Ringing in 2025: Why Pre-Retirees and Retirees Must Get Their Financial Ducks in a Row
As we prepare to toast to the new year, it’s time for pre-retirees and retirees alike to do more than just make resolutions. The arrival of 2025 is a perfect opportunity to reassess, refine, and reinforce your financial strategy to ensure your golden years truly shine. Here’s why it’s essential to start the year with […]
Holiday Budgeting: How to Enjoy the Season Without Overspending in Retirement
The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and creating cherished memories, but it can also lead to overspending — a particular concern for retirees living on a fixed income. The good news is that with a little planning and creativity, you can fully enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank. Let’s explore […]
Estate Planning: The Secret Recipe for a Perfect Thanksgiving Legacy
Picture this: You’re at the head of the table, your family gathered around, the Thanksgiving spread is nothing short of legendary. There’s the golden turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce just like grandma used to make, and of course, the sweet smell of pies wafting from the kitchen. It’s the kind of moment that reminds […]
Retirement Planning: Mastering the “Red Zone” for a Comfortable Future
When it comes to football, everyone knows the “red zone” is where the stakes are highest, and every decision counts. The same goes for retirement planning. In the 10 years before and after retirement, your financial choices can either make or break the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re not making plans in this […]
How Roth Conversions Can Help Maximize Your Retirement Savings and Lower Taxes
LISTEN TO 10-MINUTE PODCAST: Your browser does not support the audio element. As you approach retirement, you may be looking for ways to reduce your tax burden and ensure your retirement savings last. If you have a significant balance in your 401(k) or traditional IRA, a Roth conversion could be a powerful strategy to consider. […]
Avoiding Junk Fees: A Guide for Savvy Retirees
As retirees, managing your budget is crucial, and “junk fees” can quietly nibble away at your hard-earned savings. These sneaky charges often show up at the last moment when booking concert tickets, reserving hotel rooms, or even handling utility bills. They might seem harmless, but they can add up significantly! The Biden administration has proposed […]
Why Retirees Need a Tax Strategy: So You Don’t Feel Like You’re Trick-or-Treating with the IRS
As a kid, trick-or-treating was one of the best parts of Halloween. You’d knock on doors, hold out your bag, and hope for candy. But sometimes, you’d get an apple instead of chocolate or worse — someone would hand out raisins. Now, imagine if your retirement tax planning felt like that. You work hard to […]
How a Presidential Election Could Affect Your Retirement
Presidential elections bring the potential for major policy shifts, and if you’re a retiree or approaching retirement, understanding how these changes might affect your financial plans is crucial.
Lafayette, LA Lands On Two Top 100 Lists of 2024!
We’re only a full month into this new year and our incredible city has already been chosen as a Top 100 city on TWO U.S. News Top 100 Lists for 2024: #89 Best Place to Live#97 Best Place to Retire This should be zydeco music to your ears, whether you’re already a resident or considering […]
Optimizing Wealth Through Tax Strategies
In a recent Retirement Roux podcast, John Blanchard shared his game-changing Deferred Tax Strategy for individuals looking to sell highly appreciated assets like small businesses or real estate. Taxes can often pose a significant hurdle in such transactions, but this innovative tax strategy offers a way to potentially defer all capital gains taxes, allowing sellers […]
Unraveling the Mystery of Annuities
Retirement planning can be both exciting and overwhelming. As you aim to secure your financial future, you’ve likely come across the term “annuities.” These financial instruments often evoke mixed feelings, with some praising their benefits and others warning of potential pitfalls. In our conversation with John Blanchard, Acadiana’s retirement strategist, we aim to demystify annuities, […]
Navigating Recent Financial Challenges
In recent times, the unexpected failures of financial institutions such as Silicon Valley Bank have reverberated through the investment landscape, prompting investors to reconsider their strategies. This article delves into the key takeaways from these events and explores how individuals can apply these insights to their retirement planning. John Blanchard, Acadiana’s retirement strategist, shares his […]