Resources & insights
The Ascent
Timely, plain-language guidance on the decisions in front of you — before you have to make them.
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Retirement planning
Income, withdrawals and making savings last as long as you do.
Medicare
Enrollment windows, plan choices and avoiding lifetime penalties.
Social Security
Claiming ages, spousal benefits and the math behind waiting.
Business owners
Benefits, retirement plans and succession for owners and their teams.
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How ready is your retirement plan, really?
Eight questions reveal which gap to close first — income, health coverage, care costs or legacy. Most people find at least one they hadn't thought about.
Latest insights
Retirement planning
The paycheck problem: turning savings into retirement income
Accumulating money and spending it are different skills. A three-layer income design covers essentials with guarantees and funds lifestyle with flexibility.
June 23, 2026 · 6 min read
Medicare
Medigap or Medicare Advantage? The trade-off in plain words
One path buys flexibility with a monthly premium. The other trades network limits for bundled extras. Neither is wrong — but one fits you better.
June 1, 2026 · 6 min read
Social Security
Claiming at 62 vs. 70: what waiting is actually worth
Every year you wait past full retirement age adds 8% to your check, guaranteed. Here's how to think about the trade without a crystal ball.
May 18, 2026 · 5 min read
Business owners
SEP vs. SIMPLE IRA: the right plan for your headcount
Two retirement plans built for small businesses, two very different designs. The decision usually comes down to who you want the contributions to favor.
May 4, 2026 · 5 min read
Social Security
Married? Your Social Security strategy has more moving parts
Spousal benefits, survivor benefits and claiming order give couples options single filers don't have — and more ways to leave money on the table.
April 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Retirement planning
The long-term care math nobody wants to do
About 70% of people turning 65 will need some care. Medicare mostly won't pay for it. Here's what the exposure looks like and the three ways to cover it.
March 10, 2026 · 5 min read
Business owners
Key-person coverage and buy-sell funding: continuity you can bank on
Most owner agreements say what should happen if a partner dies or exits. Far fewer are funded. Insurance is what turns the agreement into money.
February 16, 2026 · 4 min read
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