In 2025, with the growth of artificial intelligence and technology, cybersecurity issues such as fraud and scams are increasing. At REAP Financial, we’re seeing these threats even among successful retirees, and it’s only becoming more common. These days, it is very easy to get taken advantage of online; it happens to smart people all the time.
Protecting Your Retirement Wealth from Cybersecurity Threats Read More »
Currently, politicians are trying to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which originally passed in 2017 during the first Trump administration. In fact, the House of Representatives recently passed a bill supporting a $4.5 trillion tax cut. While this bill still needs to pass through Congress, it is possible it could reach the president’s desk as soon as April 2025. Naturally, this raises questions about what it could mean for you and your retirement. In this article, we’ll go over the top three things to be aware of if this bill becomes law.
What the $4.5 Trillion Tax Cut Means for Your Retirement Savings Read More »
In 2025, the news cycle is non-stop. With the news moving a mile a minute, it can be very stressful. No matter what type of news you’re following, there’s no doubt that consuming too much news can often influence your financial decisions. However, for a successful retirement, it may be helpful to block out that noise and stay focused on your long-term goals.
Block Out the Noise – Stay Focused on Your Financial Future Read More »
If you’re a few years away from retirement or nearing retirement, chances are you’ve been researching what you need to do to help ensure a successful, long-term retirement. However, as the financial landscape evolves and the rules change, you may need to reconsider some traditional retirement strategies. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the common misconceptions and key factors to be aware of so you can pursue financial security in retirement. Read through to the end for one of the most critical factors that many retirees overlook!
Stop Following Conventional Retirement Strategies Read More »
As you head towards retirement, you’ve likely been saving diligently in your 401(k) and IRAs, and you may start to wonder when you can actually retire.
At REAP Financial, we conduct many analyses with our advisers to show people when they can comfortably retire. In many cases, we find people could have retired sooner than they thought!
In this article, we’ll go over five signs that you may not be quite ready to retire. Read all the way to the end to learn about the most overlooked point of building towards true success in retirement!
5 Signs That You May Not Be Ready to Retire Just Yet Read More »
When you think about all the money you’ve paid into the Social Security system over the years, it’s a significant amount. Between your contributions and your employer’s, a total of 12.4% comes out of your paycheck. In some cases, the amount you’ve paid into Social Security may even make your retirement savings look relatively small.
However, in this article, we’ll explain why you should not rely solely on Social Security income. We’ll also discuss how the most successful retirees integrate their Social Security benefits with investment income, retirement accounts, and other assets to help create long-term financial stability in retirement. Watch the video below or scroll down to learn more.
Why You Can’t Rely on Social Security Alone Read More »
Every year, we see changes in the Social Security system. Next year, with a new administration coming into the White House, there has been a lot of buzz around Social Security, everything from what can be done to save it to cutting taxes on Social Security entirely. Although there is a lot of suspicion, a few changes to Social Security in 2025 have already been confirmed.
5 Key Changes to Social Security in 2025 Read More »
At REAP Financial, we have successfully guided families in Central Texas and across the United States through retirement for 16 years. When you’re preparing for retirement, there are metrics that obviously matter, such as your rate of return on investments, inflation, Social Security claiming strategy, and more. However, the most important number for a successful retirement is your budget.
When you’re working, you don’t have to worry about keeping a strict budget, but when you retire, it is very important to know your boundaries. Your budget provides the framework for what you can spend, since there’s only so much money at the end of the day.
How to Build Your Best 2025 Budget Step-By-Step Read More »
For most Americans, as we approach the end of the year, many people look for ways to save on taxes. This is where year-end gifting strategies come into play. You may give charitably to causes and organizations you believe in, or to your children or others. In this article, we’ll cover some smart ways to execute your year-end gifts that could save you on taxes, including potential income tax, capital gains tax, and charitable deductions.
Tax-Efficient Year-End Giving Strategies Read More »
Retirement can bring a lot of joy or stress, depending on how you prepared for it. In this article, we’ll cover some of the hidden costs of retirement that people generally don’t talk about. These costs can blindside you, so you should aim to plan ahead. Be sure to read through to the end to learn about the top hidden cost that most people overlook!
What Are Some of the Hidden Costs of Retirement? Read More »