This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. As we discussed in the introductory article, the Self-Sustaining Principle, grounded in Paul’s instruction to “be dependent on no one” (1 Thessalonians 4:12), calls us to wise stewardship. We plan ahead, save diligently, and live responsibly so we won’t burden others in … Read more
This article is part of the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. In the previous article, I introduced a biblical framework for retirement planning based on three principles from John Piper: the Self-Sustaining Principle, the Caregiving Principle, and the Ministry Principle. Together, these three principles provide a simple but theologically well-grounded approach to retirement … Read more
This is the first article in the Biblically-Informed Framework for Retirement Stewardship (BIFRS) series. Over the past almost ten years of writing on this blog, I’ve tried to communicate retirement planning in a way that honors both the practical realities we face and the biblical purposes God has for this season of life. The overarching … Read more
Sometimes, as the Christmas season approaches, I find myself growing a bit more curmudgeonly about the secularization, commercialization, and cultural noise that tend to drown out the season’s true meaning. When I mumble and grumble about it, my wife tells me I’m being “Scroogy” about Christmas, so I want to start by saying I genuinely … Read more
As we approach the end of 2025, I wanted to share something with you that’s been on my mind—and increasingly, on this blog—over the past two years. It’s the story of how I’ve navigated one of retirement’s most anxiety-inducing topics: taxes. This compilation will be of particular interest to the following groups of retirees/near retirees: … Read more
Well, the (MY) day of ”reckoning” is here. No, not the final judgement; I’m talking about sending the IRS their due (i.e., tax withholding) for 2025 for taxes due in April, 2026. As regular readers know, I’ve done more writing than usual about taxes, charitable giving, and the new tax laws. That’s because: If you’ve … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. It was initially published in 2018 and updated and republished in December 2025. One way we practice wise retirement stewardship is by making good use of the tax-advantaged savings plans available to us. Tax deferral is a gift of God’s common grace that … Read more
In my last article, I looked at Bitcoin’s potential as a long-term investment in a retirement portfolio. This time, I want to explore a related question: Could Bitcoin serve as a hedge against a future financial crisis brought on by our nation’s growing federal debt? I don’t like to sound alarmist—and I’m not a doomsayer—but … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. I need to confess: In retirement, I’m what I call a “growth and income” investor, not a pure total-return investor. I suspect that’s true for many retirees, especially those in their 70s and beyond. What I mean is that as a retiree, I … Read more
