In today's digital age, the convenience of subscriptions has transformed how we consume everything from entertainment to essentials. However, this ease also comes with a hidden cost: the ease of forgetting. Many of us subscribe to services we rarely use, contributing to a phrase I recently learned, "wallet biopsy." Why does this happen? It's simple. The allure of subscriptions lies in their ability to offer us continuous service with minimal effort. Yet, this convenience makes it easy to overlook ongoing charges for services we no longer need or use. Here's how you can take control: Audit Y ..read more

Navigating the car-buying process can be tricky, especially for those looking to get the best value without unnecessary expenses. Here are key points to guide you through: Know Before You Buy: Understanding what you're purchasing is crucial to avoid overspending. Avoid buying without a mechanical check, especially for used vehicles. Be cautious of unnecessary dealership add-ons like extended warranties or special coatings. Consider worthwhile investments, such as brake replacements, offered at a discount by dealerships. Smart Shopping: Utilize services like Carfax for used vehic ..read more

The call for robust password hygiene has never been louder after the "Mother of All Breaches," with 26 billion records compromised across 3,800 data breaches. This monumental leak underscores the critical importance of digital security practices for retirees. Adopting strong password hygiene is essential to shield your savings and personal data. Utilize unique, complex passwords for each account, never recycle them across sites, activate two-factor authentication when available, and routinely update passwords for crucial accounts. For guidance on implementing these practices or any concerns ..read more

In an era where online security breaches are all too common, taking extra steps to protect your digital accounts is essential. High-profile incidents, like the SEC's social media breach, highlight the vulnerability even the most secure accounts face without robust protection. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional safeguard, requiring your password and a second verification form to access your accounts. Here's how you can bolster your online security today: Activate 2FA on All Major Accounts: Most services offer step-by-step guides to enable this feature. Consider Security Apps ..read more

As credit limits rise, retirees face new opportunities and challenges. Banks have been increasing credit lines, encouraging more spending. While this might feel like a financial windfall, navigating these increases is essential to avoid debt accumulation. Two Key Strategies: Budget Wisely: Treat increased credit limits as a safety net, not extra income. Plan your spending to avoid the temptation of overspending. Rewards Maximization: Use credit cards for everyday purchases to earn rewards, but always pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges. If you've noticed a credit i ..read more

In an age where our lives intertwine with digital realms, retirees face new challenges, notably social media scams that have unjustly claimed over a billion dollars from Americans. These cunning schemes often masquerade as appealing investment opportunities, exploiting our trust in online connections. Here's a gentle reminder: Guard your personal information online as fiercely as you would your home. Limit what you share and scrutinize friend requests with care. Should an investment opportunity via social media catch your eye, let's talk it over together. After all, navigating these waters is ..read more

Tax season can be a time of worry for many, but with some foresight and careful planning, retirees can navigate it smoothly and avoid the pitfalls that lead to IRS audits. Mistakes on your tax return, such as inaccurate reporting or overlooking deductions, can delay your refund or attract unwanted attention from the IRS. However, here are three proactive steps to ensure your tax return is as robust as possible. Stay Organized: Gather all necessary documents, like W-2s and 1099s, before you start your return. This ensures you won't miss any critical information. Look at your "tax folder" fro ..read more

A SimpliFi blog first! Here is a movie recommendation for this weekend. On one surface, it's an action-packed journey with Jason Statham at his best, delivering justice. On a deeper level, it serves as a crucial reminder of the need for cybersecurity and financial awareness. The storyline, rooted in the reality of financial fraud, underscores the significance of staying informed and cautious with personal finances. The movie opens with a familiar scene today: a woman struggles to access her financial account online. She falls prey to a phishing scam—a vivid illustration of how easily one can ..read more

Tax season can be a time of worry for many, but with some foresight and careful planning, retirees can navigate it smoothly and avoid the pitfalls that lead to IRS audits. Mistakes on your tax return, such as inaccurate reporting or overlooking deductions, can delay your refund or attract unwanted attention from the IRS. However, here are three proactive steps to ensure your tax return is as robust as possible. Stay Organized: Gather all necessary documents, like W-2s and 1099s, before you start your return. This ensures you won't miss any critical information. Look at your "tax folder" fro ..read more

Retirement is often viewed as the golden years of one's life, a reward for decades of hard work. Yet, many find themselves underprepared both financially and emotionally. To help you avoid similar pitfalls, we reached out to retirees who shared the lessons they learned the hard way. 1. More Than Money: The Emotional and Lifestyle Aspects of Retirement A retired entrepreneur spoke candidly about his regret of not setting personal and financial goals during his pre-retirement years. He emphasized that even if you're financially set, a lack of purpose can make retirement less fulfilling than it ..read more