How to use Qualified Charitable Distributions to satisfy your RMDs while supporting your favorite causes As people transition into the later stages of retirement planning, many clients find themselves in a bit of a "tax trap." They have spent decades diligently saving into a Traditional IRA, only to reach their 70s with IRA/401(k) balances exceeding a million dollars and find that the IRS now mandates  they take significant amounts of money out each year — whether they need

Building a retirement plan can often feel like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. Between market volatility, inflation, and the fear of outliving your money, the "traditional" approach of simply withdrawing 4% from a portfolio can feel a bit nerve-wracking. It often leads retirees to become ultra-conservative, afraid to spend the money they worked so hard to save. At Flourishing Path Financial , I believe your retirement should be defined by peace

How to determine your "retirement number" that is appropriate for your desired retirement lifestyle, time horizon, and risk preference.

When should you make Roth contributions and when should you choose to contribute to a Traditional IRA/401(k)? Key rules of thumb and decision factors.

Signs you are withdrawing too much from your portfolio too quickly in retirement. Six steps you can take to build a resilient retirement spending plan.

Key principles and simple ways to invest when you have unpredictable income streams.

A tax-smart withdrawal strategy for retirees.

When are the best times to do Roth conversions? This article explains the key principles and best times to do Roth conversions.

Should you do Roth conversions? Not everyone should. Tax-smart approaches to Roth conversions.

Pros and Cons of living off dividends and interest in retirement

Bonds and high-quality dividend paying stocks both have important roles to play in many retirees' portfolio.

Placing your investments in the proper location can save you thousands of dollars in taxes each year.

The relationship between the 4% Rule (withdrawal strategy) and dividends/interest.

Various options for generating retirement income from your portfolio.

An "income bridge" can help you delay claiming Social Security to maximize your inflation-protected income.

Delaying SS is often helpful to maximize inflation-protected lifetime income, but may not be best for everyone

How inflation is a silent "tax" on your income and significantly increases the income needed over a long retirement. 8 ways to fight back against inflation.

Compound interest is a powerful force that you can harness to make saving for retirement (or any other long-term goal) much easier.