Retirement Planning Blog

Spotlight Series: Interview with Carl Wyllie

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Interview by Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com

In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Carl Wyllie, President of Hartland Benefits Inc., about his honest, research-driven approach to retirement planning. With over 30 years of experience helping Nebraskans prepare for the future, Carl shares how he empowers clients through education, personalized strategies, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. From lottery winners to market crash survivors, Carl’s stories reveal the power of planning with integrity, realism, and long-term care at heart.
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America’s New Magic Number for Retirement

America’s New Magic Number for Retirement

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but one concept consistently rises to the surface: the “magic number.” It’s the amount you believe you need saved to retire comfortably. While this figure varies by individual, new studies show that Americans are revising their expectations in 2025 — and not always in the direction you might expect.

At SafeMoney.com, we believe retirement confidence begins with education, not guesswork. So let’s dive deeper into what today’s retirement landscape looks like, what factors are influencing Americans’ magic numbers, and how you can better prepare for your own future. Read More

Avoiding Market Risks in Retirement: Don’t Set and Forget

Avoiding Market Risk

When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most common—and costly—mistakes is adopting a “set it and forget it” approach to your investments. While the idea of putting your money to work and leaving it alone may seem appealing, especially when life gets busy, failing to regularly review and adjust your strategy can expose you to unnecessary market risks.

In this article, we’ll explore how overlooking investment reviews, insurance updates, and risk exposure can derail even the most well-intentioned retirement plans. We’ll also show you what the market has really done over the last 25 years—and why your plan should be built on more than optimistic assumptions. Read More

What Are Supplemental Retirement Accounts (SRAs)

What Are Supplemental Retirement Accounts (SRAs)

As retirement planning continues to evolve, individuals—especially those working in education, healthcare, and public service—are increasingly relying on flexible, tax-advantaged ways to secure their financial future. One of the most effective tools available in these sectors is the Supplemental Retirement Account (SRA).

At SafeMoney.com, we help individuals make informed decisions about their retirement income. Whether you’re new to retirement planning or refining an existing strategy, understanding how SRAs work—and which type may be right for you—is crucial for long-term success. Read More

Make Retirement Safe Again™ for You & Your Family

Make retirement Safe Again

What It Means to Make Retirement Safe Again

In a world where markets are volatile, healthcare costs are rising, and traditional pensions are vanishing, “Make Retirement Safe Again” isn’t a political slogan—it’s a financial necessity.

Quick note: While this phrase might sound familiar, this article is not political. It’s about restoring peace of mind, protecting your hard-earned savings, and creating a retirement you can count on—regardless of your personal beliefs or affiliations.

By focusing on time-tested strategies like guaranteed income and financial protection, we can help you build a retirement plan that’s based on stability, not speculation. Read More

Life Settlements: A Strategic Option for Retirement Income

Understanding Life Settlements

When planning for retirement, one of the most overlooked financial opportunities is a life settlement. As retirees seek ways to maximize their income and minimize risk, selling a life insurance policy through a life settlement can be a powerful tool—especially for those with policies they no longer need or can’t afford to maintain. In this article, we’ll explain what life settlements are, how they work, their pros and cons, and how they can be used to support a secure retirement.

What Is a Life Settlement?

A life settlement is the sale of an existing life insurance policy to a third-party investor for a cash payment. The payment is typically more than the policy’s cash surrender value but less than its face (death benefit) value.

After the sale, the buyer becomes the new owner and beneficiary of the policy. They take over premium payments and receive the death benefit when the original policyholder passes away.

Life settlements are generally available to seniors age 65 and older who own a life insurance policy with a face value of $100,000 or more. Policies may include universal life, whole life, variable life, or even term life (if it’s convertible). Read More

Retirement Income Planning With a Trusted Planner

Retirement Income Planning With a Trusted Planner

Turn Your Retirement Income Into a Paycheck That Lasts

When your career ends, your bills don’t. That’s why retirement income—not just savings—is the cornerstone of financial independence in your golden years.

Retirement income planning is the art and science of creating a reliable stream of income that lasts as long as you do. And for most people, this is best done with the guidance of a qualified retirement income planner.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to structure your finances so you never have to wonder where your next retirement paycheck is coming from. Read More

Frank Passmore CFF®, CEP™: Faith-Based Retirement Planning

safemoney.com spotlight series interview

Interview by Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com

In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Frank Passmore, founder of Certified Planners Group, LLC, about his faith-based approach to retirement planning. With nearly 30 years of experience and over 2,000 families served, Frank shares how he helps retirees and pre-retirees reduce market risk, plan for long-term care needs, and create lasting income—while staying true to his core values of trust, transparency, and prayerful guidance. Read More

3 Big Retirement Choices: Medicare, SS, Insurance

Medicare, Social Security, Life insurance

Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor—but making the right decisions beforehand is critical to achieving a financially secure and stress-free future. Among the many moving parts of retirement planning, three key areas stand out as pillars of long-term stability: Social Security, Medicare, and Life Insurance.

These components are closely linked to your quality of life in retirement. If you make smart choices in each of these areas, you’ll be far better positioned to protect your health, wealth, and loved ones. This article explores these three core decisions and offers guidance to help you make confident, informed choices for your retirement years.

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Estate Planning Under Trump’s 2025 Estate Tax Plan

Estate Planning Under Trump’s 2025 Estate Tax Plan

What Retirees and Families Need to Know

As you approach or settle into retirement, one of the most important financial questions you’ll face is: What happens to the assets I’ve worked a lifetime to build? That’s where estate planning comes in. And in 2025, with proposed updates to the federal tax code, it’s more relevant than ever. President Trump’s new tax proposal could significantly impact how retirees and families plan to transfer wealth. If you’re wondering what the Trump estate tax plan 2025 means for your estate, this guide breaks it all down. Read More

Next Steps to Consider

  • Start a Conversation About Your Retirement What-Ifs

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    Start a Conversation About Your Retirement What-Ifs

    Already working with someone or thinking about getting help? Ask us about what is on your mind. Learn More

  • What Independent Guidance
    Does for You

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    What Independent Guidance
    Does for You

    See how the crucial differences between independent and captive financial professionals add up. Learn More

  • Stories from Others
    Just Like You

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    Stories from Others
    Just Like You

    Hear from others who had financial challenges, were looking for answers, and how we helped them find solutions. Learn More

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