Posts by Barb

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…

You’ve worked hard to build a secure retirement, and if you have a pension, it’s one of your most valuable assets. But are you making the right choices with it? Many retirees assume their pension will take care of everything, only to face unexpected surprises—lower-than-expected payments, tax headaches, or choices that can’t be undone. The…

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and finally stepped into retirement. But what if your budget isn’t as secure as you thought? It’s not the big vacations or luxury splurges that throw most retirees off course. It’s the everyday expenses that quietly add up over time—medical bills, home repairs, and even helping family. If you’re not…

Remember that satisfying feeling of finally organizing a messy kitchen drawer? Getting your retirement finances in order brings that same peace of mind—but it’s easy to put off. Whether you’ve just retired or have been enjoying retirement for years, managing your money shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. The good news? You don’t have to…

That dream retirement home in Florida? The golf membership? Those plans might need a reality check. Take Tom and Susan, for example. Tom spent 30 years saving for his dream RV, only to sell it when unexpected medical bills piled up. They assumed Medicare would cover everything, but gaps in coverage left them facing out-of-pocket…

Mike always imagined retirement filled with morning golf and road trips in their RV. Linda? She loved her job and wanted five more years at the office. If this sounds like your home, you’re not alone. Many couples find themselves on different retirement pages—and that’s perfectly normal. Building a retirement you both love isn’t about…

Remember those early dating days? You’d spend hours picking the perfect outfit, your heart racing as you waited for that doorbell ring. Fast forward through decades of mortgage payments, kids’ soccer practices, and endless work meetings—and here you are, finally retired. But let’s face it: date nights probably aren’t what they used to be. Maybe they’ve become a…

As 2025 begins, it’s time to revisit your retirement strategy with fresh eyes. Whether retirement feels like a distant dream or is just around the corner, having a clear and actionable plan can help you approach the future with confidence, use this streamlined checklist to ensure you’re on track for the retirement you envision. 1.…