
<p>Retirement insights from a Colorado PERA perspective</p>



<p></p>


A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/medicare-advantage-final-rates-2025-modest-cut/711927/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Federal Government Finalizes Modest Cut to 2025 Medicare Advantage Rates | Healthcare Dive</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the rates it will pay to insurers who run Medicare Advantage plans in 2025, and it’s a slight decrease from the current base rate. The federal government insists insurers will still come out ahead under the new rates, but insurance companies say lower rates could force them to cut benefits and raise premiums.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.plansponsor.com/vermont-plans-to-partner-with-colorado-on-state-auto-ira-retirement-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Vermont Plans to Partner with Colorado on State Auto-IRA Retirement Plan | PLANSPONSOR</strong></a></h4>



<p>Vermont is the latest state to team up with Colorado to administer its new state-run automatic individual retirement account (IRA) program for people who don’t have access to a retirement plan at work. Colorado’s plan, known as SecureSavings, has also helped auto-IRA programs in Maine and Delaware get off the ground.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/15/americans-think-they-need-1point46-million-to-retire-what-experts-say.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Americans Think They Need Almost $1.5 Million to Retire. Experts Say to Focus on Another Number Instead | CNBC</a></strong></h4>



<p>For workers who rely on&nbsp;defined contribution&nbsp;accounts like 401(k)s for retirement, knowing how much to save can be a challenge. According to a recent survey, people think they’ll need about $1.46 million to retire comfortably. But experts say workers should be more focused on saving for their individual needs and goals rather than any particular dollar amount.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/04/03/fewer-americans-writing-a-will/73170465007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Writing a Will is Becoming Less Popular. Why Americans are Opting Out | USA Today</strong></a></h4>



<p>At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, people saw the need to have a will on file, and estate planners saw a spike in people needing their services. Since then, the percentage of Americans adult who say they have a will had been steadily increasing. The most recent survey, conducted at the end of 2023, showed a reversal in that trend and marked the first decrease since 2020.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Insurers Warn Medicare Advantage Rate Cut Could Lead to Higher Premiums


<p>October is National Retirement Security Month, providing a great opportunity as the year winds down to take a look at one’s finances, goals, and plans for retirement.</p>



<p>With recent research showing that many of us <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/10/12/how-long-does-retirement-last/71074947007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greatly underestimate how long we’ll live</a>, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re on track to reach your retirement goals.</p>



<p>If you’re a member of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan, you’re already set for lifetime income in retirement. But if you’d like to do more to ensure your retirement security, there are steps you can take.</p>



<p>PERA has been sharing tips throughout October on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoPERA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ColoradoPERA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>, and we’re wrapping up National Retirement Security Month with some more helpful information here.</p>



<p>Consider some of the items below if you’re taking stock of your financial health this month:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Save additional money in a PERAPlus plan:</strong> PERA offers a voluntary <a href="https://www.copera.org/peraplus-401-k-457-plans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERAPlus 401(k) Plan</a> to all members, and some PERA employers also offer the <a href="https://www.copera.org/peraplus-401-k-457-plans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERAPlus 457 Plan</a>. Both plans allow you set aside additional pre-tax dollars (there’s also a Roth option) on top of what you contribute to your PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan account.</li>



<li><strong>Make a savings plan:</strong> A recent survey found that a surprising number of Americans <a href="https://content.copera.org/national-retirement-security-month-highlights-importance-of-planning-for-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have no savings account at all</a>. Saving money is easier said than done, but making a plan to save even a little bit at a time can make a huge difference (not to mention you can take advantage of historically high rates on savings accounts right now).</li>



<li><strong>Take full advantage of your HSA, if you have one:</strong> If you have a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account (HSA), you might not be aware of its retirement-planning benefits. In addition to setting aside pre-tax dollars for health care expenses (one of the biggest expenses in retirement), your HSA balance is available to spend on other needs once you reach age 65. Your HSA is also exempt from required minimum distributions (RMDs).</li>



<li><strong>Don’t forget estate planning:</strong> Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, and it’s not just for deciding who inherits your assets. Good estate planning can also make sure your loved ones <a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/overlooked-benefits-of-estate-planning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">know what to do if you’re no longer able to care for yourself</a>.</li>



<li><strong>Download the new PERA mobile app:</strong> The <a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-mobile-app" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERA app</a> allows members to access important information like account balance, projected monthly benefit, and service credit history, as well as fill out forms (and even apply for retirement) from their mobile phone.</li>
</ul>



<p>Regardless of where our members are in their public service career, we have a lot of helpful resources on PERA benefits available online, including:</p>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-frequently-asked-questions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frequently asked questions (FAQs)</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.copera.org/quick-tip-videos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quick Tip videos</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.copera.org/webinars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On-demand and live webinars</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.copera.org/financial-wellness-library" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Financial wellness articles</a></li>
</ul>


National Retirement Security Month Highlights Importance of Planning for Future


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.asppa-net.org/news/maine-colorado-enter-partnership-offering-automatic-retirement-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Maine, Colorado Enter Partnership in Offering Automatic Retirement Coverage | ASPPA</strong></a></h4>



<p>Colorado’s state-run retirement plan for private-sector workers whose employers don’t offer one, called Colorado Secure Savings, is joining forces with Maine’s state-run plan. Under the partnership, the two plans will operate separately but the same vendor will serve as administrator for both.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/huge-decline-spending-medicare-begs-question-why" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Huge Decline in Spending on Medicare Begs the Question: Why? | Fierce Healthcare</strong></a></h4>



<p>For years, federal spending on Medicare had been on a steep upward climb, but recent data show spending per beneficiary has been more or less flat for the past decade. While the reasons for the change in spending aren’t entirely clear, experts say it could be a combination of various factors, including policy changes and better health in older populations.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-household-net-worth-hits-record-2nd-qtr-fed-says-2023-09-08/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Stock Market Drives U.S. Households to Record Wealth | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>While recent headlines have highlighted decreases in Americans’ savings account balances and increases in debt, it’s not all bad news. According to the latest Federal Reserve data, overall household wealth (net worth) reached a new high in the second quarter, driven largely by the stock market and real estate.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/overlooked-benefits-of-estate-planning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Three Overlooked Benefits of Estate Planning | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>Many people put off estate planning until later in life — and some don’t even think about it before it’s too late. But it’s an important task that can have many valuable benefits, including some while you’re still around.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colorado Teaming With Maine on State-Run Retirement Plan


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.asppa.org/news/neal-reintroduces-proposal-fix-wep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Neal Reintroduces Proposal to Fix WEP | American Society of Pension Professionals &amp; Actuaries</strong></a></h4>



<p>Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA) is among the members of Congress who are renewing efforts to modify or repeal Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Neal’s bill, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2023, would update the WEP to create a new, proportional formula for calculating a pensioner’s Social Security benefit.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/alzheimers-drug-fda-approval-medicare-leqembi-a9c8b770aa1868a59889143c3bc9d127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Alzheimer&#8217;s Drug Leqembi Has Full FDA Approval Now and That Means Medicare Will Pay For It | The Associated Press</strong></a></h4>



<p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave its full approval to the new Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, meaning the agency believes the medication is safe and effective. Full approval means Medicare will cover the drug, despite earlier concerns about its cost and the effects on Medicare’s finances.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/great-wealth-transfer-gen-x-should-prepare" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Gen X Should Prepare Now for the Great Wealth Transfer | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>An event known as the Great Wealth Transfer — when Baby Boomers will hand down an estimated $84 trillion to their children and others — is expected to take place over the next several decades. Many of the beneficiaries of that transfer are members of Generation X, and they may find themselves with newfound money or other assets they’re not sure how to manage.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nextavenue.org/understanding-caregiver-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Understanding Caregiver Burnout | Next Avenue</strong></a></h4>



<p>When a loved one suddenly falls ill or otherwise loses the ability to care for themselves, a spouse or relative often ends up in the role of caretaker. It’s a role that brings its own share of challenges, and it’s important to make sure the caregiver is also getting the care they need.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Lawmaker Proposes New WEP Formula


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2023/06/13/coloradans-community-college-classes-leisure-interaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Community College Courses in Demand for Older Coloradans Wanting Interaction | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h4>



<p>Community colleges across Colorado are seeing strong demand for continuing education among retirees. Demand is particularly high in rural communities, where seniors wait in line to register for courses in the arts, fitness, history, and other subjects. Participants say that in addition to learning something new, the classes are an opportunity to meet new friends and stay active.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-reserve-rate-hike-pause-impact-cbs-news-explains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Federal Reserve is Pausing Rate Hikes for the First Time in 15 Months. Here&#8217;s the Financial Impact. | CBS News</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve has been aggressively raising its key interest rate for over a year now in an effort to tamp down inflation. The latest data show those efforts appear to be working, so the Fed is pausing its rate hikes — for now. Officials have indicated that two more rate hikes are possible before the end of the year.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/what-makes-crypto-asset-security-us-2023-06-07/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Makes a Crypto Asset a Security in the U.S.? | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently gone after several major cryptocurrency exchanges, alleging they have been operating as unregistered securities exchanges in the U.S. Up for debate is what the government considers a security and which digital assets fit the bill.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/what-gen-x-needs-to-know-about-aging-parents-finances" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Gen X Needs to Know About Their Aging Parents&#8217; Finances | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>Surveys often show a large percentage older Americans don’t have their estates in order, and they often haven’t discussed their plans and needs with their children. As Gen Xers reach the age when they’ll start caring for their aging parents, it’s important to have a sense of those needs and the associated costs ahead of time.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Older Coloradans Flocking to Community College Classes


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2022/12/06/colorado-import-prescription-drugs-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado Just Released the List of Prescription Drugs It Wants to Import From Canada | The Colorado Sun</a></strong></h4>



<p>The State of Colorado is seeking to save residents money on prescription drugs by importing more than 100 medications from Canada. The state submitted a formal application to the federal government that lists 112 drugs with an average cost savings of 64 percent over the U.S. retail price. If approved, that could result in savings of $53 million to $88 million per year.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.napa-net.org/news-info/daily-news/bicameral-bipartisan-retirement-bill-introduced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bicameral, Bipartisan Retirement Bill Introduced | National Association of Plan Advisors</a></strong></h4>



<p>While the fate of the major retirement legislation package known as SECURE Act 2.0 remains uncertain, lawmakers continue to introduce new retirement-related bills. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado is one the legislators behind the recently introduced Retirement Savings for Americans Act, which aims to increase access to retirement savings accounts for those who don’t currently have them.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/7-financial-steps-to-take-at-the-end-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7 Financial Steps to Take at the End of the Year | Kiplinger</a></strong></h4>



<p>With the year winding down, it’s a good time to do a financial checkup and make sure all your accounts are in order. Here are some helpful steps to consider, from taxes and investments to retirement planning and emergency savings.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/estate-planning-trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Middle-Aged Americans Aren’t Planning Their Estates. Here’s How to Fix That. | SmartAsset</a></strong></h4>



<p>While you’re doing a year-end financial check-up, you may consider doing some estate planning, if you haven’t already. A recent survey found the number of middle-aged adults with a will dropped to an all-time low in 2021. While estate planning can be daunting, there are a few common documents that will be a big help to your loved ones.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colorado Lists Drugs It Aims to Import From Canada


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://content.copera.org/news-you-should-know-colorado-senator-part-of-bipartisan-group-crafting-retirement-legislation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Bipartisan Group Crafting Retirement Security Legislation</strong></a><strong> | Pensions &amp; Investments</strong></h4>



<p>Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado is part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who say they’re forming a working group to write legislation that improves retirement security for Americans. The announcement comes as a major retirement bill, dubbed SECURE Act 2.0, works its way through Congress.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/19/you-cant-save-in-hsa-on-medicare-a-bill-to-change-that-has-tradeoffs.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>You Can’t Put Money in a Health Savings Account Once You’re on Medicare. A House Bill to Change That Comes With Tradeoffs</strong></a><strong> | CNBC</strong></h4>



<p>Under current law, retirees enrolled in Medicare cannot contribute to a health savings account (HSAs). A proposed bill would change that, but it would also alter some of the other rules for HSAs. Those changes could include removing the ability to use an HSA to pay Medicare premiums and eliminating penalty-free withdrawals for people aged 65 and older.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2022/05/20/the-10-most-common-mistakes-retirees-make-on-their-taxes/?sh=5dbc53e03300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The 10 Most Common Mistakes Retirees Make on Their Taxes</strong></a><strong> | Forbes</strong></h4>



<p>One of the challenges of managing finances in retirement is navigating the various tax implications that take effect when you’re no longer working. A retirement planner outlines some of the common mistakes retirees make on their taxes, and how to avoid them.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2022/financial-plan-for-loss-of-spouse.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Financial Penalty of Losing Your Spouse</strong></a><strong> | AARP</strong></h4>



<p>Losing a loved one can be a huge shock, but the loss of a spouse can also have serious financial implications. But advance planning and careful consideration can help alleviate some of the headache of dealing with finances amid heartbreak.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colorado Senator Part of Bipartisan Group Crafting Retirement Legislation


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="americans-views-of-public-school-teachers-and-personnel-in-the-wake-of-covid-19-national-institute-on-retirement-security"><strong><a href="https://www.nirsonline.org/reports/k-12survey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Americans’ Views of Public School Teachers and Personnel in the Wake of COVID-19</a> | National Institute on Retirement Security</strong></h4>



<p>A new survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security found that a large majority of Americans — 83 percent — are worried about public school staff shortages. The survey also found strong support for those staff and the benefits they receive. Ninety-four percent of those surveyed said elected officials should ensure that healthcare and pension benefits continue to be funded and protected.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="colorado-to-begin-accepting-cryptocurrency-as-payment-for-taxes-this-summer-denver7"><a href="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/national/colorado-to-begin-accepting-cryptocurrency-as-payment-for-taxes-this-summer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado to Begin Accepting Cryptocurrency as Payment for Taxes This Summer</strong></a><strong> | Denver7</strong></h4>



<p>Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced plans to allow Coloradans to pay their state taxes and fees with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Polis said the state will start rolling out the program in the summer, so you’ll still have to use traditional forms of currency for this year’s taxes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="covid-has-changed-retirement-and-canceled-the-celebrations-that-usually-mark-it-nbc-news"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/covid-has-changed-retirement-canceled-celebrations-usually-mark-it-ncna1289381" target="_blank"><strong>COVID Has Changed Retirement — And Canceled the Celebrations That Usually Mark It</strong></a><strong> | NBC News</strong></h4>



<p>Retirement has often been met with fanfare to celebrate the end of one life stage and the beginning of another. But the COVID-19 pandemic upended many traditions, including the typical retirement celebrations. A psychologist reflects on what that means for workers entering their golden years.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="6-reasons-you-re-putting-off-writing-a-will-and-how-to-overcome-them-next-avenue"><a href="https://www.nextavenue.org/7-reasons-youre-putting-off-writing-a-will-and-how-to-overcome-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>6 Reasons You’re Putting Off Writing a Will and How to Overcome Them</strong></a><strong> | Next Avenue</strong></h4>



<p>For many people, estate planning is a topic that can wait until later — if they’re thinking about it at all. But having a will is important regardless of your age. Here are some common reasons for putting off writing a will and some tips for getting started.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Americans Express Support for Public Education Staff, Benefits


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nextavenue.org/happiest-retirees-and-unhappy-retirees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Who the Happiest Retirees and Most Unhappy Retirees Are</strong></a><strong> | Next Avenue</strong></h4>



<p>What makes for a happy retiree? Contentment looks different for everyone, but the authors of two new books share some insights about some of the key characteristics of happy retirees. Hint: Money is just part of the equation.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2021/11/04/mortgage-assistance-covid-colorado-housing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado launches program to help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments</strong></a><strong> | The Colorado Sun</strong></h4>



<p>Colorado used its share of federal homeowner assistance funds to establish the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, which helps struggling homeowners who are past due on their mortgages. The program can cover up to three months of mortgage payments, and the money does not have to be paid back.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2021/complete-guide-to-financial-advisers.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Advisers</strong></a><strong> | AARP</strong></h4>



<p>It’s a good idea to seek professional help with big financial decisions and planning, but there are many types of financial advisers, and choosing the right one for the job can be a difficult task. AARP lists some of the credentials and other important factors to consider when searching for a financial professional.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/estate-planning/603634/estate-planning-for-pets-how-to-protect-your-furry-friends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Estate Planning for Pets: How to Protect Your Furry Friends</strong></a><strong> | Kiplinger</strong></h4>



<p>You may have already put considerable thought into what will happen to your assets like property and bank accounts when you die. But what about your pets? Here are some things to consider when planning for how your pets will be taken care of, and who will pay for it.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: The Keys to Happiness in Retirement


<p><em>A digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>



<p><a href="https://content.copera.org/retirement-roundup-estate-planning-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crisis Makes Estate Planning More Urgent</a> | <a href="https://content.copera.org/retirement-roundup-estate-planning-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morningstar</a></p>



<p>The risk of suddenly falling gravely ill—or worse—is suddenly a watercooler topic. Considering these situations can be unpleasant, but it could provide the impetus to do something constructive about it: create or update your estate plan. In this Q&amp;A, learn how and where to get started.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/opinion/fl-jj-finance-rosner-what-if-covid-19-forces-retirement-20200602-kyns5yhgszax7dgdflwzj2tg5i-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Are you considering a COVID-19 induced early retirement?</a> | <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/opinion/fl-jj-finance-rosner-what-if-covid-19-forces-retirement-20200602-kyns5yhgszax7dgdflwzj2tg5i-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Florida Sun Sentinel</a></p>



<p>The global pandemic has upended more than summer plans. People are reconsidering where they live, how they’ll work, and, in some cases, <em>if</em> they’ll work for much longer. If you suddenly find yourself drawn to the idea of beginning retirement sooner than you had planned this time last year, think through these important questions first.</p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.plansponsor.com/retirement-age-households-show-chunk-nothing-withdrawal-pattern/" target="_blank">Retirement-Age Households Show a ‘Chunk or Nothing’ Withdrawal Pattern</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.plansponsor.com/" target="_blank">PlanSponsor</a></p>



<p>How do you think you&#8217;ll use your 401(k), 457, or other retirement account in  retirement? Will you withdraw a set amount every month or year, or will you take withdrawals for big-ticket items? This article shares research that shows that nearly half of retirees take out nothing, letting their investments grow, or take out a &#8220;chunk,&#8221; defined to be eight percent of the account balance or more.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/02/three-vital-estate-planning-documents-for-graduating-seniors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Three vital estate planning documents for graduating seniors</a> | <a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/02/three-vital-estate-planning-documents-for-graduating-seniors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Press Herald</a></p>



<p>Turning 18 marks the beginning of adulthood, symbolically and legally. While, to this point, paperwork has meant homework, it now means something different. The author of this article suggests 18 is not too young to sign your name on documents indicating your healthcare proxy, HIPPA release, and power of attorney. You might not need them for decades, but you’ll be thankful you have them if you need them sooner.</p>


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