Guides for Retirement Decisions
Plain-English reads on Social Security, Medicare, and the retirement transitions where one decision follows you for life.
Social Security
5 Social Security Mistakes That Cost Retirees the Most
Four decisions you only make once, and one pot of money thousands of Californians never claim. The guide we hand people first. Also available as a printable PDF.
Social Security
When to Claim Social Security: 62, 67, or 70?
The permanent 30% cut at 62, the 8%-a-year raise for waiting, and the earnings test that surprises people who claim while still working.
Social Security
What Happens to Social Security When a Spouse Dies?
The survivor keeps the larger check, not both. Why the higher earner's claiming age is a decision for two lifetimes.
Social Security · Taxes
Is Social Security Taxable in California?
The state says no, the IRS says up to 85%, and the thresholds haven't moved since 1984. Plus the state program worth $2,434 a year.
Medicare
Medicare Basics: Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, and Enrollment Windows
What each part actually covers, how the coverage choices differ, and the enrollment deadlines that carry late penalties.
Retirement Income
Annuity Myths, Sorted from the Facts
Where annuities genuinely help, where they don't, and how to read past the sales pitch either way.
Life Insurance
Living Benefits: Life Insurance You Don't Have to Die to Use
How modern policies can pay benefits during your lifetime, and what to check before assuming yours does.
Retirement Planning
The Retirement Transition Checklist
The sequence of decisions in the five years around retirement, in the order they actually come due.
Want to go through any of this with your real numbers?
A one-hour review, no charge, no obligation. If you are already doing it right, we will tell you that. Call (760) 642-1892, email [email protected], or use our contact page. Se habla español.