How to Optimize Your 401(k) Withdrawals in Retirement
After decades of contributing to your 401(k), watching the balance move through market ups and downs, the time finally arrives to start using these funds for their intended purpose—supporting your retirement. But the strategies that helped you build this nest egg differ dramatically from those that will help you withdraw it efficiently. The transition from […]
What Illinois Retirees Need to Know About Tax-Free Retirement Accounts
Did you know that Illinois stands out as one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees? As an individual living without children, your retirement planning takes a different shape – one that often allows for more aggressive savings and investment strategies. While many states take a bite out of your retirement income, Illinois offers unique […]
The Pros and Cons of Early Retirement in Illinois
Picture having your morning coffee on your back porch, any day of the week, with no work deadlines in sight. As a kid-free professional, your path to early retirement might be more achievable than you think. Without traditional family obligations, your retirement calculations look distinctly different from conventional models. The decision to retire early in […]
The Best Financial Strategies for Women Approaching Retirement
Money talks, but for women approaching retirement, it needs to speak a different language. The reality? Women often face unique financial hurdles that traditional retirement advice simply doesn’t address. Between career breaks, longer life expectancies, and historical wage gaps, the standard retirement playbook needs a serious upgrade. Whether you’re a career professional, without children or […]
Retirement and Divorce: Financial Tips for Illinoisans
Life rarely follows a straight path, and major transitions like divorce can significantly impact retirement planning. For Illinoisans navigating divorce later in life, the intersection of retirement preparations and marital dissolution presents unique financial challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, understanding how divorce affects your financial landscape in Illinois can help […]
Creating a Retirement Spending Plan for Child-Free Couples
Statistics tell us that around 15%1 of adults never have children, yet most retirement planning advice assumes everyone follows a traditional family path. This oversight leaves many couples wondering how to tailor their retirement spending strategies to their specific lifestyle needs. The conventional wisdom about retirement spending often misses the mark for child-free couples, who […]
Roth Conversions: The Best Time to Make the Move
Timing is everything when it comes to Roth conversions. Should you make the switch before or after retirement? In our latest video, we break down the key factors—tax implications, income considerations, and long-term benefits—to help you make the best decision for your financial future.
Navigating Medicare: A Guide for Chicago Retirees
Stepping into Medicare feels remarkably similar to entering Chicago’s famous Willis Tower – an impressive structure with multiple levels, each serving distinct purposes, yet potentially overwhelming at first glance. While millions pass through Medicare’s doors each year, many find themselves questioning which floor they should visit first, which services they really need, and how to […]
Preserving Your Retirement from Market Volatility
The retirement savings you’ve built might feel like a ship caught in uncertain waters whenever market turbulence strikes. Despite decades of careful planning and disciplined saving, watching account balances fluctuate can trigger powerful emotional responses that could potentially lead to hasty decisions. This relationship between market movements and retirement confidence deserves thoughtful consideration, particularly for […]
Is Downsizing Right for You? Key Considerations for Retirees
Retirement brings a natural time of reflection about how we want to live our next chapter, and for many child-free retirees, this includes reconsidering their living space. Perhaps your current home was chosen for its proximity to work or acquired during a different phase of life. Now, with retirement reshaping your daily patterns and priorities, […]
