Retirement Planning

Can I Save for College and Retirement at the Same Time?

Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps suggest saving for retirement before college — but that doesn’t mean you have to finish one before starting the other. Financial Advisor Matthew Harris breaks down how to balance both goals, use time and compounding interest to your advantage, and make smart choices that keep you on track for retirement without sacrificing your kids’ education.

How Social Security COLA and Portfolio Strategy Impact Retirement Planning

Ensuring adequate savings for a lengthy retirement stands as the paramount concern for retirees and individuals nearing retirement. Recent years of elevated inflation have diminished the buying power of cash reserves, creating additional hurdles.

How Much Can You Safely Withdraw in Retirement?

How much can you safely withdraw in retirement without running out of money? While the 4% rule is a good starting point, research by Bill Bengen—and tools like Monte Carlo simulations—help us build smarter, more personalized plans. At Whitaker-Myers, we go further by using strategies like rebalancing, managing sequence of return risk, and diversifying into non-correlated assets to help your retirement income last as long as you do.

Retirement Planning in 2025 – How the SECURE 2.0 May Benefit Your Retirement Strategy

Retirement rules continue to evolve, and 2025 brings several important updates that could affect how much you save, when you access your funds, and how you manage taxes in retirement. Recent changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act have increased contribution limits, introduced new catch-up opportunities for older savers, and pushed back the age for required minimum distributions (RMDs).

Backdoor Roths and 401(k) Rollovers: Smart Strategy or Costly Mistake?

For high-income earners, backdoor Roth IRA contributions are a powerful way to build tax-free retirement savings. On a separate note, rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA can also be a smart move for better investment options and lower fees. However, when these two strategies intersect, the outcome can either work in your favor—or create an unexpected tax bill. Understanding why is critical before making a move.

Why ETFs Are Taking Over—and Why Your Portfolio Needs Them

ETFs offer investors diversification, liquidity, low costs, transparency, tax efficiency, and easy entry with small investments. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, new ETF structures now provide access to asset classes like Private Credit and Cryptocurrency, once limited to wealthy investors. These features make ETFs a powerful tool for building wealth, managing risk, and customizing portfolios to meet financial goals.

Creating an Income Floor in Retirement

An income floor is the minimum reliable monthly income needed in retirement to cover essential expenses like housing, food, and healthcare. It typically includes Social Security, pensions, and dividends. Building this foundation offers stability, reduces the risk of selling investments during downturns, and supports long-term security. Pairing it with a solid budget helps retirees confidently manage cash flow and maintain their lifestyle.

What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) Professional?

Not all financial advisors are created equal. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) stands out for their fiduciary duty, rigorous training, and ethical standards. CFP® professionals offer holistic planning, objective advice, and a commitment to your best interests. With trusted credentials and dedication, they provide peace of mind in your financial journey. Choose wisely—your financial future depends on it.

John-Mark Young Earns the Prestigious CFP® Certification

John-Mark Young has officially earned the Certified Financial Planner® certification after 14 months of study and dedication.

STRS Early Retirement Option Announced

STRS is offering an early retirement incentive for defined benefit plan members with 33 years of service or age 60 with 5 years of service between June 2025 and July 2027. Deciding whether to accept depends on your full financial picture. Run benefit estimates for different retirement points and factor in any salary increases. Then, meet with an STRS counselor and your Whitaker-Myers advisor to determine the best option for your goals.

The Importance of Business Cycles in Financial Planning

Understanding the business cycle helps investors make smarter financial decisions during market uncertainty. While we can't control the economy, we can plan with discipline—by staying invested, rebalancing portfolios, managing expectations, and maintaining emergency funds. Market cycles may be more volatile, but a resilient, diversified portfolio helps weather all phases. Don’t try to time the market—plan wisely and stay focused on long-term goals.

Combat Pay/Tax-Exempt Pay & Your TSP

Combat pay is tax-exempt at the federal level but still subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Service members can contribute this income to their TSP, with Roth TSP being the most beneficial option—offering both tax-free contributions and tax-free growth. Contributions from combat pay don’t count toward annual limits, allowing greater retirement savings potential. Keep records of your pay and consult a financial advisor to track and manage TSP rollovers effectively.