Financial Planning Blog & Retirement Resources

Hiro Finance Is Shutting Down: Here Are the Best Alternatives for Users Looking for a Smarter Financial Planning Tool

Hiro Finance is gone. Compare the best alternatives, including a powerful AI tool built for smarter financial planning.

Retirement Planning Near Me: How to Find and Compare Options

Local retirement planners, CFPs, and fee-only advisors explained — plus a DIY option that costs $144/year instead of $10,000/year.

Best Books on Retirement 2026: 27 Picks for Planning and Purpose

Books on retirement planning, purpose, and healthy aging that Boldin readers keep recommending, plus top picks for gifts.

How to Pay Taxes in Retirement and Avoid IRS Penalties

Paying taxes in retirement means managing income streams, quarterly deadlines, and the IRS safe harbor, without an employer doing it for you.

5 High-Impact Retirement Planning Strategies Most People Never Use

Most people skip retirement planning strategies with the highest payoff. Here are 5 of them, including one that’s essentially free money.

ChatGPT for Retirement Planning: Does It Work?

Using ChatGPT for retirement planning? We asked ChatGPT and Boldin AI the same question: “Can I retire?” This is how they replied.

CalSavers: What California Workers and Employers Need to Know

Learn how CalSavers applies to California workers and employers, including automatic Roth IRA enrollment, payroll deductions, and benefits.

Suze Orman on Annuities: Pros, Cons, Rates, and Pitfalls 

What does Suze Orman say about annuities? They can offer guaranteed lifetime income, but fees, taxes, and surrender charges are real trade-offs.

Social Security Optimization Strategies: 15 Tips to Maximize Your Benefits

Delaying Social Security to 70 can add $100,000+ in lifetime benefits. These are the planning strategies that make the biggest difference.

Retire at 62: What It Takes to Make It Work

At 62, Social Security is up to 30% smaller and Medicare is 3 years away. Here’s how to plan for both and know if your portfolio is ready.

Average Inheritance From Parents Is $46,200. Most Get Less.

See figures by trust, education, and wealth tier, from $6,100 for the least wealthy to $2.7 million for the top 1%, plus what it means for your plan.

Retirement Account Contribution Order: How to Get More From Every Dollar

The contribution order for retirement accounts can affect how much your money compounds tax-free. Here’s how to prioritize for tax efficiency.

Emotional Intelligence and Money: Are You Making the Right Decisions With Your Investments?

Money is not all about numbers and analysis. Emotions can help and hurt your financial security. Learn how to be an emotionally intelligent investor.

Capital Gains Tax Brackets: How Income Pushes Your Rate Higher

Think you qualify for the 0% capital gains tax rate? Your other income may have already eaten that space. Here’s why, plus the 2026 brackets.

The Smart Case for Retiring Earlier Than You Think

Arthur C. Brooks argues that staying in your career too long is a real risk, and that most successful people retire later than they should.

401(k) Calculator: See Your Balance at Retirement

See your projected 401(k) balance in seconds, employer match included, using 2026 contribution limits. Free calculator, no email required.

Retirement Tax Planning: How to Keep More of Your Money

Retirees often pay more in taxes than they expect. Here’s how to plan withdrawal sequencing, Roth conversions, and RMDs for a lower bill.

Podcast 108: Social Security & Medicare: What’s Changing and What It Means for You with Mark Miller

Steve Chen sits down with Mark Miller to unpack the biggest changes hitting Social Security and Medicare right now.

Roth Conversions Cost Less When Markets Are Down

A market drop lowers what you’ll owe on a Roth conversion. Learn how to turn a portfolio pullback into a long-term tax win.

10 Most Accurate Life Expectancy Calculators for Retirement

Compare the most accurate life expectancy calculators: Living to 100, Blue Zones, SSA and Wharton tools, and more. See who each is best for.

Health Insurance Age 62 to 65: Average Cost Before Medicare

Average health insurance cost from 62 to 65 often tops $1,000 a month without a subsidy. See real cost ranges and how to plan for it.

‘Do We Have Enough?’ How This Couple Knew When to Retire

Leslie and Thomas Martin stress-tested their portfolio and gained the confidence to retire with a personalized financial strategy.

James Choi’s Formula: How Much Should You Invest in Stocks?

James Choi’s investing model suggests your stock allocation should depend on income, savings, and future earnings, not just age.

Full Retirement Age Just inched Higher: How Waiting One More Year Could Boost Your Monthly Check