SF Financial Blog

We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.

The words "Happy Thanksgiving" on a plate

6 Thoughtful Ways to Express Gratitude to Loved Ones This Thanksgiving

By Barb | November 25, 2024

Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, family, and community—a chance to appreciate the people who make your life richer. Expressing gratitude thoughtfully goes beyond saying…

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Close-up of U.S. coins and dollar bills with an upward financial graph overlay. The glowing arrowed line represents economic growth or rising financial trends, symbolizing investment success, inflation, or market performance.

Simple Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategies for Retirement

By Barb | November 18, 2024

The Potential of Tax-Loss Harvesting for Retirees Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but it also comes with financial challenges—like…

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Business professionals in suits analyzing financial charts and graphs. The group is seated at a table, actively discussing documents with data visualizations and using pens to highlight key points, suggesting a meeting or financial planning session.

Is a Self-Directed IRA Right for You? The Pros and Cons You Need to Know

By Barb | November 11, 2024

When it comes to retirement savings, control can be a double-edged sword. A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) offers significantly more freedom than a traditional IRA, allowing…

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The $100,000 Decision: Your 2024 Roth Conversion Master Plan

By Barb | November 4, 2024

2-minute read that could save you thousands The Stakes Are High A 60-year-old with a $500,000 traditional IRA could save over $100,000 in lifetime taxes…

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Financial Monsters: Your 2024 Money Survival Guide

By Barb | October 28, 2024

Let’s face it—money problems in 2024 can feel like battling monsters. They’re sneaky, unpredictable, and always lurking around the corner, ready to pounce when you…

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How to Use the Bucket Strategy for Retirement Withdrawals

By Barb | October 21, 2024

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to making sure your savings last for the rest of your life. One approach that’s…

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How Smart Asset Allocation Can Protect Your Retirement Savings

By Barb | October 14, 2024

When you’re planning for retirement, managing risk is just as important as growing your savings. This is where asset allocation becomes critical. By dividing your…

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Frustrated older woman holding a phone and credit card. She appears stressed with her eyes closed and hands on her head, suggesting financial difficulties or issues with a phone call related to her credit or bank account.

Retirees Beware! How to Keep Your Money Safe from Fraud

By Barb | October 7, 2024

Imagine waking up one morning to find a significant portion of your retirement savings gone—vanished in an instant. Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming increasingly common…

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Red coffee cup on a napkin with the acronym F.I.R.E. written on it. The napkin displays the words “Financial Independence Retire Early” in blue text, placed beside a pen on an orange surface, symbolizing the FIRE movement lifestyle.

How to Retire Early with FIRE Movement

By Barb | September 27, 2024

The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement is reshaping how people think about retirement. Instead of waiting until their 60s, FIRE followers aim to retire…

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How WEP and GPO Affect Your Social Security Benefits

By Barb | September 20, 2024

Imagine dedicating decades to public service, only to find out that your expected Social Security benefits are drastically reduced due to rules you never knew…

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Annuities vs Bonds

Annuities vs. Bonds: Which is Better for Retirement Income?

By Barb | September 13, 2024

Securing a steady income flow during retirement is crucial for financial security and peace of mind. Annuities and bonds are two popular options that retirees…

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Happy senior couple standing in front of a 'Sold' real estate sign. They are smiling and embracing each other, celebrating the purchase or sale of a home, with a suburban house blurred in the background.

How Falling Mortgage Rates Can Help (or Hurt) Your Retirement Goals

By Barb | September 6, 2024

With mortgage rates dipping, it’s natural to wonder how this might impact your retirement plans. Lower rates can bring some great opportunities, but they also…

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