Insightful Articles & Education
CARES Act – Returning unwanted 2020 RMDs
Article written by Brian Bickett One of the key provisions of the CARES Act, the coronavirus relief act that took effect this spring, permitted retirement account holders to bypass required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. RMDs are the annual withdrawals...
Summary of the 2020 Social Security Trustees’ Report
The Social Security Board of Trustees released their annual report at the end of April once again this year. The report for 2019 spans 276 pages that go into detail about the current financial status, future assumptions, and projections. Once again…
Understanding Arch Coal Pension Plan Benefit Options
Article written by Brian Bickett I’ve been able to help a handful of people make educated decisions concerning their Arch Coal Pension Plan in the recent months. While it all comes down to your personal financial goals, here are a few points that have helped my...
Why Motorcycle Riders Should Retire in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Article written by Brian Bickett You and I both know that South Dakota was ranked the best state for retirement in Bankrate’s 2018 “Best and worst states for retirement” study which is summarized here. The study ranked South Dakota #1 overall based on rankings...
Summary of the 2019 Social Security Trustees’ Report
Summary of the 2019 Social Security Trustees' Report Article written by Brian Bickett Earlier than in the past, the Social Security Board of Trustees released their annual report at the end of April this year. The report for 2018 spans 270 pages that go...
The Purpose of Life Insurance
Article written by Brian Bickett Do I have enough life insurance? It’s a simple question with a simple answer. However getting from the question to the answer requires a bit of exploration. And that exploration always begins with “Can you tell me why...
Why Get Financial Advice from This Motorcycle Rider?
Why Get Financial Advice from This Motorcycle Rider? Article written by Brian Bickett Earlier in my career, I worked as a fee-based financial advisor. This meant that I got paid to give advice AND got paid commissions for suggesting my clients buy certain...
The Ride of Your Life: Financial Planning with a Motorcycle Rider
The Ride of Your Life: Financial Planning with a Motorcycle Rider Article written by Brian Bickett I was reflecting on my most recent long-distance motorcycle ride (My First Saddle Sore 1000) and realized how my preparation really set me up for a successful...
How Completing the Saddle Sore 1000 Changed My Life
Article written by Brian Bickett I have been aware of the Iron Butt Association (IBA) for a couple of decades now and have watched with wonder and amazement the many stories of how motorcycle riders could accomplish such seemingly insane rides. Completing one of...
Retirement Plannining Case Studies
Case Study #1
Nearing Retirement
After accumulating wealth throughout the years, Dan and his wife Carol began thinking about retirement.
They currently hold a variety of investment accounts, including 401ks from different employers, stock options, an ESPP, and multiple brokerage accounts.
They have three adult children (one still in college) and two grandkids. Dan and Carol live modestly, own their home, and look forward to spending more time with family in retirement.
Case Study #2
Retired Without A Plan
Mark and Laura recently retired from rewarding careers and have lots of plans for the future.
They want to ensure that their retirement plan not only enables the lifestyle they have envisioned in retirement but that they have a plan to make sure they never run out of money.
Reducing taxes, improving investments, and creating a reliable income stream in retirement was their priority.
Case Study #3
Recently or Unexpectedly Widowed
Susan loved her husband Robert so. She never thought there would be a day without him there to share more memories, let alone to help guide her through difficult and confusing financial decisions.
After her period of mourning, she needed to be able to see and clearly understand all of her options, which removed a lot of her worries. She was able to move forward with their plans, confident in knowing that she would be well looked after.
(Note: These case studies are hypothetical, do not involve actual Iron Mountain Financial Planning clients, and should not be construed as a guarantee.)