The use of beneficiary designations is one issue that is not well understood and can lead to much confusion. Most people think it is a simple matter of naming a person to receive certain assets by will or trust or naming them as a beneficiary of a retirement plan. I only wish it were that simple!

Unfortunately, men and women rarely ask themselves two essential questions as they begin the divorce process or while negotiating the final settlement: Will the settlement allow me and my family to be financially secure now and in the future?

One of the most difficult and emotional times in our lives is making the transition to retirement. Sure, all of the ads make us think of freedom, buying a vineyard, going sailing or hitting the road in a Winnebago! The reality is that although some may be able…

One of the most challenging issues we face as we age is recovering from various illnesses and surgeries. It seems that we tend to ignore the reality of the amount of time it may take us to fully (or mostly) recover from a medical episode…

As we enter the holiday season, we grandparents find ourselves wondering what to get the grandkids. This year, here is a suggestion that will have a lasting impact! Is leaving a legacy important to you? While we are…

I recently went with my wife to visit her mom who is in a memory care unit. It was late in the day, and they were getting the residents ready for dinner. Most are fairly mobile, some can easily manage on their own, while others have walkers and a few need…

One easy step to avoid disappointment in your retirement expectations is to complete a simple but effective exercise I developed. All you need is a pen and paper. Answer the following questions, and if you have a significant other, have them also create his…

I have been dealing with the topic of the transition to retirement for the past 25 years. I have come to the conclusion that retirement is not about an age or an amount of money; it is about when work – earning an income – becomes optional!

Working closely with my clients, sometimes over decades, has given me deep insight into how people react toward retirement, which is one of the biggest transitions you’ll experience in your lifetime. It is an emotionally-charged period characterized…

This month marks the first six months since I “officially” retired. Here are a few takeaways from this period. The first months of retirement may feel similar to when a wedding is being planned. When the day finally arrives and then the honey moon is over…