Client Spotlight: What a 16-Day Norway and Rhine River Cruise Actually Looks Like in Retirement

Norway and Rhine River Cruise

In May of 2026, Patricia, one of our happy retirees, flew with her sister to Bergen, Norway to join the Viking Neptune and sail Norway’s spectacular fjord coastline before continuing to Amsterdam. But that wasn’t the end of it. From there, they boarded the Viking Alruna to sail the Rhine River to Switzerland (Basel) with stops in Germany (Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim) and France (Strasbourg).

Can I Use My Retirement Account to Help My Child Buy a House?

Can I Use My Retirement Account to Help My Child Buy a House?

A common question in retirement planning is how to help adult children with a home down payment when most savings are in 401(k)s or other retirement accounts. The key issue is simple: withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts are generally taxed as ordinary income. That means money typically must pass through the Internal Revenue Service before it can be gifted.

Adventure After Retirement: Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Some retirement dreams take shape over decades. For one of our clients, David Scott, his lifelong love of backpacking led to a 100-mile trek through the Alps and an unforgettable journey around Western Europe’s highest mountain: Mont Blanc.

Are Covered Call Income ETFs Worth It? What Investors Should Know

Are Covered Call Income ETFs Worth It? What Investors Should Know

You’ve probably noticed a surge in Covered Call Income ETFs lately. Here’s why it matters. The strategy has gone from niche to mainstream, with assets in options-based income strategies growing from roughly $7 billion in 2020 to around $150 billion by 2025, alongside record investor inflows and increasing institutional adoption. They’re often marketed as a way to generate additional income beyond dividends without selling shares, and who wouldn’t like that? But how do they work, and are they a practical strategy for retirement planning?

Should You Cancel Life Insurance Before Retirement? What to Consider First

Elderly couple reviewing life insurance policy documents, planning their future finances together on the sofa

As retirement approaches, many households face a question: Is it still worth paying for life insurance? If the kids are grown and retirement savings are accumulating, folks may begin to wonder whether the money allocated to insurance premiums could go elsewhere—like a 401(k). However, deciding whether to cancel a policy isn’t always straightforward.

Should You Switch to a Roth 401(k) Right Before Retirement?

Should You Switch to a Roth 401(k) Right Before Retirement?

Future retirees often wonder when it’s worth moving money into a Roth IRA from some other type of account. After all, Roth IRAs are after-tax money, meaning the funds can eventually be withdrawn tax-free. All things equal, that may sound like an optimal situation, but it often depends on taxes today vs. taxes tomorrow. Should You Switch to a Roth 401(k) Right Before Retirement? The decision really comes down to what tax bracket you’re in today versus what you’re likely to face in retirement.

Client Spotlight: They Almost Didn’t Retire, Now They’re Exploring Scotland

Charles and Dawn Norfolk were originally hesitant to retire, but because they had the means and the desire, Jason Gove, one of our Phoenix team members, encouraged them to make the leap. One of their customers purchased their business, providing a clear path to step away. They stayed on for four years to help ease the transition, then moved from Texas to Tennessee.

Roth Conversions: a smart tax move, or an expensive mistake?

A clear, no-pressure guide to deciding whether converting pre-tax retirement savings to a Roth may fit your situation.