Creative Retirement Planning, LLC

07/17/2026

Is Your Annuity Trapped in the Past?

The financial landscape has shifted dramatically over the last few years. With higher interest rates and persistent inflation, the annuity strategy that looked great a while ago might be underperforming today.

Don't let your retirement income stagnate in an outdated contract. Find out how to upgrade your strategy and make your money work harder for you.

Annuities have long been a cornerstone for those seeking a steady income stream in retirement. However, the financial landscape is ever-evolving, and what worked a few years ago might not be the

07/13/2026

The “gold standard” is more than just an idiomatic expression. Take a little dive into history with us this week as we explore how the US went from a gold to a fiat-driven monetary system and why it matters in your retirement.

For centuries, the concept of money was inextricably linked to something tangible. Whether it was silver coins in ancient Rome or the British pound sterling, the value of currency was anchored to the physical world. Perhaps the most famous of these anchors was the “gold standard,”

07/06/2026

Do you need a million dollars to retire? Or do you have another number in your head to reach before you feel confident about leaving the workplace? This week, we take a look at how much we should be saving for retirement and whether we’re asking ourselves the right questions about retirement readiness.

If you search for retirement advice online, you’ll often find that $1,000,000 seems to be a recurring target number. But is that a goal you should be saving for, or is it outdated advice? Q: Where did the $1 million retirement benchmark come from? A: Historically, $1 million became

06/29/2026

It’s almost America’s birthday! As we celebrate America at age 250, let’s also explore the notable financial milestones that define the modern American retirement journey in this week’s blog:

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday, the Semiquincentennial. This milestone represents a celebration of history but also creates a moment to reflect on the evolution of the American Dream and the financial structures

06/22/2026

You’ve built up your retirement savings, and now it’s time to use it! But have you mapped out a tax strategy for your retirement income plan yet? Check out our blog on tax-efficient ways to prepare for your summer and beyond!

For many retirees, the idea of retirement is synonymous with freedom. You can exercise that freedom by choosing to spend your days traveling, spending summers with the grandkids, or simply relaxing and taking it day by day without a harried schedule.

06/22/2026

Ever wonder where your credit score actually came from?
From the railroad boom of the 1800s to the modern FICO algorithm, the history of credit in America is a fascinating journey. More importantly, understanding its origins can actually help you make better, more informed financial decisions today!
We broke down the evolution of the credit industry and why managing it is so crucial for your financial future. Check out our latest blog to learn more!

🔗 https://retirementonly.com/a-history-of-modern-credit-and-why-its-important-today/

06/15/2026

Have you ever considered annuities for your retirement strategy but then heard they were too expensive or complex? Let us set the record straight in this week’s blog about annuity myths and facts. Check it out here:

When you think about retirement income, Social Security might be the first thing that comes to mind. But many pre-retirees are realizing that Social Security was never designed to replace a full salary. In fact, it typically replaces only about 40% of pre-retirement earnings. To bridge

06/09/2026

June is Annuity Awareness Month!

Annuities have been around for centuries, providing steady income and financial security to millions of retirees worldwide. However, like any financial decision, purchasing an annuity comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. See below for some pros and cons of annuities! And if you have any questions, our team is always here to help.

06/08/2026

June is Annuity Awareness Month! Let’s take a look at how annuities work and how they might be able to play a part in your retirement income strategy:

June is typically recognized for the start of summer, which means graduation ceremonies, homebuying season, and wedding season. But for those who are thinking about their financial future, June also represents Annuity Awareness Month. Created by the National Association

06/03/2026

Is it possible to align your values with your investing? And what are the options? In celebration of World Environment Day this Friday, let’s take a look at values-based investing in this week’s blog.

You’ve likely seen it while scrolling through your 401(k) options or during a quick check of your brokerage account: a little leaf icon next to a fund labeled ESG. Initially, ESG was presented as a revolutionary framework, gaining significant traction as investors sought to align their