For many retirees and individuals approaching retirement, charitable giving is about more than supporting causes they care about. With thoughtful planning, charitable contributions may also provide valuable tax benefits. The right strategy can potentially reduce taxable income, make retirement distributions more tax-efficient, and help individuals give more to the organizations that matter to them. However, charitable giving is not automatically tax-deductible, and the tax be

Interest rates are back in the headlines. On September 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve raised its target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point, bringing it to 3.75%–4.00%. The Fed cited continued economic growth and elevated inflation as factors behind the decision. For individuals planning for retirement or already living in retirement, a change in interest rates can have implications far beyond the headlines. Interest rates can influence savings accounts,

When people think about investing for retirement, they often focus on what they own: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs and other investments. But another question can be just as important: Where should those investments be held? This is the concept of asset location. Asset location is the strategy of placing different types of investments in different types of accounts—such as taxable brokerage accounts, traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs—with the goal of making the overall portf

Inflation has a way of getting people's attention. When the cost of groceries, housing, travel, healthcare, and other everyday expenses rises, it can make an immediate difference in household budgets. For retirees and those approaching retirement, however, inflation can have an even greater impact because retirement may last 20, 30, or more years—and many retirees rely on a relatively fixed amount of income. With inflation back in the headlines, it's worth taking a closer loo

Most people don’t have trouble setting goals. However, keeping them, especially financial goals, is another story. Wealth adviser Ken Calhoun joined WFAA-TV to explain why and share ways to improve our financial habits so we can start reaching our short- and long-term goals.

For many retirees, reaching the age when Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin marks an important transition in retirement planning. After years of saving in tax-deferred retirement accounts, the IRS generally requires you to begin taking withdrawals once you reach a certain age. While RMDs can provide an important source of retirement income, they can also create tax considerations that affect your cash flow, Medicare costs, charitable giving, and long-term financial p

For many people, retirement planning isn't only about making sure they have enough money to enjoy their own retirement. It's also about deciding what happens to the wealth they've worked hard to accumulate after they're gone. Leaving a legacy can be deeply meaningful, whether your goal is to help children purchase a home, support grandchildren's education, contribute to a charitable organization, or simply pass along the assets you've accumulated over a lifetime. But the amou

When the stock market reaches or approaches record highs, it is natural for investors to wonder whether they should keep investing, make changes to their portfolios, or simply wait for a pullback. Those questions can become even more important for people who are approaching retirement or already relying on their investments to support their lifestyle. The recent market environment provides a timely example. Last week, the S&P 500 reached another record high before giving back

With higher prices on nearly everything these days, many families are feeling sticker shock as they shop for back-to-school supplies. Wealth adviser Ken Calhoun joined WFAA-TV with tips to help families save money, shop wisely and most importantly, stay on budget.

Every day, investors are surrounded by financial headlines. Markets are rising or falling, interest rates are changing, inflation remains a concern, and new tax laws or economic policies can create uncertainty about what comes next. For someone planning for retirement—or already living in retirement—it can be tempting to make financial decisions based on the latest news. But retirement planning is a long-term process, and headlines are often focused on what is happening right

For many people approaching retirement or already enjoying retirement, protecting their hard-earned savings becomes a top priority. After years of working, saving, and investing, the idea of moving money into cash can feel like the safest choice—especially during periods of market uncertainty or economic concerns. A savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit can provide a sense of security because the value does not fluctuate like investments in the stoc

For individuals approaching retirement, few things can create more uncertainty than watching the financial markets move dramatically. Headlines about market declines, economic uncertainty, inflation, and changing interest rates can raise important questions: Will my retirement savings last? Should I adjust my investment strategy? Is it still safe to retire? Market volatility is a normal part of investing, but it can feel especially significant for individuals who are nearing

Market volatility can be unsettling, especially for those who are approaching retirement or already relying on their investment portfolio for income. Headlines about market swings, economic uncertainty, or geopolitical events often leave investors wondering whether they should make changes to their financial plan. While market downturns can certainly be uncomfortable, they can also create unique planning opportunities—one of the most valuable being a Roth conversion. A Roth c

Market downturns can be unsettling, especially for individuals nearing or already in retirement. Watching portfolio values decline often triggers concern, uncertainty, and even the temptation to make reactive financial decisions. However, periods of market volatility also present unique opportunities—particularly when it comes to tax planning. With the right strategies in place, downturns can become a powerful tool to enhance long-term financial outcomes. This is especially r

Financial planning is often viewed as a one-time exercise—something people do when they first start saving, when they approach retirement, or when they experience a major financial decision. In reality, a financial plan should be a living document that evolves alongside your life. Major life changes—both expected and unexpected—can significantly affect your financial goals, income, taxes, risk tolerance, and retirement timeline. For individuals planning for retirement or alre

Financial markets rarely move in a straight line. Periods of growth are often followed by pullbacks, corrections, or heightened volatility driven by economic shifts, geopolitical events, or changes in interest rates. For individuals planning for retirement—or those already living in it—these market swings can feel unsettling. Headlines about sudden drops in stock prices or global uncertainty can easily trigger concern about whether your retirement savings are secure. The trut

Middle East Developments: What Investors Should Know Global financial markets have been focused on a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, where recent geopolitical tensions have increased volatility across energy markets, equities, and investor sentiment. What Happened: Over the past several days, military actions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran have intensified, with strikes and counter-strikes across the region. These developments have disrupted key economic

When most people think about retirement, they picture freedom—more time with family, travel, hobbies, and the ability to live life on their own terms. What often gets less attention is how taxes can quietly erode retirement income if not carefully planned for. While many retirees expect to be in a lower tax bracket, the reality is that retirement can introduce new and sometimes unexpected tax challenges. Understanding the hidden tax traps retirees often overlook is essential

When most people think about diversification, they think about spreading investments across stocks, bonds, and other asset classes. But there’s another type of diversification that can be just as important—especially in retirement: tax diversification. Tax diversification means having your retirement savings spread across accounts that are taxed differently. Instead of keeping all your money in one type of account, you strategically build assets in taxable, tax-deferred, and

For many people approaching or living in retirement, taxes are one of the biggest—and most overlooked—expenses they’ll face over their lifetime. While it’s natural to focus on investment returns, income needs, and market risk, how and when you pay taxes can have just as much impact on your long-term financial security. One strategy that has gained increasing attention is filling up lower tax brackets with strategic Roth conversions . When done thoughtfully, this approach can