3 Retirement Tax Traps to Avoid: RMDs, Social Security & Medicare IRMAA (Episode 33)
RMDs at 73, taxable Social Security, and Medicare IRMAA surcharges can all raise your tax bill in retirement. In Episode 33, I break down the three traps and what to watch for.
3 Retirement Tax Moves That May Result in Paying Less
Kamie and Dan break down three practical ways retirees can lower taxes: control where income shows up, use Roth money strategically to avoid bracket creep, and give smarter with DAFs and QCDs—plus what snowbirds should know about residency and state income taxes.
Why So Many Retirees Are Blindsided by Taxes, and How to Work to Avoid It
Taxes can rise in retirement for people who saved well. Here’s how to build tax flexibility and avoid common surprises before RMDs begin.
Mediterranean Cruise Tips & Tricks: Rome + 9 Nights on Carnival Miracle
Thinking about a Mediterranean cruise in retirement? We’re sharing the real tips and tricks we learned on our fall 2025 honeymoon: flying into Rome, boarding the Carnival Miracle for nine nights, and visiting Kuşadası (Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens, Olympia, and Naples (Pompeii + a winery at the base of Vesuvius). This guide is built for travelers 55+—with advice on pacing, excursions, packing, hydration, and making the most of every port without feeling rushed.
Retirement Planning: The 6 Questions Retirees Ask Most
How much do you really need to retire—and when should you take Social Security? Here are practical answers to the questions retirees ask most.
Taxes in Retirement: What Every Retiree Needs to Know
Taxes don’t stop when your paycheck does. Here’s what Rochester-area retirees need to know to avoid surprises and keep more of what they’ve worked so hard to save.
7 Social Security Myths That Can Cost Retirees Thousands
Social Security decisions are more complex than most retirees realize. Here are seven common myths that could quietly cost you thousands if left unaddressed.
Why Cash Flow Matters More Than Net Worth in Retirement
A strong net worth doesn’t automatically create a comfortable retirement. The real key is predictable cash flow you can count on, through any market cycle.
9 Retirement Mistakes We See Most (And How to Avoid Them)
Retirement is too important to “wing it.” Here are nine of the most common retirement mistakes we see—especially around Social Security, taxes, RMDs, and Medicare—and simple ways to avoid them so you can retire with more confidence.
Winning the Fight in Retirement: How to Beat Complacency and Embrace What's Next
Retirement isn't a finish line—it's a starting line. Learn how to beat complacency, build meaningful connections, and make your future bigger than your past.
10 Retirement Lessons We've Learned From 24 Episodes (And 35 Years of Experience)
Ten retirement lessons that consistently make the biggest difference—covering taxes, Social Security, income planning, and why purpose matters as much as your portfolio.
The Fortune 500 Companies Located in Minnesota in 2026
A full list of Minnesota companies on the 2025 Fortune 500, plus how the list is determined and what it means for the state’s economy.
Retire & Thrive Travel Guide: Nashville
A firsthand travel guide to Nashville with tips on where to stay, what to eat, top attractions, and the best ways to make the most of your trip.
How Do I Know Which Investments Are Right for Me?
Feeling overwhelmed by investment choices? Learn how your personality, goals, and timeline shape which investments are right for you.
What Does It Mean to Invest in Cash?
Learn how cash and cash equivalents fit into a smart retirement strategy, including their benefits, risks, and role in your financial plan.
What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) lets you give more strategically—with tax benefits, investment growth, and simplified giving to the causes that matter most.
Retirement Isn't the End — It's the Beginning of Your Second Act
Retirement isn’t the end of the story—it’s the start of your second act. From lazy mornings and golf rounds to new passions and meaningful connections, discover how today’s retirees are redefining what “retirement” really means.
Commodities Explained: Beyond the Glitter of Gold
Commodities—from oil to gold—have long fascinated investors. This guide explains what they are, how they work, and why their long-term returns are more complex than headlines suggest. Clear, fact-checked insights from Fortress Financial Group.
Is Scottsdale The Best Place To Retire? (2025 Guide)
Scottsdale offers sunny winters, world-class healthcare, and an active lifestyle that make it a top retirement destination. But is it right for you? Explore the pros, cons, and smart strategies before making the move.
Demystifying Bonds: What Do All These Terms Mean?
Bonds can feel overwhelming—par value, yields, ratings, and maturities. This guide breaks it down in plain English so you understand the basics and invest smarter.
