitcoin? Dear To Buy Bitcoin or Not to Buy Bitcoin, First, my disclaimer: I am not an investment adviser and can only […]
Dear Chuck, My wife and I want to escape the high taxes in California. She thinks we should look into a place offering moving incentives. We have two young children; so now may be the best time to move. What advice can you offer on these moving incentives? Leaving LA Dear Leaving LA, This is […]
Dear Chuck, How do you think a Biden presidency would impact my retirement nest egg? It is hard to know which way this election will go! I can’t afford to lose my savings. Fearful Retiree Dear Fearful Retiree, Thanks for the question. As of this writing on November 4th, the day after the presidential election, […]
Dear Chuck, My wife is urging me to retire. I am not ready yet and do not know if I ever will be. I enjoy working. However, what do you think are the best financial moves to be ready? Prepping for Retirement Dear Prepping for Retirement, This year has caused many people to consider […]
Dear Chuck, I am 46 years old. My company is closing its doors due to COVID-19. I have been adding to my 401(k) for 21 years. What do I do with it now? Concerned About My 401(k) Dear Concerned, Thanks for the great question. Millions of people are facing a similar challenge. I will […]
Dear Chuck, I can retire in two years at age 65. Our home is paid for but we have almost nothing saved for retirement. We can get by on Social Security but it will be tight. How are others getting by who are in this shape? Retirement Planning Dear Retirement Planning, It is great […]