Far from being at a stage where their mortgage is cleared, their children independent and they can reap the rewards of an established career, many over 50’s in Ireland are, instead, under significant financial pressure. Mortgage and debt payments have become more expensive than ever because of rising interest rates. For example, many homeowners in … Read more
No one wants to think about what will happen after they die, let’s be honest. However, if you own things (which we all do), you should likely pay attention to something called “probate.” It’s a word that makes people who plan estates grimace and people who are heirs groan. What is probate, though, and why … Read more
So you’ve hit the big 6-0 and you’re eyeing that Traditional IRA you’ve been faithfully feeding for decades. Maybe you’re planning retirement, facing unexpected expenses, or just curious about your options. Whatever your reason, understanding what happens when you tap into your Traditional IRA at age 60 is crucial to making smart money moves. I’ve … Read more
Discover the pros and cons of of using your pension tax-free lump sum to pay off your mortgage. Although interest rates have come down from the peaks seen a couple of years ago, they’re still significantly higher than previous lows. 1 With this in mind, using your pension tax-free lump sum to pay off your … Read more
The age-old debate of property vs pensions has been raging for decades, with both sides having passionate advocates. But what’s the real answer in 2025? Is bricks and mortar still the golden ticket to retirement bliss, or have pensions quietly taken the crown? I’ve been digging into this question for years, and what I’m finding … Read more
Are you wondering if you can turn your future pension payments into cash right away? Maybe you’re having money problems or just need a big lump sum for a big purchase. It’s not as simple as you might think to answer “can I sell my pension?” Let’s go over everything you need to know about … Read more
Giving your kids any money you have left in your pension pot can be a good idea, but you need to know how the system works first. I’ve done a lot of research on this question, and the good news is that, in most cases, you can leave your hard-earned pension to your daughter. But, … Read more
Are you thinking about opening an IRA for your retirement but not sure if your local bank is the right place to do it? I’ve been there. When I first started planning for retirement I automatically assumed my bank would be the best option simply because I already had accounts there. But is convenience really … Read more
Have you been searching for Vanguard annuities only to find they’re no longer available? You’re not alone Many investors were surprised when one of the most trusted investment companies decided to exit the annuity business Let me break down exactly what happened to Vanguard annuities and what it means if you’re a current annuity holder … Read more
You’re not the only CSRS retiree who wants to know about their Medicare options. As of 2022, there were still about 44,000 federal employees in the Civil Service Retirement System, and many of them are getting close to retirement age and have questions about their health insurance. I have put together the most up-to-date information … Read more