retirement planning Archive

The Fear of Running Out of Money Is Real – And It’s Changing How Pasadena Retirees Plan

Sixty-four percent of Americans say they are more afraid of running out of money than they are of dying. Let that sink in for a moment. That striking finding comes from the 2025 Retirement Survey published by the Allianz Center for Retirement Studies. And…
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Before Tax Day: 5 Strategic Moves California Retirees Should Make Before April 15th

The countdown to Tax Day is on, and if you’re like many retirees I work with here in Pasadena, you might be thinking it’s too late to do anything meaningful about your 2025 tax bill. Here’s the good news: April 15th isn’t just a…
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Medicare Premium Surprises: How IRMAA Could Cost You Thousands (And How to Plan Around It)

When Robert called our Pasadena office last spring, he was frustrated and confused. He’d just received a letter from Social Security informing him that his Medicare Part B premium would be $594 per month, instead of the standard $185 he expected. That’s an extra…
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Social Security 2026: What the 2.8% COLA and New Earnings Limits Mean for Your Retirement Income

When Maria and Tom walked into our Pasadena office last month, they had the same question we hear from many couples approaching retirement: “Should we claim Social Security now, or wait?” Maria, 64, was considering early retirement from her consulting work, while Tom, 67,…
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Year-End Financial Moves: A December Checklist to Finish the Year Strong

December brings more than holiday gatherings and year-end celebrations. It’s also one of the most critical months for your financial well-being. The decisions you make before the calendar flips to January can significantly impact your tax situation, retirement readiness, and long-term financial goals. While…
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The BBB’s SALT Cap & What it Means for Taxpayers

For those of us in the Golden State, we know there’s a cost to living in paradise: the California state tax rate. Having the highest tax rate in the nation isn’t exactly something to brag about, but it does mean we’re no strangers to…
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6 Wealth-Building Habits I’ve Learned from 30 Years of Working with High-Net-Worth Clients

As a certified financial planner with over three decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with high-net-worth individuals and business owners across various industries. My clients include medical professionals, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and other successful individuals who’ve mastered the art of growing…
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Why Age 50 Is the Perfect Time to Take Control of Your Retirement Plan

If you’re reaching the big 5-0 this year (or it’s soon coming down the line), this significant milestone is certainly worth celebrating. And for many, it marks another important event—the moment people realize retirement is closer than ever, meaning it’s time to buckle down. …
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Retirement Planning: More Than Just Numbers

Retirement planning isn’t just about calculating how much money you’ll need—it’s about envisioning the life you want to live. In fact, an effective retirement plan involves more than just financial calculations and number crunching. It requires you and your advisor to align your retirement…
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The Mission Street Wealth Planning Experience

We understand that with growing access to virtual investment software, robo-tools, and numerous advisory firms, you may be wondering what sets one professional apart from the other. Well, beyond the basics of wealth management and financial planning, we believe you can tell a lot…
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