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Phil's Tax Hacks & Other Retirement Facts
Finance, tax, and retirement guidance from Phil Putney, CPA/PFS.
Recent posts
Tailoring Your Financial Jersey for a Perfect Retirement Fit
Too often, people find themselves borrowing someone else’s financial jersey.
August 1, 2026
The Retirement Decisions You Can’t Undo
Some financial decisions can be adjusted over time. Others are much harder to reverse once they’ve been made.
July 1, 2026
Why Retirement Isn’t About Hitting Home Runs
There’s something about a day at the ballpark that just feels right. The family, sunshine, and a game built on simple principles. What most people don’t realize is that some of those same principles can offer powerful lessons for building a successful retireme
June 1, 2026
Don’t Make These Income Planning Mistakes
As retirement gets closer, the focus often shifts from saving and growing wealth to something much more personal: turning those assets into reliable income.
May 1, 2026
Building Your Financial House
A well-built house has several essential components working together to create security, comfort, and longevity. Your financial life works the same way.
April 1, 2026
Common Tax Mistakes Retirees Make
Let’s walk through a few of the most common issues we see, and how a little awareness can go a long way.
March 1, 2026
Earlier posts
Everything else from the blog, newest first.
5 Beneficiary Mistakes: Are You Accidentally Spoiling Your Retirement Plan?
Beneficiary mistakes are some of the most common and most costly planning errors we see.
February 1, 2026
Don’t Let Christmas Debt Haunt Your New Year
The holiday season brings joy, generosity, and celebration, but it also comes with a hefty price tag.
December 3, 2025
Scam-Proofing Your Retirement: Protecting Your Finances in the Digital Age
Working in the financial world, we’ve seen how vulnerable retirees can be to scams and how devastating the consequences are.
November 1, 2025
The Retirement Budget Busters That Often Get Overlooked
Many retirees are surprised by hidden or underestimated costs that can derail even the most well-thought-out retirement plan.
October 1, 2025
What Can Hurricane Season Teach Us About Financial Planning & Retirement?
Interestingly, there’s a lot that the hurricane world can teach us about retirement planning.
September 1, 2025
Retirement Planning Is Like Solving a Jigsaw Puzzle
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, like staring down a thousand-piece puzzle dumped out on your dining room table. But just like a puzzle, with the right strategy and framework, the picture starts to come together.
August 1, 2025
What Golf Can Teach Us About Retirement Planning
Are you a golfer? Even if you’ve never picked up a club, the game offers some surprisingly powerful lessons about retirement planning.
July 1, 2025
Revealing The Financial World’s Dirty Little Secrets
The truth is, there are a few “dirty little secrets” in the industry that most people don’t talk about.
June 1, 2025
What Should You Be Asking Yourself During a Market Crash?
The headlines scream panic, and it’s easy to feel like you need to “do something”—anything—to protect yourself.
May 1, 2025
Are You Financially Ready for Retirement? 5 Ways to Check Your Health
Here’s a five-part checklist to gauge your financial health and set yourself up for a confident retirement.
April 1, 2025
5 Easy Ways to Ruin Your Retirement (And How to Avoid Them)
But here’s the thing—getting to retirement is only half the battle. The other half? Making sure you don’t ruin it.
March 1, 2025
Financial Planning Considerations When You’re In Between Jobs
Let’s explore some of the challenges and opportunities you might encounter when you’re in between jobs, and how to make the most of this transitional phase.
February 1, 2025
5 Financial Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here are five key warning signs that something might need your attention in your financial world.
January 1, 2025
5 Financial Gifts That Will Keep on Giving For Retirees
The holidays are a time for meaningful gifts, and if you’re thinking of giving a present that truly counts for retirees or pre-retirees, why not offer something that supports financial well-being?
December 1, 2024
Retirement Planning for Business Owners: 4 Common Misconceptions to Avoid
while your business is at the center of your professional life, it’s important to remember that your retirement needs special attention too.
November 18, 2024
What Your Diet Can Teach You About Your Finances
We often hear about the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining good health, but did you know that the same principles apply to managing your finances?
October 14, 2024
Empowering Women to Take Charge of Their Financial Future
Here are some practical steps to help women regain their footing in financial decision-making.
September 1, 2024
Are You Cutting Corners in Your Financial Plan?
When it comes to retirement planning, the urge to cut corners can be tempting, especially when time feels short or the process seems daunting.
August 1, 2024
How Your House Fits into Your Retirement Plan: Key Questions Answered
Let’s explore some of the top retirement questions related to housing.
July 1, 2024
Retirement Planning Ideas That Have Become Obsolete
Just like your iPhone or computer can become obsolete and need to be replaced, the way some people think about retirement is outdated and needs to be refreshed. As financial landscapes evolve, clinging to old assumptions can jeopardize your retirement security
June 1, 2024
Protect Your Retirement From These 5 Types of Risk
Retirement planning goes beyond these five risks, but understanding these can help you better prepare and strategize for a more secure retirement.
May 1, 2024
Reasons Why You Might Need a Financial Advisor
Some people feel that they’ll save money by handling their investments themselves instead of working with an advisor. Others may like the challenge of doing it themselves. Still others just don’t know who to trust so they end up not working with anyone. Let’s
April 1, 2024
4 Things March Madness and Retirement Planning Have in Common
The month of March has become synonymous with college basketball and the drama of the NCAA Tournament. Millions tune in every year to watch the buzzer-beaters and upsets with the hope that their bracket can withstand the craziness.
March 1, 2024
6 Things to Do As You Count Down the Days to Retirement
Retirement marks a significant milestone in life. It’s a time when decades of hard work and dedication finally culminate into a period of relaxation and freedom. The transition isn’t always automatic and proper planning is crucial to ensure you enjoy your reti
February 1, 2024
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