Blog
Is $1 Million Enough to Retire in the Midwest?
A million dollars sounds like the finish line. But for Midwest families, retirement security is less about the number and more about the plan behind it.
Read MoreBeneficiary Reviews: The Conversation That Could Protect Everything You've Built
Your beneficiary designations can override your will. When did you last review them? Here's why an annual check-in could be the most important call you make.
Read MoreBeyond April 15th: What Tax Returns Can Reveal About Your Retirement Readiness
Tax season is over, but your return holds valuable retirement planning insights. Discover what your tax filing reveals about Roth contributions, future RMDs, and retirement tax efficiency.
Read MoreHow Much Do I Need to Retire? A Checklist for Midwest Families
Retirement planning checklist for Midwest families: Calculate income needs, evaluate savings, plan for healthcare costs. Are you on track to retire comfortably by 65?
Read MoreBuilding a Championship Retirement: What Filling Out Brackets Teaches Us About Financial Planning
March Madness isn't about luck, it's about preparation and execution. Your retirement should work the same way. Learn why steady favorites beat Cinderellas in money and basketball.
Read MoreShow All
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): What Every Retiree Needs to Know
Required Minimum Distributions start at 73 for most retirees. Learn key deadlines, recent law changes, tax strategies, and frequently asked questions about RMDs. Plus, how to avoid costly mistakes and create a strategy that minimizes taxes.
Read MoreHow to Plan a Vacation That Fits Your Life (And Your Budget)
Vacation planning shouldn't feel stressful. Learn how to create trips that fit your life and budget—whether you're a family balancing work and savings or a retiree ready for bucket list adventures. Plan intentionally, travel confidently.
Read MoreWhy Beneficiary Tax Planning Is a Critical Part of Retirement Planning
Your retirement plan doesn’t end with you. Learn how IRA inheritance rules, your children’s tax brackets, and thoughtful Roth planning can make a meaningful difference for the next generation.
Read More5 Questions You Should Be Asking While Preparing Your 2025 Taxes
Are you making tax decisions that hurt you long-term? Learn 5 essential questions to ask while preparing your taxes—from Roth vs. traditional contributions to new 2025 tax law changes. RetireRight helps Iowa families plan smarter.
Read MoreReflecting on 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026 - January Client Letter
From tariffs to rate cuts, 2025 had no shortage of market challenges. Yet long-term investors were rewarded. Here’s a look at what worked—and what could shape markets in 2026.
Read More2026 Retirement Planning Update: IRS Increases IRA and 401(k) Limits
The IRS has released updated contribution limits for 2026. Learn what’s changing for IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, SIMPLE plans, and gift taxes—and why reviewing these updates now can strengthen your retirement and tax strategy.
Read MoreOutlook 2026: LPL Research Shares Some Thoughts On The Year Ahead
LPL Research is pleased to present Outlook 2026: The Policy Engine. Their annual update offers a thorough analysis of the economy and markets, highlighting potential implications for you. We are pleased to bring you a few key highlights.
Read MoreThe 12 Scams of Christmas: Your Holiday Protection Guide for 2025
Scammers are busier than ever during the holidays. From fake delivery notices to charity fraud and tech support schemes, learn the 12 scams to watch for in 2025,and the steps you can take to protect your family, finances, and peace of mind.
Read MoreClient Letter: Stocks Pass Another Test With November Rebound
Markets ended November near record highs as rate-cut optimism, strong earnings, and resilient consumers helped drive gains. As we head into 2026, staying diversified and focused on long-term goals remains key.
Read MoreYour Year-End Tax Game Plan: Finishing the Season Strong
Championship teams execute in crunch time—so should you. Discover three power moves to finish 2025 strong: maxing out your 401(k, strategic Roth conversions, and tax-loss harvesting. The clock is ticking—make every play count before Dec 31.
Read MorePositive Momentum Builds as Year-End Approaches
The last week of October delivered a flurry of impactful headlines across earnings, monetary policy, and geopolitics — each shaping the investment landscape as we head into year-end. Here are some key takeaways:
Read MoreYour Financial Harvest: 10 Smart Moves to Reap the Rewards Before Year-End
As the year winds down, it’s time to bring in your financial harvest. These 10 smart year-end moves can help reduce taxes, boost savings, and set you up for a strong start in 2026.
Read MoreStock Market Fundamentals Outweigh Shutdown Drama
The October 1 deadline has passed, and the U.S. government has shut down. History suggests that shutdowns tend to be short-lived and have minimal sustained impact on the economy or the stock market.
Read MoreAre Bonds Still the Safe Play in Your Portfolio?
Bonds have long been the “safe” side of investing, but recent years show they aren’t immune to volatility. Learn what this means for the 60/40 rule and your portfolio.
Read MoreClient Letter: Say Good-Bye to Summer and Hello to Historically Weak September
As summer winds down, the financial world remains focused primarily on the Federal Reserve (Fed). At last month’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled the Fed seems ready to cut interest rates later this...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Tariffs and Your Financial Plan
Tariffs are back in the headlines. Learn what they are, how markets have reacted in the past, and what today’s changes could mean for your investments and financial plan.
Read MoreResilient Markets Amid Economic Crosscurrent | Client Letter
The last few days of July and the beginning of August have brought a flurry of key economic data, central bank activity, company earnings results, and tariff news. Here are some takeaways from the week of July 28.
Read MoreWhat the "Big Beautiful Bill" Means for Your Financial Future
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now law, bringing sweeping changes to tax rates, retirement rules, education savings, and more. Here's what you need to know about this landmark legislation and how it could impact your financial future.
Read MoreLPL 2025 Mid-Year Outlook
LPL Research recently unveiled Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations, their semi-annual report that recaps where markets & the economy have been over the first half of 2025 and what to expect the rest of the year.
Read MoreRetirement Planning FAQ: 9 Questions People Ask Before Retiring
From Social Security timing to making your money last, we’ve answered nine of the most common questions people ask before retiring - plus a few you didn’t know to ask.
Read MoreAmerica Gets Record High Stock Prices for Its Birthday | Client Letter | July 2025
As Americans get their grills and beach chairs ready for the July 4th holiday, the stock market and the weather across much of the country have both been on heaters.
Read MoreProtecting Your Social Security: What You Need to Know About Scams
Scammers are targeting Social Security benefits now more than ever. Learn how to recognize warning signs, avoid common traps, and take action to protect your identity and retirement security.
Read MoreWhat Should You Do With Your 401(k) After a Job or Company Change?
When you change jobs, leave a job, or your company is bought out, it can bring a lot of changes and questions. One of the most common is: “What should I do with my 401(k) now?” If each of the above scenarios, you’ll need to make a...
Read MoreVolatility Likely to Bring Opportunities As Trade Uncertainty Continues
As June begins, markets continue to navigate a complex landscape shaped by trade policy shifts, an uncertain economic and earnings outlook, and bond market headwinds. Several key developments in recent weeks may have implications for...
Read MoreTim Olejniczak Joins RetireRight Consulting Group
WEST DES MOINES – April 9, 2025 – Tim Olejniczak has joined RetireRight Consulting Group, which has offices in West Des Moines and Dubuque, Iowa. Olejniczak joins the team from Edward Jones. A lifelong resident of the Des Moines metro...
Read MoreMarket Resilience Amid Uncertainty
The latest recovery is a reminder that periods of turmoil can often create opportunities. Although stocks may pull back after their strong rally — the lesson is clear: staying the course during downturns is almost always the best strategy.
Read MoreFresh Air, Fresh Finances: Your Pre-Summer Money Checklist
There’s nothing quite like summer - long weekends by the lake, neighborhood cookouts, family road trips, and nights spent under the stars - it’s a season meant for slowing down and soaking it all in. While you’re tackling yard projects...
Read More6 Questions to Ask During a Market Downturn
As current markets demonstrate, market volatility is an unavoidable part of investing. While it can feel unsettling, it also provides an opportunity to reassess your financial strategy and ensure you're on track toward your long-term...
Read More