Tag: Rick Brooks and Blankinship & Foster
10 Essential Steps for a Smooth Transition to Retirement
A good friend of mine was recently forced into early retirement by changes at the Federal agency where he worked. Retirement is a major life milestone that requires thoughtful planning and preparation, so I wanted to write about how to properly prepare for such an important change. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to […]
Retiring in San Diego – What about Taxes?
Retirement for most people is a significant milestone. Some can’t bring themselves to stop working, but for others it represents a significant change in both income and lifestyle. Living in a high-cost area like San Diego can bring unique challenges, particularly regarding taxes. It’s essential for retirees — or those on the cusp of retirement […]
So You’re Thinking About an ADU
With San Diego’s aggressive promotion of Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs), the topic of owning rental properties has come up a lot recently. Besides the need for additional housing here (and just about every other major metropolitan area in the country), there are some key advantages to owning rental properties, namely: That said, owning and renting […]
How to Get Money Out of Your 401(K) Plan
If you are like most working Americans today, you probably have been contributing to a company retirement plan (like a 401(k), 403(b) or SEP IRA, or other plan) for a few years. One question that comes up regularly is: “How (and when) can I get my money out of my retirement plan?” Most often, that […]
Continuing Care Communities
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are communities designed for seniors that offer a range of services, from independent living to assisted living, nursing care and even memory care. These communities are becoming increasingly popular as seniors look for ways to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. They are one option in […]
Banking, Crisis and the FDIC Insurance Limits
In my 25 plus years working in investment management, it’s fortunately rare that I have to discuss the FDIC and bank account insurance limits with clients. Unfortunately, that has become a pretty common topic the past few weeks. The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Silvergate Bank all in the same week brought […]
The Ugly Math of Variable Annuities
When a new client recently asked me to review a variable annuity they had purchased ten years ago, I knew I had my work cut out for me. Variable annuity contracts can be complex documents, loaded with confusing provisions, definitions, and terms. Often, the most complex parts are the most fundamental: the calculations used to […]
Looking Forward to a New Year
As 2022 winds down and we start thinking about how to work off the pecan pie and holiday celebrations, folks often naturally wonder what the new year has in store. For most of us, this feeling will be particularly acute as we open our brokerage statements in January. 2022 has been one for the record […]
Do You Use Venmo?
Earlier this year, I took a trip with some friends. We did some sightseeing, went to some fantastic restaurants, and overall had a great time together. As we travelled, it was easier for one of us to pick up the bill for dinner or the hotel than to split it on four credit cards or […]
It’s Open Enrollment Time for Medicare
Every year, those enrolled in Medicare can switch their insurance coverage. Whether you have Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (“Medigap”) and a prescription drug policy or Medicare Advantage, this is when you can review your policy and possibly make a change. This annual Open Enrollment period lasts from October 15 through December 7 each […]
