How Much Do You Need to Retire?
How much do you really need to retire? There is no single retirement savings number that works for everyone. Learn how your spending, Social Security, pensions, taxes, inflation, and other income sources determine how much you may actually need.
Can You Afford to Retire at Age 60?
Can you afford to retire at age 60? Learn how healthcare costs, Social Security, taxes, inflation, income sources, and retirement withdrawals can impact your ability to retire before Medicare begins.
Retirement Income Planning: How to Pay Yourself Without a Job
Creating retirement income requires more than simply withdrawing money from investment accounts. This guide explains how retirees can coordinate Social Security benefits, investment withdrawals, and cash reserves to build a reliable retirement paycheck while managing taxes, sequence-of-returns risk, and market volatility. Learn practical withdrawal strategies that help improve long-term portfolio sustainability and increase retirement confidence. Discover why organized income planning often matters more than chasing investment returns alone.
The First Year of Retirement: 7 Financial Moves to Make…and 5 to Avoid
The first year of retirement is one of the most important financial transition periods retirees face. This article explains how to build a retirement withdrawal strategy, evaluate Social Security timing, manage Roth conversion opportunities, avoid Medicare IRMAA surprises, and adjust investment risk after leaving work. Learn the financial mistakes many retirees make during year one and how thoughtful planning can improve long-term retirement income sustainability. Greenbush Financial Group outlines practical retirement planning strategies designed to help retirees build confidence and flexibility during the transition into retirement.
College Savings or Retirement First? How to Decide in 2026
Should you save for your child’s college or your own retirement first? It’s one of the most common questions we hear from families trying to balance competing financial goals. Our analysis at Greenbush Financial Group shows that in most cases, prioritizing retirement creates greater long-term security—while still leaving room to build meaningful college savings over time. This guide explains why the order matters, how 529 plans fit in, and how to create a balanced strategy that protects both your future and your child’s opportunities.
2026 Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions for Higher Earners: What the New Rules Mean for Retirement Savers
Starting in 2026, higher-income workers age 50 and older will be required to make retirement plan catch-up contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis under SECURE Act 2.0. This change impacts 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans and could increase current taxable income for many pre-retirees. Our analysis at Greenbush Financial Group explains who is affected, how the rule works, and the planning strategies that can help turn this tax shift into a long-term advantage.
Retirement Tax Traps and Penalties: 5 Gotchas That Catch People Off Guard
Even the most disciplined retirees can be caught off guard by hidden tax traps and penalties. Our analysis highlights five of the biggest “retirement gotchas” — including Social Security taxes, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, RMD penalties, the widow’s penalty, and state-level tax surprises. Learn how to anticipate these costs and plan smarter to preserve more of your retirement income.
Social Security Cost of Living Increase Only 2.8% for 2026
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, slightly higher than 2025’s 2.5% increase but still below the long-term average. This modest rise may not keep pace with the real cost of living, as retirees continue to face rising prices for essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare. Learn how this affects your benefits, why COLA timing matters, and strategies to help offset inflation in retirement.
