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Retirement Questions, Straight Answers

You've got questions about your 401k, RMDs, and protecting what you've built. Here are the answers—in plain English, not Wall Street jargon. No sales pitch, just the information you need.

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2025
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Account Safety

Is your retirement money protected?

13 articles

RMD & Distributions

Required Minimum Distribution questions

11 articles

Life Events

Job changes, divorce, inheritance

175 articles

What Happens to Unvested 401k When You Leave Your Job

What Happens to Your 401k If You Get Laid Off at 58

Leaving Your Job Before 401k Is Fully Vested: What You Need to Know

401k Match Not Vested Yet - Should I Still Leave?

What to Do With Your Spouse's 401k After Death

Per Stirpes vs Per Capita: Estate Planning Distribution Methods Explained

Cremation vs Burial Cost: Complete 2026 Price Comparison

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea? Pros, Cons & Alternatives

Joint and Survivor Annuity: Complete Guide for Married Couples

End of Life Financial Planning: The Complete Checklist

Getting Your Affairs in Order: The Ultimate Checklist

Health Insurance for Early Retirement: Your Options Before Medicare

Recording Your Family History: A Grandparent's Guide

Trust Fund for Grandchildren: How to Set One Up

Social Security Representative Payee: When and How to Become One

Guaranteed Income for Retirement: Your Options Compared

Contingent Beneficiary Meaning: What You Need to Know

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: Which Is Better for You?

Social Security Bridge Strategy: Maximize Your Lifetime Benefits

Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC): Longevity Insurance

Pension Lump Sum vs Monthly Payments: How to Decide

T. Rowe Price 401k Rollover: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Principal 401k Rollover: Complete Transfer Guide

Transamerica 401k Rollover: How to Transfer Your Account

Johnson & Johnson Pension: What Current & Former Employees Should Know

John Hancock 401k Rollover: Complete Transfer Guide

Voya 401k Rollover: Complete Transfer Guide

Nationwide 401(k) Rollover: Transfer Guide

Paychex 401(k) Rollover: Complete Transfer Guide

Merrill Lynch 401(k) Rollover: Complete Guide

Wells Fargo 401(k) Rollover: Complete Guide

CalPERS Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your California Pension

CalSTRS Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your Teacher Pension

Texas TRS Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your Teacher Pension

Florida FRS Retirement Calculator: Pension vs Investment Plan

NYS Pension Calculator: Estimate Your New York State Retirement

Ohio PERS Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your Pension

WEP Reform 2026: What Public Employees Need to Know

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Complete Explanation

Government Pension Offset (GPO): How It Affects Your Benefits

WEP Exemptions: Who Avoids the Windfall Elimination Provision

WEP Calculator Guide: How to Calculate Your Reduction

Railroad Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your Benefits

Railroad Retirement vs Social Security: Complete Comparison Guide

FERS Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your Federal Pension

FERS Supplement Calculator: Estimate Your Early Retirement Bridge

TSP Withdrawal Strategies: Maximize Your Federal Retirement

FEHB in Retirement: Keeping Federal Health Insurance

Federal Employee Retirement Planning: Complete FERS Guide

72(t) Calculator: Plan Early Retirement Withdrawals

72(t) Distribution Rules: Avoid Costly SEPP Mistakes

Accessing IRA Before 59½: All Your Options Explained

Inherited IRA RMD Rules 2026: What Beneficiaries Must Know

Spousal IRA Contribution Rules: Funding an IRA for a Non-Working Spouse

Can I Retire at 60 with $500k? A Realistic Analysis

How Long Will $500k Last in Retirement? Complete Analysis

Independent Living vs Assisted Living: Complete Comparison Guide

Nursing Home vs Home Care: Cost Comparison & Decision Guide

FEHB in Retirement: Complete Guide to Federal Health Benefits

FERS Supplement Explained: Your Social Security Bridge

CalPERS Retirement Complete Guide: Everything California Public Employees Need to Know

CalSTRS Retirement Guide for Teachers: Complete California Educator Pension Planning

Divorced Spouse Social Security Benefits: Complete Guide

Social Security Survivor Benefits: Complete Guide for Widows

Simple Cell Phone for Seniors: Best Options in 2026

Best Way to Gift Money to Grandchildren: Tax-Free Strategies

Downsizing in Retirement: When, Why, and How

Stairlift Costs: Complete Pricing Guide for 2026

24-Hour Home Care Cost: Complete Pricing Guide

Independent Living vs Assisted Living: Complete Guide

VERA: Voluntary Early Retirement Authority for Federal Employees

VSIP: Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (Federal Buyout)

What to Do With a $100,000 Inheritance

What to Do With a $200,000 Inheritance

What to Do With a $500,000 Inheritance

Business Sale Retirement Planning: Protecting Your Exit Proceeds

Pension Risk Transfer: Should You Take the Buyout Offer?

Pension vs Lump Sum: How to Make the Right Decision

Northrop Grumman Retirement Benefits: Complete Guide

Joint Survivor vs Single Life Pension: How to Choose

Dentist Retirement Planning: Complete Guide for Practice Owners

Pilot Retirement Age: FAA Age 65 Rule & Pension Planning

Veterinarian Retirement Planning: Practice Sale & Investment Guide

Nurse Retirement Pension: Hospital Plans & 403b Strategies

Realtor Retirement Plan: Self-Employed Agent Strategies

Pastor Retirement Planning: Clergy Benefits & Housing Allowance

Single Retirement Planning: Building Security Without a Spouse

Stay-at-Home Mom Retirement Planning: Building Your Future

Divorced After 50: Rebuilding Your Retirement

Widowed Retirement Planning: Managing Finances After Loss

One-Income Household Retirement: Maximizing a Single Salary

Portugal Retirement Visa: Complete D7 Visa Guide for Americans

Retiring in Costa Rica: Complete Guide for American Retirees

Panama Retirement Benefits: The Famous Pensionado Discounts Explained

Collecting Social Security While Living Abroad: Complete Guide

Physician Retirement Planning: Complete Guide for Doctors

CPA Retirement Planning: Accountant Practice Succession Guide

Attorney Retirement Planning: Law Firm Partner Exit Strategies

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): Complete Guide

The Villages Florida Reviews: Pros, Cons & Honest Assessment

CCRC Contract Types: Type A, B, C Explained (Life Care vs Fee-for-Service)

Del Webb Retirement Communities: Reviews, Costs & Locations

55+ Community Pros and Cons: Is an Active Adult Community Right for You?

Husband Retired, Wife Still Working: Managing Different Timelines

Wife Retired, Husband Still Working: Managing Role Reversal

Staggered Retirement Strategy: Why Retiring at Different Times Makes Sense

One More Year Syndrome: Why You Can't Pull the Trigger on Retirement

Fear of Retiring: Addressing Retirement Anxiety and Uncertainty

Making Friends in Retirement: Building Social Connections After Work

Retirement Identity Crisis: Navigating the Loss of Your Work Self

Lonely in Retirement: Combating Isolation and Staying Connected

Power of Attorney vs Guardianship: Key Differences Explained

Per Stirpes Life Insurance: How It Protects Your Grandchildren

Per Stirpes vs By Representation: Distribution Method Comparison

Contingent Beneficiary Life Insurance: Why You Need One

Guardianship of Elderly Parent: Legal Process and Alternatives

FIRE Movement: Complete Guide to Financial Independence Retire Early

The 25x Rule: How to Calculate Your Retirement Number

Early Retirement Extreme: Ultimate Guide to ERE Lifestyle

Coast FIRE: Complete Guide to Coasting to Retirement

Barista FIRE: Part-Time Work + Financial Independence Guide

Fat FIRE Guide: High-Spending Early Retirement Strategy

Lean FIRE Guide: Frugal Early Retirement Strategy

Railroad Retirement Spouse Benefits: Complete Guide to RRB Spousal Annuity

Railroad Medicare Enrollment: Complete Guide for RRB Beneficiaries

Railroad Retirement Tier 1 vs Tier 2: Complete Guide to RRB Benefits

Railroad Retirement Survivor Benefits: Widow & Widower Guide

Railroad Retirement Disability Benefits: Complete Guide to RRB Disability

Do You Need a Financial Advisor for Your Inheritance?

Inheriting an IRA From a Parent: Complete Rules Guide

Inheriting a 401k From a Parent: Your Complete Options Guide

What to Do With a $50K Inheritance

What to Do With a $150K Inheritance

What to Do With a $300K Inheritance

What to Do With a $400K Inheritance

Can You Retire With $750,000? Complete Analysis

Can You Retire With $800,000? Analysis & Scenarios

Is $1 Million Enough to Retire at 60? Complete Analysis

Is $1.5 Million Enough to Retire? Complete Guide

Is $2 Million Enough to Retire at 55? Early Retirement Analysis

Google Retirement Benefits: 401k Match, RSUs & Mega Backdoor Roth

Tech Layoff Retirement Planning: Protect Your 401k After Job Loss

RSU Concentrated Position: Managing Too Much Company Stock

Stock Compensation & Retirement Planning: RSU, ISO & NSO Guide

Can You Retire at 55 With $300,000? The Extreme Early Retirement Challenge

Can You Retire at 60 With $400,000? 5-Year Medicare Gap Analysis

Can You Retire at 62 With $500,000? Early SS Strategy Guide

Can You Retire at 65 With $600,000? Medicare-Ready Retirement

Husband Wants to Retire But Wife Doesn't: Finding Common Ground

Wife Retiring Before Husband: Role Reversal and Planning Strategies

One Spouse Retired, Other Working: Managing Different Schedules and Lives

Coordinating Retirement Dates: Planning Together for Optimal Timing

When the Breadwinner Spouse Retires First: Income Replacement Strategies

Stay-at-Home Spouse Social Security: Maximizing Benefits as a Couple

Supporting Your Spouse in Retirement: When One Works and One Doesn't

When Spouses Have Different Retirement Timelines: 5-10 Year Gaps and How to Plan

Laid Off at 55: Too Young to Retire, Too Old to Start Over?

Laid Off at 58 With No Retirement Savings: A Realistic Guide

Laid Off at 60: Can I Just Retire Now?

Forced Into Early Retirement at 62: Your Complete Guide

Job Loss Near Retirement Age: Your Complete Action Guide

Severance and Retirement Planning: Make Every Dollar Count

How to Calculate If Your Early Retirement Package Is Enough

Should You Take the Buyout? A Framework for Your Decision

VERA and VSIP Decision Guide: Should Federal Employees Take Early Out?

Who Am I Without Work? Finding Yourself After Your Career Ends

Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement: When Worry Helps vs. Hurts

Retirement Depression in the First Year: Warning Signs and What Helps

Retirement Boredom Solutions: Practical Ways to Fill Your Days with Purpose

Retirement Spending Anxiety: Learning to Let Go of Saving Mode

Permission to Spend in Retirement: Enjoying the Money You Worked So Hard to Save

Things I Wish I Knew Before Retiring: Hard-Won Wisdom from Real Retirees

First Year Retirement Mistakes: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Teacher Pension vs 401k/403b: Should You Supplement Your Pension?

401k Loans

Borrowing from your retirement

8 articles

Fees & Costs

Hidden costs eating your returns

25 articles

Roth Conversion

Tax planning strategies

11 articles

Market Concerns

Crashes, timing, volatility

33 articles

Should I Move My 401k Before a Market Crash?

Why Did My 401k Drop So Much? Understanding Market Volatility

401k Lost 20%: What Should I Do Now?

Is It Too Late to Save for Retirement at 50? 55? 60?

Am I On Track for Retirement at 50? Benchmarks & Reality Check

Why Is My 401k Losing Money Every Month?

Dividend Stocks for Retirement: Building Passive Income

The Bucket Strategy for Retirement: A Complete Guide

Sequence of Returns Risk: The Hidden Danger in Early Retirement

How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last? Calculator & Analysis

Ray Dalio All Weather Portfolio: How to Build It in 2026

How to Prepare for Dollar Collapse: Practical Protection Guide

Robert Kiyosaki 2026 Predictions: What Rich Dad Says About the Economy

Savers Are Losers: What Kiyosaki Really Means & Why He's Right

Peter Schiff Was Right: His Predictions Analyzed

Mike Maloney's Hidden Secrets of Money: Key Insights Explained

Kiyosaki vs Dave Ramsey: Who's Right About Money?

Kiyosaki vs Suze Orman on Gold: Who's Right About Precious Metals?

Jim Rickards Dollar Collapse Prediction: Analysis & Timeline

Lynette Zang Gold Predictions: Currency Reset & Wealth Transfer

Robert Kiyosaki Silver Prediction: Why He Recommends Both Silver and Gold

How to Crash Proof Your Retirement: Protection Strategies

How to Prepare for Economic Collapse: Financial Preparedness Guide

Great Depression vs Great Recession: Key Differences & Lessons

Depression Proof Investments: What Survives Economic Collapse

Protecting Your Retirement from Market Crash: Strategies That Work

Should I Move My 401k to Bonds? Age, Risk & Timing Guide

401k Down 30%: Crisis Response Guide

Can the Government Take My 401k? Facts vs. Fears

Why Is My Target Date Fund Losing Money?

How to Protect Your 401k from a Market Crash in 2026

Bail-In Risk: Are Your Retirement Accounts Safe?

What Happens to My Retirement If Fidelity or Schwab Fails?

Target Date Funds

Understanding your default investment

3 articles

Enrollment & HR

Workplace 401k issues

3 articles

Asset Protection

Creditors, bankruptcy, legal

56 articles

Will the Government Take My 401k? Separating Fact from Fear

Can the Government Seize My IRA? What You Need to Know

Is Your 401k Protected from Creditors, Lawsuits & Bankruptcy?

401k in Divorce: What Your Spouse Can (and Can't) Take

Is $200,000 Enough to Retire at 62?

What Do Rich People Invest In? Wealthy Investment Strategies Revealed

Is Robert Kiyosaki a Scam? An Honest Assessment

Be Your Own Bank: What It Actually Means for Retirement

Elder Law Asset Protection: Strategies to Protect Your Wealth

Conservatorship vs Guardianship: Key Differences Explained

Self-Directed IRA Prohibited Transactions: The Complete List

Self-Directed IRA Checkbook Control: What You Need to Know

IRA Conduit Trust vs Accumulation Trust: Which Is Right?

Life Estate and Medicaid Planning: Complete Guide

Life Alert Cost Per Month: Medical Alert Systems Price Guide (2026)

TSP vs Gold IRA: Which Is Better for Federal Employees?

WEP Reform 2026 Update: Social Security Fairness Act Progress

WEP Exemptions: Complete Guide to Avoiding the Windfall Penalty

GPO and Social Security: How Government Pension Offset Affects Benefits

Understanding WEP Calculations: How Your Benefit Is Reduced

Texas TRS Retirement Guide: Complete Teacher Retirement System Planning

NYCERS Pension Guide: Complete New York City Retirement Planning

Lady Bird Deed for Medicaid Planning: Enhanced Life Estate Guide

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) Explained

Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT): Complete Guide

VA Pension vs VA Disability: Understanding the Differences

Reverse Mortgage Scam: How to Spot Predatory Lenders & Protect Yourself

Medicaid Compliant Annuity: How to Protect Assets & Qualify for Long-Term Care

Sears Pension: What Happened and What Retirees Get Now

Deferred Income Annuity (DIA): The Longevity Insurance Solution

Guaranteed Lifetime Income: Build Your Personal Pension

Proprietary Reverse Mortgage: Higher Limits for Expensive Homes

Reverse Mortgage Alternatives: 7 Ways to Tap Home Equity

HELOC in Retirement: Strategic Use of Home Equity Lines

High Net Worth Retirement Planning: Wealth Preservation Strategies

Checkbook IRA Reviews: Best Providers & Custodians for 2026

Checkbook IRA Real Estate Investing: Complete Guide (2026)

Self-Directed IRA LLC Operating Agreement: What You Need (2026)

Solo 401k Checkbook Control: Better Than Checkbook IRA? (2026)

Checkbook IRA Gold: Buy Precious Metals with Direct Control (2026)

Checkbook IRA Prohibited Transactions: What You Cannot Do (2026)

Gold IRAs for FIRE: Protecting Early Retirement Portfolios

Is the Infinite Banking Concept a Scam?

Be Your Own Bank with Life Insurance: How It Works

Become Your Own Banker: Nelson Nash Infinite Banking

Private Equity IRA: Investing in PE with Your Retirement Account (2026)

Self-Directed IRA Real Estate Rules: Complete Compliance Guide (2026)

IRA Alternative Investments: Complete Guide to Diversifying Beyond Stocks (2026)

Miller Trust for Medicaid: Qualified Income Trust Guide

Medicaid Income Trust: Types and State Variations

Medicaid Lookback Period: 5-Year Rule Explained

PENSCO Trust Reviews: What Happened After the Pacific Premier Merger?

NuView IRA Reviews: Is This SDIRA Custodian Right for You?

Entrust IRA Fees: Complete Cost Breakdown (2025)

Self-Directed IRA Custodian Comparison: Complete Guide (2025)

Best Self-Directed IRA Custodian by Use Case (2025)

Gold IRA

Gold IRA comparisons, fees, and requirements

9 articles

Healthcare

Healthcare gap, COBRA, ACA, early retirement coverage

6 articles

ROBS & Business Financing

401k business financing, franchise funding, ROBS strategies

4 articles

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