By Ted James

Entering the empty nest phase is a pivotal moment that invites self-discovery and the pursuit of new passions. As children venture into their own lives, parents are presented with the opportunity to redefine their own paths. This period can be a time of personal growth, where one can explore interests that may have been set aside. Whether it’s through education, volunteering, or social engagement, the empty nest phase offers a chance to…

By Ted James

Retirement, a phase often associated with leisure, is increasingly becoming a time for educational rejuvenation. More retirees are recognizing the value of returning to academia, not just as a pastime, but as a means to enrich their later years. This article from Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals (REAP) sheds light on the multifaceted benefits of embracing education after retirement — from mental rejuvenation to new career paths — to illustrate…

By Ted James

Building personal financial health is crucial for reducing reliance on Social Security and Medicare. Proactive financial planning not only secures long-term stability but also empowers you with the freedom to make choices that align with your life goals. By adopting a strategic approach to managing your finances, you can ensure a more secure and independent future. In this article, we will explore practical tips for enhancing your financial health.

Prioritizing Budgeting

A comprehensive budget…

3 Retirement Trends to Watch in 2024

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Many of us have a picture of what the average retiree looks like, but the way people view retirement and how they want to spend their golden years is changing in some ways. These three trends might shed some light on what to expect in retirement and how to plan ahead:

1. Life keeps getting better. Retirement…

How to Calculate Your Net Worth

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Your net worth is a measure of your total assets minus your liabilities. While that sounds easy enough to determine, you have to consider more than what is in your bank account. How can you calculate your net worth?

Add Up Your Assets

First, add up all of your assets, anything that you own that has value. Assets might…

What to Know About Passing Down Property

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Do you want to keep your home in the family? You have several options to pass down property, but it is important to consider what option works best for your loved ones.

How can you pass down property?

• Your Will: Your will is an important document that leaves directions for your belongings after your death. You can designate…
  
  Read More

Preparing Your Finances for Parenthood

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Parenthood is a major milestone. Are you ready for the financial changes that come along with having a child? New and expecting parents need to be prepared to cover all their little ones’ needs now and in the future — and there are some potential perks, too.

You can use this four-step checklist to help ensure you’ve covered your…

Single Versus Joint Life Insurance

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Life insurance gives you peace of mind that your partner will be taken care of when you are gone. If you are in a committed relationship, you can get that peace of mind with a single or joint life insurance policy. But what is the difference between the two, and which works best?

Single Life Insurance

• Coverage: As the name…
  
  Read More

Retirement Risks for High Income-Earners

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Even middle- and upper-income earners face retirement risks. What are some of the biggest risks, and how can you preserve your financial security in retirement?

The Risks

• Volatility: Your retirement portfolio could be impacted by market volatility. Will you be prepared if your planned retirement date is in the middle of a market downturn?
• Longevity: Longevity is a wonderful…
  
  Read More

By Ted James

Perhaps you’ve seen lots of headlines about a looming recession, and you can’t help but stress over your financial future. You want to do everything you can to keep your household on stable footing if economic conditions turn sour. By working with the professionals at REAP, you can ensure that you’re still saving for retirement and properly allocating your portfolio. Plus, these tips will show you how to…