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4 days ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Amanda Machado
You might want a stress-free retirement by the water or in a big city that offers culture and quality of life. But without the right resources, you won't be able to bring these dreams to life. The key to the retirement of your dreams is to be honest with yourself and start planning and thinking about how to boost your bank account. If you want the retirement you've always imagined, stop telling yourself the following lies that become a trap for many retirees.
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6 days ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Kaitlin Milligan
Whether you're planning to retire early or continue your career through your 70s, it's never too soon to start thinking about where you want to spend the rest of your life. While some people have always dreamed of retiring to senior-friendly states like Florida, others prefer to avoid the crowds and the high costs that come with a hot housing market. If that describes your situation, keep reading.
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6 days ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Lauren Wellbank
When you think of the Pacific Northwest, the word "affordable" might not be the first one that comes to mind. But depending on where you look, you may be able to enjoy a temperate climate, excellent cuisine, and affordable housing that should work perfectly for senior couples living solely off of Social Security benefits. In 2025, the average Social Security benefit for a couple is around $3,089 a month. Take a look at these eight Oregon towns where that amount is more than enough to get by on.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Lauren Wellbank
If your monthly budget of $1,200 or less isn't getting you very far these days, the issue might not be your income. You might simply be living in the wrong state (or even the wrong city) for your post-retirement financial situation. The best way to maximize your senior benefits may involve relocating to a more affordable town.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Kaitlin Milligan
While you can choose to start receiving your SocialSecurity benefits as young as age 62, doing so isn't always a great ideafinancially. For one thing, your monthly check amount will be temporarilyreduced based on how far you are from your full retirement age. For another,every dollar you earn over $23,400 for the year reduces your Social Securitycheck further — at least, until you reach your FRA, after which point income andage don't impact your benefits.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Sara Albertelli
Most people know that creating a will is the easiest way to ensure their assets are divided correctly after death. But according to financial guru Suze Orman, having only a will in place isn't as helpful as having both a will and a trust — and creating just one or the other can be a surprising financial mistake that makes life a little harder for your loved ones once you've passed away.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Chris Kissell
Buying your house isn't a one-and-done transaction. Instead, you'll spend years or even decades slowly paying off your purchase.
How does your mortgage debt compare to that of other people your same age? Find out. Then, read through a list of strategies that can help you crush your debt by paying off your mortgage quickly.
What is the average mortgage debt by generation?
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith |Kaitlin Milligan
If you're a Florida resident, you probably find plenty to love about the state, from its climate and beaches to its theme parks and top-notch cuisine. But there might be a few unique aspects of Florida life you find less exciting, starting with its state taxes. Are Florida's taxes more or less than those in other states? If you live in Florida, are you getting a good return on your state tax investment so you can get ahead financially?
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith
Investment accounts are among the best ways to plan for retirement. Not only do they help you save money, but they also generate returns, which means building wealth without too much time and effort on your part. But the whims of the market can determine how successful your investments are, which means massive market downturns (such as the 2008 recession) can take a major toll on your retirement savings. Here are the 12 ways to make sure you'll have the money you need to retire comfortably.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Michelle Smith
As any devoted Costco shopper will tell you, Costco's incredible bulk deals can ensure that your membership more than pays for itself within a shopping trip or two. But while Costco can help you save in general, not every Costco product is a bargain. In fact, if you want to go easy on your budget, there are some products you should go out of your way to purchase anywhere but Costco — starting with the 10 items listed below.
