Becca Mack

Hidden Retirement Costs—What You Don’t Plan for Can Impact Your Finances

What exactly are “hidden costs” in retirement? Hidden costs are the expenses that don’t make it into your retirement spreadsheet—but still show up in real life. They include things like rising healthcare bills, inflation, home repairs, and financial support for family. While not necessarily “surprise” expenses, they’re often underestimated or completely forgotten in retirement planning. […]

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Why the Federal Reserve Works, And What It Means for Your Retirement

Federal Reserve, Retirement Planning / Becca Mack

The Federal Reserve may seem distant or complicated, but its decisions ripple through everything from interest rates to inflation, and that may affect your retirement directly. Let’s explore why the Fed works, why its independence matters, and what that means for your financial stability in retirement. What exactly is the Federal Reserve supposed to do?

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“I Think I Have Enough Saved—Why Am I Still Worried?”

Retirement Income, Retirement Planning / Becca Mack

You’ve worked hard and saved diligently, and now you’re in retirement or on the doorstep of it. You’ve run the numbers. You might even have a sizable nest egg. So why do you still feel uneasy? That lingering anxiety is more common than you think, even among those who appear to be financially prepared for

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Follow the Bond Market to Better Understand Your Finances

Financial Planning, Investing, Stock Market / Becca Mack

On May 16, 2025, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing concerns over the nation’s rising debt and interest payment burdens. This move follows similar downgrades by S&P in 2011 and Fitch in 2023, marking the first time all three major credit agencies have rated U.S. debt below their top

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What Retirees Should Know About Their Income Tax

Taxes & Tax Planning / Becca Mack

Retirement is a new phase of life, and so is your tax situation. Knowing what counts as income and how it’s taxed can make a big difference in how long your money lasts. Below are some of the most common tax questions retirees ask. Can I Avoid the Income Tax in Retirement? What Would That

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“What Can I Do with $100K in Retirement?”

Financial Planning, Investing, Retirement Income, Retirement Planning / Becca Mack

Understanding the Shift from Accumulation to Income As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I hear, especially from clients entering retirement, is: “What should I actually do with these savings I’ve amassed for retirement?” It’s a great question. And it usually signals something deeper: the start of the distribution phase of retirement.

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The Fed Holds Rates, Here’s What That Means for Your Retirement

Economy, Federal Reserve / Becca Mack

For the fourth time in a row, the Federal Reserve has decided to hold interest rates steady, keeping the federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50%. On the surface, that might sound uneventful—but beneath the calm, there’s plenty going on. And if you’re retired or nearing retirement, the ripple effects of this decision are worth paying attention

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How Estate Planning May Help Reduce Future Tax Burdens for Loved Ones

Estate Planning, Taxes & Tax Planning / Becca Mack

There’s a well-known saying: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But what’s often left out is how closely those two concepts can intersect—especially when it comes to your legacy. Many people spend a lifetime building wealth to leave something meaningful behind. But without a thoughtful plan, more of that wealth could go toward taxes,

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How Could the One Big Beautiful Bill Impact Taxes for Retirees?

Government, Taxes & Tax Planning / Becca Mack

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) includes several tax changes that directly affect retirees, especially how their Social Security is taxed, how much of their income is shielded by deductions, and how much they can deduct in-state and local taxes (SALT). While some speculate that tax deductions could cause further deficit and Social Security Trust

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How the OBBB Could Affect Your Healthcare Situation

Government, Healthcare & Medicare / Becca Mack

When it comes to retirement planning, long-term care is one of the most overlooked and expensive needs. And for many retirees, Medicaid has historically been a financial safety net that helps cover those costs. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is bringing changes that could significantly change how that safety net works, who it’s for,

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