Retirement - My Own Advisor

They want to spend $50,000 per year in retirement. Did they save enough?

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Mark | 103 Comments

They want to spend $50,000 per year in retirement. Did they save enough? Michael and Julie want to spend $50,000 per year in retirement. They are 35. The “4% Rule” says they need $1.25 million at age 55. But do…

How do we measure up? Can we hit 10 goals in 10 years for early retirement?

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Mark | 21 Comments

How do we measure up? Can we hit 10 goals in 10 years for early retirement? Passionate fans of this site will know I’m not an early retirement zealot but I am very interested in working part-time on my own…

The sleep easy way to save and invest for retirement

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Mark | 33 Comments

The sleep easy way to save and invest for retirement For a few years now, I’ve been inspired and motivated by early retirement. Or, for any members of the “retirement police” out there at least semi-retirement. The ability to work…

My take on minimizing tax in retirement

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Mark | 46 Comments

My take on minimizing tax in retirement “If you have a tax problem in retirement and that’s the only major problem you have, then with all due respect retirees you have it pretty damn good. There are far worse problems…

How much is enough for retirement?

Posted on April 22, 2018 by Mark | 20 Comments

How much is enough for retirement? We’re all told to save, invest and stay invested for the long-term. Sound advice for sure in our asset accumulation years. But most of us will want to spend what we’ve worked so hard…

Why I’m still planning to live off dividends and distributions

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Mark | 88 Comments

Why I’m still planning to live off dividends and distributions Some time ago…yours truly wrote a controversial post about the intent to live off dividends and distributions form our portfolio. I know some investors don’t agree with my approach and…

Six big retirement mistakes – what I’m doing about them

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Mark | 35 Comments

Six big retirement mistakes – what I’m doing about them Recently Jason Heath, a fee-only financial planner, outlined a number of mistakes investors make when it comes to retirement planning and/or investing during retirement. I thought I’d outline what I’m…

Retirement Income for Life – Review and Giveaway

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Mark | 75 Comments

Retirement Income for Life – Review and Giveaway “Drawing down one’s savings in retirement is something very few retirees do well, even with the help of professional advisors.” – Fred Vettese, Retirement Income for Life. If you want to learn…

Throwing retirement savings factors out the window

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Mark | 48 Comments

Throwing retirement savings factors out the window The Millionaire Next Door suggested your expected net worth should be about 10% of your age multiplied by your gross income. Example: Net Worth = (Age 20 x 0.10) * income. So, that…

Self-made millionaire assessment guide

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Mark | 28 Comments

Self-made millionaire assessment guide Courtesy of this article, there are apparently seven habits most self-made millionaires employ to build their wealth. From the study conducted, there are two types of self-made millionaires: Risk-Takers and Savers. Builders, entrepreneurs, and aggressive investors…