Posts by Barb

You’ve done the hard work—built your savings, paid off the mortgage, and prepared for a retirement you’ve earned. But as life shifts into this new phase, one financial tool often gets left behind too soon: life insurance. “I’m past the what-ifs now,” you might think. It’s easy to assume coverage is no longer necessary once the…

“Will my money last as long as I do?” It’s the question that keeps many retirees up at night. And when it comes to stretching your retirement dollars, few decisions have a bigger impact than how you handle Social Security. I’ve seen too many retirees make quick decisions about their benefits based on general advice…

For decades, you’ve put everyone else first. You were the one who stayed up with sick kids, who managed the house while balancing work, who cared for aging parents without blinking, and who said, “I’m fine,” even when you were exhausted.  This Mother’s Day, we celebrate you—the moms who gave their all, who led with…

You didn’t retire to pinch pennies. But here we are in 2025—groceries cost more, travel is pricier, and even a trip to the pharmacy can feel like it comes with sticker shock. And if your income is mostly fixed, every dollar just doesn’t go as far as it used to. The savings you built over…

In an unpredictable economic landscape, new policy decisions — including those involving tariffs — can send waves through markets, raise consumer prices, and shift long-term financial dynamics. For those in or approaching retirement, it’s a fair question to ask: Could this affect my financial plan? If you’re in that stage of life, staying informed and making adjustments where…

You’ve paid into the system for decades—but what if you’re not getting everything you’ve earned? Many retirees discover too late that they’ve missed out on valuable Social Security benefits simply because they didn’t understand how spousal benefits work. After building a life together, it’s easy to assume the system will automatically give you what’s fair.…

That washing machine you thought would last another five years just flooded your basement. Your daughter called asking for help with an unexpected medical bill. The roof is suddenly leaking after that last storm. When these surprises hit during retirement, they don’t just drain your bank account—they threaten the financial freedom you’ve worked decades to…

Don’t Let Tax Day Catch You Off Guard Tax Day is here, and if you’re still sorting through forms, wondering if you missed something, you’re not alone. Taxes in retirement are more complicated than ever. Between 1099s, required withdrawals, and shifting tax rules, even seasoned filers can second-guess themselves. But here’s the good news—you still…

Are You Overpaying Without Even Realizing It? Are you paying hundreds more than necessary for Medicare each month? Many retirees in Colorado Springs are—often without realizing it. That’s thousands of dollars per year that could be covering vacations, padding your savings, or helping with everyday expenses. The problem? Medicare isn’t “set it and forget it.”…

Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Long-Term Care Planning Most people don’t think about long-term care—until it’s too late. Maybe you’ve seen it happen to a friend or family member: a sudden health issue, a need for daily assistance, and before they knew it, their savings started disappearing to cover the costs. Long-term care isn’t…