Better retirements start with clarity
Practical explainers, templates, and frameworks for U.S. households planning the next chapter. Everything we publish is jargon-light and research-backed.
The content on this blog is for educational purposes only. fidser is not a licensed financial advisor - please consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
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Latest Articles
19 articles found
Catch-Up Contributions After 50: Your Secret Weapon
If you've hit the big 5-0, here's some genuinely exciting news: the IRS just handed you a secret weapon for your retirement savings. Catch-up contributions let you stash away thousands more each year than younger savers can, and most people don't take full advantage of this opportunity.
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How to Model 'What If' Scenarios for Retirement
What if the market crashes the year you retire? What if you live to 95 instead of 85? The most successful retirees don't just hope for the best, they plan for multiple futures. Here's how to model the scenarios that matter most.
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2026 401(k) Limits: What Changed & How to Maximize Savings
The IRS just announced the 2026 401(k) contribution limits, and there are some important changes you need to know about. Whether you're in your peak earning years or playing catch-up on retirement savings, understanding these new limits could mean thousands more in your nest egg.
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Medicare 101: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started
Turning 65 soon? Medicare can feel like learning a new language with all its parts, periods, and penalties. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know before your enrollment window opens.
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7 Smart Ways to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Did you know that when you claim Social Security can increase your monthly check by as much as 77%? These seven strategies can help you make the most of benefits you've spent decades earning.
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Working While on Social Security: The Truth About Benefits
Thinking about taking on part-time work after starting Social Security? You're not alone, and you're not risking your benefits the way you might think. Here's what the earnings test really means for your retirement income.
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Maximize Your Social Security as a Married Couple
You've spent decades building a life together. Now it's time to make sure you're getting every dollar you've earned from Social Security. The right spousal benefit strategy could mean tens of thousands more in retirement income.
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Social Security COLA 2026: What It Means for Your Check
The Social Security COLA for 2026 will affect millions of retirees. But will this cost-of-living adjustment actually keep up with your real expenses? Here's what you need to know about how it's calculated and what it means for your budget.
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SECURE 2.0 Act in 2026: New Rules That Affect Your Retirement
If you have a retirement account, a 529 plan, or you're still paying student loans while trying to save for retirement, 2026 brings significant changes that could reshape your financial strategy. The SECURE 2.0 Act continues rolling out provisions designed to help Americans save more effectively.
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IRA Contribution Limits 2026: Traditional vs Roth Rules
Planning to open an IRA in 2026? The rules just got a little more complex. Between contribution limits, income phase-outs, and deductibility caps, choosing between Traditional and Roth IRAs can feel like navigating a maze with your retirement savings on the line.
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Will My Money Last? The One Question That Matters Most
Forget the noise about stocks, bonds, and asset allocation for a moment. Every retirement planning question boils down to one simple concern: will your money last as long as you do?
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Do You Actually Need a Financial Advisor? The Truth
You've been managing your money for decades. But as retirement gets closer, the stakes feel higher. Do you really need to pay someone thousands of dollars to tell you what to do with your hard-earned savings?
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How Long Will You Live? Why It Matters for Retirement
The average American lives to 77, but planning for average could leave you broke at 85. Understanding longevity risk isn't morbid, it's the smartest financial move you'll make.
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Behind on Retirement Savings? You're Not Alone
If you're looking at your retirement account and feeling that pit in your stomach, take a breath. You're not alone, and it's not too late. Here's how to catch up on retirement savings without panic or shame.
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Your Net Worth Isn't the Only Retirement Number
You've hit a $500,000 net worth milestone, but could you actually retire tomorrow? Probably not. Here's why your net worth is only part of your retirement readiness picture, and which numbers matter just as much.
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Retirement Planning for One-Income Households
Supporting a family on one income is already challenging. Planning retirement on one income? That can feel overwhelming. But here's the truth: single-income households can build secure retirements with the right strategies.
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Retire on Your Terms: The 2026 Pre-Retirement Checklist
You've spent decades building your career, but have you built your exit strategy? Whether you're 35 and dreaming of early retirement or 55 and realizing time is shorter than you thought, this comprehensive checklist will help you retire on your terms—not your employer's.
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Retiring at 55? Here's What You Really Need to Know
Retiring at 55 sounds like a dream, but is it realistic for you? The good news: it's more achievable than you might think. The catch: you'll need to navigate some financial hurdles most retirees don't face.
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The 7 Biggest Retirement Mistakes People Don’t Realize They’re Making
Retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Some people dream of quiet mornings gardening, others of globetrotting adventures. Whatever your vision, a few sneaky mistakes can derail even the best-laid plans. The good news? Most of them are easy to spot — and even easier to fix once you know what to look for.Here are seven common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.
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