Assessing Trump’s First 2 Years for Older Americans

The first half of the Trump administration is over, so it’s an opportune time to evaluate how older Americans have fared under the president’s policies over the past two years. As someone who reports and writes frequently (and without a political bias)… Continue reading

8 Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid

(The following is excerpted from Your Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement by Larry E. Swedroe and Kevin Grogan. Published by Harriman House. Copyright (c) 2019. All rights reserved. This book is available at all bookstores and online b… Continue reading

Next Avenue Picks the 6 Best New Personal Finance Books

There are two problems with many personal finance books. One, they’re dull. Two, they often tell you what you already know or suspect. So it’s refreshing when new ones come along that are actually interesting reading and helpful. Here are my six favori… Continue reading

Next Avenue Editors’ Picks of 2018

We published hundreds and hundreds of stories this year in the areas of health, money, work and purpose, living, caregiving and technology — all with the mission of serving older adults through the power of public media. Among our four editors, they ch… Continue reading

What to Talk to Your Tax Pro About Before 2019

Outside of the annual spring ritual of filing tax returns, most Americans are not regularly thinking about their taxes. However, this year, there are several compelling reasons why taxpayers should be thinking about this subject ahead of peak season. W… Continue reading

The 3 Biggest Risks to Prepare for As You Retire

Did you know that of those who die on Mt. Everest, 80 percent died not on the way up, but on the way down? They had so diligently planned and trained for how to climb the summit that they didn’t plan nearly as much for the dangers of getting down. Reas… Continue reading

The Surprising Reason People Say They Haven’t Saved More

Regrets, I’ve had a few, But then again, too few to mention — “My Way” It seems like every day, there’s a new survey showing how little Americans have saved. Recently, the Certified Financial Board of Standards polled 1,000 people and found that two th… Continue reading

A New Way to Find a Financial Planner

Can you recommend a good financial planner? is among the most common questions I’ve received over the years writing on personal finance. Problem is, finding a financial planner who is trustworthy, competent and comes at a reasonable cost is hard to fin… Continue reading

The 7 Dirty Little Secrets of 401(k) Plans

(The following is excerpted from 401 Confidential by Michael J. Marini.) When you invest for retirement with a 401(k) plan, retirement plan companies get FAT on your money. By my estimate, roughly $25 million in excessive fees are being drained form th… Continue reading

Talking About Money Matters With Family at Thanksgiving

At Thanksgiving, you might be getting together with your parents, your grown children, your brothers and your sisters. Seems like an ideal time to discuss vital family money matters, no? Well, the actual answer is: maybe. “No one responds well to being… Continue reading