Optimize Giving and Maximize Tax Efficiency After Age 70½
Every year, millions of retirees across the U.S. make charitable contributions from the heart—only to realize later that the IRS may not reward their generosity with a meaningful tax break. Why? Because the standard deduction often overshadows itemized deductions, rendering those heartfelt gifts effectively invisible on their tax returns.
But there’s a smart, IRS-approved solution that more retirees need to know about: the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. It allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to a qualified charity—without paying income taxes on the withdrawal. Read More
When it comes to preparing for retirement, one question matters more than all the rest: Will my money last? For decades, annuities—especially fixed and fixed indexed annuities—have offered a reliable solution for generating predictable income without market risk. Yet somehow, annuities have become one of the most misunderstood financial products in America.
It’s time to make annuities safe again. That means restoring their reputation, educating consumers on the truth, and helping retirees understand when and how annuities fit into a secure income plan.
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.
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Retirement isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a financial turning point that can determine the comfort and security of your later years. But few people realize that the most vulnerable time in retirement planning isn’t during market crashes or economic shifts—it’s the 5 years before and after you retire.
This 10-year span, often called the fragile decade, can make or break your retirement success. In this article, we’ll explore why this period is so risky and how to safeguard your nest egg with smart, strategic planning that aligns with Google’s EEAT principles: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Read More
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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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
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
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
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
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
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
