For many of us who remember the 2008 market crash and ensuing recession all too well, this time feels remarkably similar. In addition to the really-scary-virus running around, we also have business shutdowns, massive cash liquidity infusions into the economy by the federal government, and rising unemployment. As I write this, there is a two trillion … Read more
It’s honestly hard to know what to write about in times like this. If you are a Christian believer, I trust you are seeking encouragement and guidance from God and His Word, and strength and consolation through his Holy Spirit. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Like … Read more
Note: Because of extreme volatility, the stock market data I use in this article is changing daily (sometimes hourly). To keep it as current as possible, I used stats for the S&P 500 as of the market close on Tues., March 3rd. You have no doubt taken note that the reported value of your retirement … Read more
Last year, I attended a week-long event that dealt with integrating faith and work in the life of the Christian. (If you’re interested, check out the Redeemer City to City Faith and Work Initiative.) I have always been interested in this topic. But I attended the conference because we want to do more ministry in this … Read more
I retired in late 2018, so 2019 was the first full calendar year in “retirement” for my wife and I. I’ve written about my decision to retire and some things I’ve been doing since then. Because this is a blog and not a magazine (although you may not think so based on the types of … Read more
In my last post, I suggested some New Year’s resolutions you may want to consider. In this article, I want to carry that theme forward, but in a slightly different way. Not too long ago, I read an article on the Center for Retirement Research website titled “Husbands Ignore Future Widows Needs.” As I read … Read more
Lots of people make resolutions this time of year. Not surprisingly, things like paying down debt and saving more tend to show up the most. According to Fidelity’s Fidelity’s 11th annual New Year Financial Resolutions Study, “more than half of Americans, 53%, say they aim to save more in 2020, 51% plan to pay down … Read more
Earlier in 2019, I wrote about some retirement legislation that was pending in Congress. Well, surprise, surprise—it passed recently. (Interestingly, the bill was languishing in congress until it was added to a 2020 spending bill and seemed to slip in under the radar.) It’s the most significant legislation since the Pension Protection Act of 2006 … Read more
Some months ago, one of my favorite bloggers, Tim Challies, featured a link on his a la carte page to a Christianity Today (CT) article titled, “Saving Retirement.” I didn’t have immediate access to the article (it was behind a “paywall”), but I later acquired a copy. That magazine featured it on its cover with … Read more
