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15 Jan 2026

How One Powerful Habit Can Transform Your Life

by michael | in Uncategorized

The annual checkup is critical for your long-term health and your wealth

Each year, we visit a doctor – not because we’re sick, but to make sure we’re not. Preventive care detects early issues and provides confidence that we’re on track. The same principle applies to your financial life.

An annual financial review is your fiscal physical: a chance to confirm your plan’s vitality, adjust course, and sleep better at night. Yet many people delay or skip it. Let’s explore why that’s a mistake – and how you can use your yearly financial checkup as a source of strength.

Why Annual Reviews Are Critical

Your financial life is not static. Markets change. Tax laws change. You change. What worked last year might be out of step now.

A solid financial plan must evolve. Without consistent review, even the best-laid plans grow brittle. Annual reviews offer a structured space to address:

  • Progress toward goals
  • Life transitions
  • Portfolio risk
  • Legislative shifts
  • Emotional reactions to the market

What a Comprehensive Review Should Include

  1. Goal Assessment
    • Are you on track for retirement, home purchase, or education savings?
    • Have your priorities shifted?

  2. Investment Strategy
    • Is your asset allocation still right?
    • Has your risk tolerance changed with age or experience?

  3. Account Review
    • Are any accounts redundant, outdated, or underperforming?
    • Is your contribution strategy tax-efficient?

  4. Spending Plan
    • Are you living within your means?
    • Could you save more, or reallocate current savings?

  5. Debt Management
    • Are you managing debt wisely?
    • Is refinancing or consolidation an option?

  6. Tax Planning
    • Could you benefit from Roth conversions or charitable giving strategies?
    • Are you using all available deductions?

  7. Estate Planning
    • Are your documents updated?
    • Are you coordinating asset titling, trusts, and beneficiary designations?

  8. Insurance Audit
    • Do you have enough – and the right type – of coverage?

Emotional Dimension of Financial Reviews

A financial checkup is not just about numbers – it’s about peace of mind. Reviews offer reassurance during volatile markets and reaffirm your values.

They’re also a chance to talk through financial stressors, family dynamics, or big decisions like downsizing, retiring early, or changing careers. A good advisor doesn’t just listen – they help guide.

What Happens If You Don’t Review Annually?

  • You might be exposed to unnecessary risk.
  • You might miss new opportunities.
  • You might assume you’re on track when you’re not.

In short: life moves fast. Your plan should move with it.

Copyright © 2026 FMeX.

15 Jan 2026

Game Over: The New Barbarians at the Gate

by michael | in Uncategorized

It’s been 36 years since “Barbarians at the Gate” hit bookstores. That book turned the RJR Nabisco buyout into a cultural moment. Now we have a new record holder.

Electronic Arts just agreed to go private in a $55 billion deal. It’s the largest leveraged buyout in history. And it’s worth comparing to what happened in 1989.

The Numbers

Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners are putting up $36 billion in equity. J.P. Morgan committed $20 billion in debt financing. EA shareholders get $210 per share, a 25% premium.

RJR Nabisco went for about $25 billion back then. Adjust for inflation and you’re still looking at something smaller than EA. But the similarities matter more than the size.

Why These Deals Worked

Both companies had predictable cash flows. RJR had tobacco and food products. People bought Oreos and cigarettes regardless of the economy. EA has sports franchises like Madden and FIFA. Gamers buy them every year.

That’s what private equity looks for. Stable revenue. Strong margins. Products that generate cash without massive capital expenditure.

What Changed

The RJR deal was messy. Management tried to buy the company themselves. A bidding war broke out. KKR won with a lower guaranteed offer because the board didn’t trust management’s incentives.

The drama around executive compensation and golden parachutes defined that era. Congress held hearings. People questioned whether LBOs served anyone besides dealmakers.

EA’s buyout looks different. No public bidding war. No management trying to cut themselves in. The board evaluated one offer and took it. Sovereign wealth funds are involved, which wasn’t common in 1989.

The Junk Bond Era vs Today

KKR used high-yield debt to finance RJR. Junk bonds were relatively new as an LBO tool. Michael Milken at Drexel Burnham Lambert pioneered the market. It was controversial.

Today, leveraged finance is standard. Banks structure debt packages. Private credit funds compete with traditional lenders. The EA deal uses $20 billion in debt, but nobody’s calling it reckless.

Interest rates matter here. The RJR deal happened when rates were high. EA benefits from years of low rates and the expectation that the Fed will cut soon.

What It Means

Gaming is now attractive enough for the biggest private equity play ever. That says something about how investors view tech-driven content businesses.

RJR showed that any company with cash flow could be a target. EA shows that tech companies with recurring revenue are the new blue chips for buyouts.

The market has matured. What shocked people in 1989 is routine now. Sovereign wealth funds deploy capital globally. Private equity firms write checks that would have seemed impossible.

But the basic logic hasn’t changed. Historically, leveraged buyouts have involved acquiring businesses with stable cash generation, using debt as a financing tool, and aiming to manage the company so that it can service its obligations and potentially provide an eventual exit opportunity.

Questions Worth Asking

Can EA’s revenue stay predictable in private hands? Sports games depend on licensing deals with leagues. Those deals can change.

What happens to game quality when a company optimizes for cash flow? EA already has critics who say it prioritizes monetization over innovation.

And what does this mean for other gaming companies? If EA can command this valuation, others will attract interest. More consolidation seems likely.

The RJR deal ended badly for KKR initially. They eventually made money, but it took restructuring and asset sales. Large LBOs carry risk. Bigger isn’t always better.

End Game

EA’s buyout is historic by size. But it follows a playbook written decades ago. Find cash flow. Add leverage. Take it private.

The gaming industry just became the newest candidate for this old strategy. We’ll see if it works better than it did for tobacco and cookies.

This material is published and distributed by Financial Media Exchange for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Private equity and leveraged buyouts involve significant risks, including leverage risk, liquidity constraints, and conflicts of interest related to deal structures

The information presented is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. You should consult your own financial professional before making any investment decisions. This content complies with SEC and FINRA guidelines for educational communications and does not promote any specific products or strategies.

Copyright © 2026 FMeX.

15 Jan 2026

How Good is the Quality of U.S. Inflation Data?

by michael | in Uncategorized

Questions rise about the accuracy of recent and upcoming inflation numbers

As a financial planner, one of the most critical pieces of information I rely on to make informed investment decisions is the U.S. inflation rate. This metric, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is a cornerstone of economic analysis and policy-making. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the accuracy and reliability of this data. The BLS has reported that staffing shortages have hampered its ability to conduct its massive monthly survey, leading economists to question the quality of recent and upcoming inflation reports.

The Role of the Bureau of Labor Statistics

The BLS is responsible for calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. This index is a key indicator of inflation and is used by policymakers, businesses, and investors to make critical decisions. The process involves hundreds of government workers, known as enumerators (government workers who visit businesses to check prices), who visit businesses and check prices for a wide range of products and services, from blue jeans to accounting services.

The Impact of Staffing Shortages

Recently, the BLS has faced significant staffing challenges. A hiring freeze at the agency has forced the survey to cut back on the number of businesses where it checks prices.

This reduction in the workforce means that the BLS has had to rely more heavily on less precise methods to estimate price changes.

In the April inflation report, for example, government statisticians had to use a process called different-cell imputation (a method where statisticians use data from other regions or less comparable products to estimate price changes when specific data is unavailable) more extensively than usual. While this is a standard practice when specific data is unavailable, the increased reliance on it due to staffing shortages has raised eyebrows among economists.

Why Accuracy Matters

The accuracy of inflation data is crucial for several reasons:

  • Economic Policy: The Federal Reserve and other policymakers use inflation data to set monetary policy. If the data is inaccurate, it could lead to misguided decisions, such as raising interest rates too soon or too late, which can have significant implications for economic growth and stability.
  • Investment Decisions: Investors rely on inflation data to make informed decisions about asset allocation. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of fixed-income investments and affect the performance of stocks and other assets. Accurate data helps investors adjust their strategies to protect their wealth.
  • Consumer Confidence: Inflation data influences consumer confidence and spending behavior. If consumers believe inflation is higher or lower than it actually is, it can affect their purchasing decisions and overall economic activity.
  • Contractual Agreements: Many contracts, such as those for wages, rents, and pensions, are indexed to inflation. Inaccurate data can lead to unfair adjustments in these agreements, affecting the financial well-being of individuals and businesses.

The Concerns of Economists

Economists are beginning to question the quality of recent U.S. inflation data due to the staffing shortages. While there is no evidence of intentional efforts to publish false or misleading statistics, the increased use of imputation methods can introduce errors and biases into the data. These concerns are not trivial, as even small inaccuracies can have major implications for the economy.

  • Data Reliability: The more the BLS relies on imputation, the less reliable the data becomes. Imputation is a necessary tool when specific data is missing, but it is not as precise as direct price checks. This can lead to an overestimation or underestimation of inflation.
  • Regional Disparities: The BLS may have to use data from other regions to estimate prices in areas where enumerators are scarce. This can mask regional differences in price changes, leading to a less accurate national inflation rate.
  • Product Substitution: When using less comparable products to estimate price changes, the BLS may not capture the true cost of living accurately. For example, using cargo pants instead of slacks might not reflect the same price trends, leading to potential inaccuracies in the CPI.

What Investors Can Do

Given the potential issues with the quality of inflation data, investors should take a few steps to protect their financial interests:

  • Diversify Investments: Diversification is always a good strategy, but it becomes even more important when economic data is uncertain. Consider spreading your investments across different asset classes to mitigate the impact of inflation on your portfolio.
  • Monitor Multiple Indicators: Relying on a single measure of inflation can be risky. Investors should monitor multiple economic indicators, such as the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, which is another measure of inflation used by the Federal Reserve. This can provide a more comprehensive view of price changes.
  • Stay Informed: Keep an eye on news and updates from the BLS and other economic agencies. Understanding the context and limitations of the data can help you make more informed decisions.
  • Consult Financial Professionals: If you are concerned about the impact of inflation on your investments, consult with a financial planner or economist. They can provide insights and help you navigate the uncertainties in the data.

The stakes are high, and the quality of the data you rely on can make all the difference in your financial well-being.

Copyright © 2026 FMeX.

22 Aug 2023

5 Risks That a Conflict With China Might Bring

by michael | in Uncategorized

Investors need to know the risks and factor them into investment decisions

The relationship between the United States and China has been strained for some time, and tensions have only increased in recent years. The ongoing trade war, intellectual property disputes, and geopolitical competition have all contributed to a sense of uncertainty and unease.

While the full extent of the potential consequences of an increasing conflict with China is difficult to predict, equity investors are likely to face several risks. Here are five significant main risks to equity investors that an increasing conflict with China might bring.

Disruption to Global Supply Chains

China has become the world's largest manufacturer and exporter, and many companies rely on Chinese factories and suppliers for components and raw materials. If a conflict were to disrupt these supply chains, it could have severe consequences for companies' ability to produce goods and meet demand. This would lead to higher costs and delays, which would hurt companies' profits and ultimately impact equity prices.

Reduction in Chinese Demand

China is also a significant market for many companies, particularly those in the technology and consumer sectors. If a conflict were to reduce Chinese demand for these goods and services, it could hurt companies' revenue and growth prospects. This could, in turn, lead to lower equity prices as investors reassess their expectations for future earnings.

Increased Regulatory and Legal Risks

An increasing conflict with China could also lead to increased regulatory and legal risks for companies operating in both countries. For example, China could increase regulatory scrutiny of American companies operating within its borders or impose retaliatory tariffs.

In addition, companies with significant operations in both countries could face legal challenges related to intellectual property or other issues, which could lead to costly legal battles and reputational damage.

Currency Volatility

An increasing conflict with China could also lead to currency volatility, as investors reassess the strength of the US dollar and the Chinese yuan. This could impact companies with significant international operations, particularly those that rely on exports or imports. Currency fluctuations could also impact the value of foreign investments, which could impact equity prices.

Geopolitical Uncertainty

Finally, an increasing conflict with China could lead to geopolitical uncertainty, which could impact equity prices in several ways. For example, a conflict could lead to increased military spending or other government interventions, which could impact economic growth and corporate profits.

In addition, geopolitical tensions could lead to increased volatility in financial markets, as investors try to assess the potential consequences of a conflict.

Things Get Better With Age

In conclusion, an increasing conflict with China is likely to have significant implications for equity investors.

As such, it's important for all investors to consider these risks and factor them into their investment decisions.

By staying informed and monitoring the situation, you can make more informed choices and better protect your portfolio. Your financial advisor can help.

Copyright © 2023 FMeX.

22 Aug 2023

August is Perfect for Back-to-School Planning

by michael | in Uncategorized

The earlier you start saving, the easier it will be to send your kids to college

The month of August is when many parents are preparing to send children back to school this fall. While the checklists grow and the kids soak in the last few minutes of summer break, it’s important to remember college planning and back-to-school shopping. While getting an education can be difficult at times, paying for it can feel like climbing up an unending hill. More and more adults are going back to school, so this doesn’t just apply to kids.

According to the U.S. Census, in the 40+ years since 1980, college costs have increased by 169% – while earnings for workers between the ages of 22 and 27 have increased by just 19%.

Rising Costs of College

Today, the average cost for college – which can include tuition, room and board, supplies, student loans and lost income can exceed $500,000. Consider these statistics:

  • The average private, nonprofit university student spends a total of $55,840 per academic year living on campus, $38,768 of it on tuition and fees.

  • The average cost of college in the United States is $36,436 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses.

  • The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, with an annual growth rate of 2% over the past 10 years. 

  • The average in-state student attending a public 4-year institution spends $26,027 for one academic year.

  • The average cost of in-state tuition alone is $9,678; out-of-state tuition averages $27,091

  • Considering student loan interest and loss of income, the ultimate cost of a bachelor’s degree can exceed $500,000. 

 

Planning ahead for your children’s education can alleviate the burden on your family when you or your student must write a check or take out an education loan.

College Savings Plans

College savings plans offer many great benefits. For example, some taxpayers are eligible for a state income tax credit of up to 20% of contributions to a 529 account, which can add up to thousands of dollar per year. With a 529 plan, you put away money that grows tax-free, as long as you use it on education.

These types of savings accounts are also very flexible. Just because a student has a 529 account set up in Kansas, doesn’t mean the assets cannot be used to attend a school in California or Texas, as long as the institution is eligible under the specific 529 rules.

Many plans allow for hundreds of thousands of dollars per beneficiary to be held in a 529 account, with few income or age restrictions.

Another great benefit of a 529 is the donor retains control of the account and makes the decision for when withdrawals are made and for what reason.

Talk to Your Advisor

It’s important to consult an advisor or a 529 plan manager with specific questions regarding how each state’s plan works.

Back-to-school season is a great time to teach children and young adults about budgeting and giving priorities to certain purchases. While parents get ready for that time of the year where they make sure lunches are made and homework is completed, it’s wise to look ahead and begin, if they have not already, planning for their kids’ college education.

With rising tuition costs, the earlier you start planning and saving, the easier sending a child off to school can be.

Copyright © 2023 FMeX.

22 Aug 2023

Unravelling Today’s Slowing Real Estate Market

by michael | in Uncategorized

Understanding the “chicken and egg” dilemma facing buyers and sellers

The dynamic real estate market has seen a significant slowdown lately. Those looking to buy or sell homes are feeling the pinch, but the question remains: what is causing this downturn? A recent Realtor.com report presents an intriguing explanation – a 'chicken and egg' problem. Let's unravel this conundrum.

The slowdown primarily stems from rising mortgage rates, which currently sit about 1 percentage point higher than last year, at around the mid-6% range. This increase presents a considerable hurdle not just for potential buyers but also for sellers who feel "locked in" to their existing properties due to lower mortgage rates they secured years prior.

The hesitation from both buyers and sellers has created a bottleneck in the market. Even homebuyers prepared to face higher rates are met with a scarcity of listings. May witnessed a significant 22.7% drop in new listings compared to last year.

Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale elaborates, "Many sellers report being concerned about finding another home, which may cause some of them to put plans to list on pause." This apprehension among sellers is leading to a limited pool of options for eager buyers.

Unravelling the “Chicken and Egg” Problem

This stalemate in the real estate market is being dubbed the 'chicken and egg' problem. In essence, the current market situation hinges on a paradox: sellers are reluctant to list their properties for fear of not finding another home, while buyers grapple with limited options and higher rates. This cycle feeds into itself, making it challenging to break.

Potential sellers are effectively 'chickens', unwilling to 'lay the egg' of putting their property on the market due to uncertainty. Buyers, on the other hand, are eager yet unable to find suitable 'eggs' in the form of new properties.

A Potential Solution

While this might paint a somewhat gloomy picture of the real estate market, it's essential to remember that markets are cyclical. Just as we've seen booms and busts in the past, this too will likely shift over time.

In the interim, it's important for potential sellers to remember that while their current mortgage rates might be lower, the higher selling prices could potentially offset the cost of higher rates on a new mortgage. Meanwhile, buyers might need to adopt a more patient approach, understanding that the market fluctuation is part of a broader cycle.

Navigating the Market as an Investor

As an investor, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics at play. In times of a slowdown, exploring different strategies could prove beneficial. For instance, rental properties could be an attractive option, with a potential increase in demand as some potential buyers may choose to rent until the market stabilizes.

The 'chicken and egg' problem of the real estate market offers a clear lesson: the importance of flexibility and patience in any investment strategy. While the market might be slow for now, savvy investors know that it's all part of the cycle.

Understanding these patterns and adjusting strategies accordingly can help navigate these challenging times.

Copyright © 2023 FMeX.

04 Apr 2023

Beware Scams at Tax Time

by michael | in Uncategorized

Identity theft runs rampant during tax season

Here’s what to know and how to protect yourself.

Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN) to steal from your accounts, open a new and phony account or make illegal purchases. Some 15.4 million consumers were victims of identity theft or fraud last year, according to a new report from Javelin Strategy & Research.

All sorts of nefarious schemers can come after you via the phone or email. Your tax return offers a trove of your personal information, and this time of year scammers also prey on your apprehension about paying taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service recently published its latest list of scam warnings, freely admitting, “It’s true: Tax scams proliferate during the income tax filing season.

Among IRS tips:

    • Beware of unexpected communication at the start of tax season that claims to come from the IRS.
    • Don’t fall for phone and phishing email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The fake messages typically probe you for personal information thieves often pose as the IRS offering a bogus refund or warning you to pay past-due taxes – sometimes, with phone scams, threatening you with immediate arrest if you hang up.
    • The IRS sends letters by postal mail and initiates no contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This means any e-communication, such as text messages and messages over social media.
    • The IRS doesn’t ask for personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or similar confidential information for your credit card, bank or other accounts.
    • If you get an unexpected email, open no attachments and do not click links in the message. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov. See more about reporting phishing scams involving the IRS at the agency’s website.

(Note: Only IRS.gov is the website of the U.S. government’s Internal Revenue Service.)

Identity Theft And Fraud Complaints, 2013-2016

Source: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Sentinel Network.

To protect against scams and identity theft:

    • Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Don’t keep forms containing that information in your car, either.
    • Don’t give any business your SSN or ITIN just because someone who claims to represent the company asks. Give such information only when required and when positive who you’re talking to.
    • Check your credit report every 12 months. Stay aware of your credit status and learn quickly about any illegal use of your credit or accounts.
    • Secure personal information in your home.
    • Protect your personal computers with firewalls and anti-spam and anti-virus software, updating security patches and changing passwords for your home Internet accounts.
    • Give no personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient.
    • Choose a tax preparer carefully. Most preparers provide excellent service a relative few are unscrupulous. The IRS recommends watching for preparers who try to manipulate or change your income figures or make up deductions to qualify you for tax credits and unusually large refunds.

Tax season brings enough to worry about. Cross identity theft off your list.

Copyright © 2023 FMeX.

04 Apr 2023

Retiring Business Owners – Plan for Succession

by michael | in Uncategorized

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve invested a great deal of time and effort into building your company. With day-to-day demands, it may be difficult to imagine your eventual transition into retirement. Yet, if you want to build personal financial security and ensure business continuation, it is important to plan ahead. Business succession planning can help create retirement income for a retiring business owner and facilitate the transfer of operations and/or ownership to family or another entity. A successsion plan can also provide a strategy to handle unforeseen events, such as death or disability.

Laying the Foundation

It is never too early to begin planning for succession. An early start can allow you ample time to develop an appropriate exit strategy, choose the right person to be your successor, and train your successor to manage the daily operations of your company. Consider the following points to create a foundation for a successful plan:

Valuate Your Business
A key aspect of planning for continuation is calculating the worth of your business. There are a variety of techniques for business valuation, and the most appropriate will depend on your business circumstances. A qualified professional can help you choose strategies for valuation.

Plan Your Exit Strategy
It is important for a retiring business owner to plan his or
her departure from the day-to-day operations of the business. A solid plan can help ensure this transition will go smoothly, as well as facilitate the transfer of ownership.

Choose a Successor
If you plan to keep ownership and control of your business within your family, start by assessing your family members’ interests and qualifications, and how well they match the needs of the business. Discuss with family members who will participate in the company and in what capacity. Then, determine how working members will be compensated and what will be given to nonparticipating members.

If you expect unrelated parties to carry on the business, meet with the key people involved for an in-depth discussion about the company and its future. If succession involves the sale of the business, be prepared to address such issues as what the purchase price will be, how it will be paid, and when the succession plan will be activated.

Develop a Business Plan for the Future
Through your business plan, you can outline clear-cut, short-, medium-, and long-term business goals for your successor, along with an action plan for achieving them.

Include budgets and financial forecasts that can be modified according to changing conditions in both the industry and the economy.

Choose a Transfer Strategy
Depending on the type of business, its value, and your personal financial situation and goals, determine the best ownership transfer strategy for your business. There are a variety of ways to structure and fund buy-sell agreements. For transfers to family members or charity, gifting may be an appropriate option. Consult your tax and legal professionals for specific guidance.

Plan for Contingencies
Regardless of your intentions for succession, it can be helpful to compile current information in case an unforeseen event, such as a death or disability, occurs before you have finalized your succession plan. This information should include the following:

A copy of your current business plan.

Job descriptions for all positions within the company, including details regarding areas of responsibility and delegation of duties.

A list of potential successors.

A plan to ensure extensive “hands-on” training for your designated successor.

An estate plan that addresses any Federal and state estate tax obligations.

Other Considerations

A comprehensive succession plan involves strategies to handle a number of financial, legal, and tax issues. For instance, how will a successor secure funds to buy out a retiring, deceased, or disabled owner’s share of the business? What are the estate planning issues? How can an owner minimize gift taxes resulting from the transfer of company stock to family members? Such situations can be addressed in a succession plan, with the guidance of qualified legal, tax, financial, and insurance professionals.

You owe it to yourself to ensure that your business will continue to flourish after your retirement, as well as in the event of death or disability. Proper planning through a business succession plan can help provide long-term security for your retirement, your company’s future, and your family.

Copyright © 2023 FMeX.

04 Apr 2023

Five Common Misconceptions About Retirement

by michael | in Uncategorized

Retirement is not what you retire from, but what you retire to

When you plan for retirement, an exciting new phase of life, double-check your expectations. They may not match the reality.

Baby boomers, currently in their 50s and 60s, view retirement differently than the previous generations. Many boomers consider retirement as an opportunity to begin a new career, hobby or passion, which is a good thing. But the upcoming retirees may not take everything into account.

Five Misconceptions About Retirement

Here are five common misconceptions about retirement:

1. Retirement is like a 30-year vacation. A life full of leisure must be great, right? Not really. Too much free time leaves many retirees feeling depressed and unimportant. Studies show that people who keep working after 65 tend to be happier whether or not they do so by choice.

Among all, voluntary part-time workers are the happiest. While money is the main reason for continuing to work in retirement, stimulation and satisfaction are just as important.

2. Money is most important to happiness in retirement. The biggest key to a happy retirement is good health. If you have financial security, you have enough. Money only correlates with happiness up to a certain point. You can still enjoy a happy and fulfilling retirement even if you are not a millionaire.

3. Spending is consistent in retirement. People generally spend less in retirement, but that’s not always the case. Many spend the first few years traveling, and as years go by, the number of trips decreases while health care and family costs increase.

Many estimates suggest a couple needs $250,000 to cover medical expenses throughout retirement. Although health-care costs are retirees’ biggest concern, few spend much time planning for that.

4. Retirement is a “couples” thing. Married couples face a new adjustment when entering retirement. One in three couples doesn’t agree on the ideal lifestyle they want to have in retirement. You need to be aware that your partner has his or her own needs and alone time.

Also, women have a life expectancy six years longer than men. Actually, 60% of American women over 65 are single, widowed or divorced, according to the Census Bureau.

5. Financial planning stops at retirement. You still have many issues that need to deal with during retirement. You need to continue planning of your investments to make sure that your money can last as long as you do. You may have estate concerns and health issues that require long-term care.

Retirement is not what you retire from, but what you retire to. Just because you reach a certain age, it does not mean you have to stop working. And to stop working does not mean you stop planning for your life.

Plan and enjoy.

Copyright © 2023 FMeX.

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Recent Posts

  • How One Powerful Habit Can Transform Your Life
  • Game Over: The New Barbarians at the Gate
  • How Good is the Quality of U.S. Inflation Data?
  • 5 Risks That a Conflict With China Might Bring
  • August is Perfect for Back-to-School Planning

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    Randy Benning is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) at Benning Financial Group, LLC, located in Benicia, California. His firm focuses on investment management, financial, retirement, and estate planning. Randy has been a Financial Planner in the Bay Area for over 25 years. He is also a member of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council.

    Latest News

    How One Powerful Habit Can Transform Your Life

    January 15, 2026

    Game Over: The New Barbarians at the Gate

    January 15, 2026

    Contact Info

    560 First Street, Suite C-107,
    Benicia, CA 94510-3266

    Direct (707) 426-3700

    Email: Advisor@BFGRIA.com
    Copyright 2016-2020 Benning Financial Group, LLC.

     

    Randy C. Benning, CFP®, President, License # 0816882, Benning Financial Group, LLC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Benning Financial Group, LLC, A Registered Investment Advisor.


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