Blankinship & Foster LLC Fiduciary Financial Advisors

06/29/2026

Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number—it’s about making a series of decisions at the right time.

If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, meeting with your advisor once a year may not be enough to keep everything aligned.

The five to 10 years from retirement is a critical planning window. Learn why consistent pre-retirement meetings with a financial advisor are valuable.

06/17/2026

When decisions are made in silos, even good strategies can work against each other.
As retirement approaches, the stakes get higher—and silos become more costly.
Uncoordinated decisions across investments, taxes, and family priorities can create gaps.
An integrated approach turns separate decisions into one coordinated strategy. https://www.bfadvisors.com/what-is-an-integrated-wealth-plan-and-why-you-need-one/

06/04/2026

Thinking about retirement but unsure if you’re really ready?
Here are 10 simple—but powerful—questions can help you see where you stand and what still needs attention. Knowledge is confidence when it comes to retirement.
https://www.bfadvisors.com/am-i-ready-for-retirement-10-questions-to-assess-your-status/

05/20/2026

Rick Brooks, B&F Partner and Senior Advisor, has earned the Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation.

This recognition highlights Rick’s extensive experience and his commitment to working alongside attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals to support thoughtful estate planning strategies.

Congratulations, Rick!

05/14/2026

Medicare isn’t all free—and for some retirees, it’s far more expensive than expected. Income-related surcharges on Medicare Part B and Part D can add thousands per year. Understanding how Medicare really works is a key part of retirement planning.

05/08/2026

Your net worth is more than a number—it’s a snapshot of your financial health.

A personal net worth statement helps you see where your assets are held, how liquid they are, and how they support your long‑term goals. It’s one of the simplest ways to bring clarity to your financial picture.

Read more: https://www.bfadvisors.com/net-worth-statement-importance/

05/05/2026

Many retirees are surprised to learn that Social Security can be taxable.
The amount depends on something called combined income—not just your benefit. Some retirees pay nothing, while others may owe taxes on up to 85% of their benefits.
That’s why retirement income planning matters. We help make it easier to understand and manage.

04/23/2026

What’s the biggest threat to a comfortable retirement?
According to many retirees—and a recent MarketWatch Picks article—it’s inflation. B&F Partner and Senior Financial Advisor, Jon Beyrer was quoted in this article, sharing perspective on why planning for rising costs matters long before retirement begins.
https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/public-enemy-no-1-in-retirement-and-how-to-prepare-for-it-ahead-of-time-1904bdcb

04/15/2026

Many retirees ask, “Can we really afford this lifestyle?”
A retirement budget built around your values — not generic rules — helps answer that question with confidence. The goal isn’t to spend less, but to spend well.
https://www.bfadvisors.com/how-to-create-a-retirement-budget-that-lets-you-live-the-life-you-want/

04/07/2026

Many retirees experience “tax surprises” later in retirement—not because they did anything wrong, but because planning wasn’t coordinated early enough.

In this article, we highlight four tax planning priorities retirees may want to consider in 2026, including RMD timing, Medicare premiums, and healthcare planning through HSAs.
A few intentional decisions today can make future years more flexible.
Read more here:
https://www.bfadvisors.com/4-tax-planning-priorities-for-retirees-in-2026/