SF Financial Blog

We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.

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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Collage of women in various professional roles. The image includes a firefighter battling flames, police officers smiling, a lawyer speaking in court, a military woman in uniform, a teacher engaging with children, and a librarian organizing books, highlighting women in diverse careers.

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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Somber elderly man with a dark overlay of a Social Security building in the background. The image conveys concern or uncertainty, possibly about retirement benefits or financial security in old age.

The Truth About Social Security: Are Your Benefits at Risk?

By Barb | August 30, 2024

Social Security has been a safety net for millions of Americans, but it’s facing significant challenges that could affect the benefits you’re counting on. Whether…

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The word Medicare over a loading bar that is 75% complete

Avoid Costly Medicare Enrollment Mistakes in 2024

By Barb | August 23, 2024

Medicare enrollment can be complex, and making the wrong choice could lead to expensive penalties or gaps in your healthcare coverage. With the Inflation Reduction…

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Two directional road signs against a blue sky—one pointing left labeled “SAFE” and the other pointing right labeled “RISKY.” The image represents a metaphorical choice between a secure or a potentially dangerous financial or life decision.

8 Smart and Safe Ways to Grow Your Retirement Funds

By Barb | August 16, 2024

“What are the best ways to invest my money without taking on too much risk?” That’s always the first question I hear from my clients…

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Notebook with a handwritten comparison between Roth IRA and Traditional IRA. The page is divided into two columns with plus and minus signs, lying next to U.S. dollar bills and a marker, representing retirement savings planning and financial decision-making.

Roth IRA or Traditional IRA? Find Out Which Is Best

By Barb | August 9, 2024

When planning for retirement, choosing the right type of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is crucial. The two most common types are Traditional IRAs and Roth…

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Medigap

Medigap Myths Busted!

By Barb | August 2, 2024

What You Must Know Before It’s Too Late… Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is an essential tool for many retirees looking to cover…

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Stacks of bundled banknotes on a counter at a financial institution. A person's hand is seen handling the money, suggesting activities related to banking, currency exchange, or cash management.

Transform Your Retirement Savings with This Simple, Overlooked Strategy!

By Barb | July 26, 2024

How can you make the most of your savings with the current high CD (Certificate of Deposit) rates? CDs might sound old-school, but they have…

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Close-up of elderly hands holding an open, empty wallet. The wallet is visibly worn and has no money inside, symbolizing financial hardship, poverty, or retirement insecurity.

Simple Strategies to Avoid Running Out of Money in Retirement

By Barb | July 19, 2024

Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, not financial stress. However, many retirees face the fear of outliving their savings. By implementing strategic…

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