Blog
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How Gold Is Made in Nature
Gold has captivated civilizations for thousands of years. It has shaped economies, inspired exploration, and served as a trusted store of wealth. Its enduring value is rooted in scarcity, difficulty of extraction, and universal demand. These same qualities that made gold essential in ancient trade continue to make physical gold a powerful inflation hedge and
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How Much Are Gold IRA Storage Fees
When you establish a Gold IRA to protect your retirement savings with physical gold and other IRS approved precious metals, understanding storage fees is essential. These fees ensure that your metals are kept in an accredited, highly secure depository that shields your assets from theft, loss, or damage. For many pre retirees and retirees, this
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10 Most Valuable Nickels & Rare Nickels Worth Money
- October 28, 2025
- Category: Coins, Precious Metal
Coin collecting has long appealed to Americans who value history, rarity, and the security of holding tangible assets. While many collectors focus on quarters, dimes, or silver dollars, nickels offer a surprising amount of hidden value. Several rare nickels can command significant premiums, especially when preserved in high grade. These coins also serve as reminders
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Missed RMD Penalty: What It Is, How to Fix It, and How to Prevent It
- October 10, 2025
- Category: Retirement
A missed RMD penalty can feel stressful, but it’s often avoidable, or even waivable, if you act quickly and document the fix. This guide explains how the penalty works, the exact steps to correct a missed required minimum distribution, and simple ways to prevent repeat issues. You’ll also see practical tips for Gold IRAs and
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How to Calculate RMD: Simple Steps for Retirees
- October 9, 2025
- Category: Retirement
Executive summary: Your required minimum distribution (RMD) equals last year’s December 31 account balance divided by an IRS life-expectancy factor. The real skill is picking the correct factor, applying the rules for each account type, and timing withdrawals to limit taxes and Medicare surcharges. This guide shows you how to calculate RMD accurately, avoid common
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When Do RMDs Start for IRAs and 401(k)s?
- October 8, 2025
- Category: Personal Finance, Retirement Planning, Tax Strategies
Executive summary: If you’re wondering, “when do RMDs start,” the short answer is age 73 for most savers born 1951–1959. Your first IRA RMD is due by April 1 of the year after you turn 73, though you can also take it by December 31 of the year you turn 73. For many employer plans,
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Contribute to IRA After Retirement: The Complete Guide
- October 7, 2025
- Category: Personal Finance Strategies, Retirement Planning
Executive summary: You can contribute to IRA after retirement if you have earned income from wages or self-employment. For 2025, the IRA limit is $7,000 ($8,000 if you’re 50+). Roth IRA eligibility depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Traditional IRA deductibility depends on workplace plan coverage and income. With smart timing, the right
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401k Rollover to IRA: A Complete, Practical Guide
- October 6, 2025
- Category: Investment Accounts & IRAs, Retirement Planning, Tax & Withdrawal Strategies
Executive summary: A 401k rollover to IRA can cut costs, expand investment choices, and simplify future withdrawals when you do it right. However, timing, tax treatment, access rules, ERISA protections, and employer stock can tilt the decision the other way. This guide shows when a rollover helps, when it hurts, and the steps to complete
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The Safest Way to Use Retirement Savings: A Practical Guide
- October 5, 2025
- Category: Income Strategies, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning
Executive Summary: The safest way to use retirement savings is simple and sturdy: secure an income floor for essentials, hold a cash buffer for shocks, and invest the rest for long-term growth while following clear, rules-based withdrawal guardrails. Blend Social Security, pensions or annuities, a bond/TIPS ladder, diversified portfolios, and a tax-aware withdrawal order so
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Do I Have Enough to Retire? 7 Signs You’re Ready
- October 4, 2025
- Category: Income Strategies, Retirement Planning, Tax & Withdrawal Strategies
Executive summary: If you keep asking, “Do I have enough to retire?”, you’re really checking whether savings, income, and risks match the life you want. This guide turns that into a practical checklist. Use the seven signs, the quick scorecard, and the case studies to spot gaps, fix them, and move from doubt to a