Haywood Wealth Management Blog

If recent market swings have left you second-guessing your retirement strategy, you’re not alone. Many high-net-worth retirees and near-retirees are feeling the effects of ongoing volatility—and wondering if their plan is still on track.

If you’re nearing retirement—or already there—you may be wondering: Have I saved enough? Will my money last?

Losing a spouse is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences anyone can face. The overwhelming grief, coupled with the sudden responsibility of managing financial matters that your spouse may have handled, can feel insurmountable. In moments like these, fear and uncerta...

Turning 60 with $3M+ in assets is an incredible achievement that puts you in an enviable financial position. But it also marks the beginning of an important transition. You are entering a new phase of life where your wealth will fund your lifestyle, support your loved ones, and s...

Retirement is a deeply personal experience, and your unique goals will play a big role in how you approach your finances during this phase of life. Some retirees want to enjoy their money fully, spending every penny on themselves, while others are focused on leaving a legacy for ...

As you approach retirement, managing your income and expenses becomes crucial to maintaining financial stability. One factor that may surprise retirees is the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which can significantly increase your Medicare premiums.

Roth IRA conversions can be a powerful tool in your retirement planning toolkit, but like any financial strategy, they need to be carefully executed. When done right, Roth conversions offer tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement.

When planning for retirement, many people focus on how to save enough for their golden years. But what happens when you reach retirement and then live much longer than you originally anticipated? This is where longevity risk comes into play.

Planning for retirement involves many crucial decisions, with healthcare being one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects. Navigating Medicare, understanding supplementary private insurance, and preparing for potential long-term care costs are all essential steps.

Estate planning is a vital aspect of financial planning, ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Trusts are powerful tools in this process, offering unique advantages that can enhance your estate plan.

Among the fundamental tools of estate planning, wills hold a special place. Crafting a well-thought-out will ensures your legacy is preserved and provides clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones.

Retirement marks a significant transition in life, bringing both excitement and new challenges. Among the many decisions retirees face, downsizing their primary residence often stands out. In this post, we’ll explore the emotional aspects of downsizing, the financial advantages, ...

Many of us dream of an early retirement — relaxing among the palm trees with a margarita in hand while reading the latest thriller. However, transitioning from a structured work life to the freedom of retirement requires careful planning and consideration.

Retirement is often envisioned as a time to relax and unwind, but it also presents an incredible opportunity to pursue passions, engage in new activities, and lead a vibrant, active life. For many, retirement is not just the end of a career but the beginning of a new and exciting...

What Are Qualified Dividends? Qualified dividends are a type of dividend that meet specific criteria set by the IRS, making them eligible for lower tax rates than ordinary dividends. Let's examine this criteria in greater detail.

Dividends are a key component of many investment strategies, particularly for those looking to generate a steady income stream during retirement.

A well-rounded investment portfolio is essential for a secure retirement, and bonds play a vital role in achieving that balance. Bonds, a form of debt investment, can provide stability and income, making them an integral component of a retirement strategy. This post will explain ...

When planning for retirement, understanding the composition of your investment portfolio is crucial. One of the most important components of a diversified portfolio is equities, commonly known as stocks. Equities represent ownership in a company, and owning them gives investors a...

Whether through direct financial gifts or enriching life experiences, giving during your lifetime offers unique emotional rewards and provides opportunities for strategic financial planning.

When most people think about retirement, their minds often drift to financial concerns: How much money do I need? Are my investments yielding enough returns? Am I maximizing my tax efficiency? While these factors are undeniably important, they don't paint the full picture of what...

Investing is a crucial component of building a secure retirement. However, it's not without its risks. Understanding these risks is essential for effective investment management and wealth management.

Retirement marks a significant shift in your financial life, where the focus transitions from accumulating wealth to preserving it and generating sustainable income. Choosing the best investment strategy in retirement requires understanding your risk tolerance and aligning your p...

Estate planning is a critical component of financial planning, ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Trusts and wills are two fundamental tools in this process, each serving distinct purposes. ...

Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away, during which their estate is settled. This involves validating the deceased’s will, paying off any debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. While probate is a necessary process to ensure...

For wealthy families, the task of transferring wealth to future generations is more than just passing on assets. It involves strategically minimizing estate taxes and ensuring that your legacy endures.

In this post, we’ll explore the essentials of capital gains taxes in Texas, including strategies to minimize your federal tax burden and maximize your investment profits. Understanding Capital Gains Taxes Capital gains taxes are applied to the profit made from selling an investme...

In this post, we'll explore the benefits and considerations of 401(k) plans, including the advantages of in-service rollovers and how they can provide greater flexibility in managing your retirement funds.

As you approach retirement, strategic tax planning becomes increasingly important. One effective strategy to consider is Roth IRA conversions.

As you approach retirement, one of the most important decisions you will make is how to adjust your investment portfolio. A common question is whether you should become more conservative with your investments as you transition into retirement. The answer to this question largely ...

We're often asked, "Is an annuity right for me?" The truth is, it depends on your individual situation. Every client’s retirement plan should be as unique as they are. That’s why we go through a thorough retirement planning process to determine the most appropriate investments fo...

Retirement planning involves careful consideration of various factors, one of the most critical being sequence of return risk. This often-overlooked concept can significantly impact your retirement income and overall financial security.

The mere mention of the IRS can send chills down the spine of even the most law-abiding citizens. Despite being confident that they’ve done nothing wrong, the fear of those three letters is almost universal. It's a natural reaction, even if you tell yourself there’s nothing to wo...

Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial stability, requiring a well-thought-out strategy to ensure a comfortable and secure future. While many individuals attempt to navigate this complex process on their own, hiring a wealth management advisor offers numerous benefi...

Changing jobs can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Amid the hustle of new responsibilities and settling into your new role, there's an important financial decision you need to make: what to do with your old 401(k). This decision can significantly impact your retirement...

When planning for retirement, understanding the tools and methods used to assess your financial readiness is crucial. One of the most common methods is the Monte Carlo analysis, which helps predict the likelihood of your retirement savings lasting throughout your retirement years...

Estate planning is often a topic shrouded in misconceptions and deferred for 'another day.' However, the reality is that estate planning is a crucial element of financial wellness, regardless of your age or wealth status. In this post we'll discuss some important factors to consi...

In today's fast-paced world, where young professionals are making significant strides in their careers, financial planning often takes a back seat. However, for high-income earners in their late 20s to early 40s, early and strategic financial planning can be the cornerstone of lo...

Determining the right investments for your portfolio can be a daunting task. To do so effectively, you need to select from among a wide array of asset classes. In this post, we break down a few of the most common asset classes available to investors, and how each fits into a broa...

By carefully analyzing your cash flow and making strategic investments, you can make the journey towards wealth accumulation easier and more achievable. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of careful cash flow analysis and establishing a regular investment program t...

While business owners are often laser-focused on the financial health of their enterprises, it's equally critical to pay attention to their personal finances. The intertwining of business and personal financial well-being is complex, and navigating this relationship is where a fi...

When it comes to retirement planning, the biggest mistake you can make is putting it off until tomorrow.

The beginning of your career is an exciting time. It's filled with new opportunities, challenges, and the promise of financial independence. While it's tempting to live in the moment and enjoy the fruits of your first full-time paycheck, it's also the perfect time to lay the foun...

As mid-career professionals, we often find ourselves in the thick of life’s most pressing responsibilities. But if you haven’t started financial planning, now is the moment to begin. The rewards of doing so now can set you up for a more comfortable and secure future.

Retirement may seem like a daunting milestone, particularly from a financial standpoint. But with strategic planning and sound decisions, it can be a period of life that you approach with confidence, not apprehension. Consider these practical tips for retiring with financial stab...

As an individual seeking to grow your wealth and secure your financial future, the services of a financial advisor can be an invaluable asset. But, not all financial advisors are created equal. Within the financial advising industry, there is a unique category of professionals kn...

When it comes to planning for retirement, navigating the financial landscape can feel overwhelming. One crucial aspect of this journey is implementing sound investment strategies, of which portfolio diversification is a key component.

When it comes to maximizing your Social Security benefits, it's crucial to make decisions within the context of a broader financial plan. Your choice to claim Social Security should consider factors such as other sources of income, investments, and family longevity.

Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, free from financial worries. However, many retirees face significant challenges when they are not adequately prepared for their post-employment years. In this blog post, we will explore the common financial hurdles retirees...

Retirement is a time for relaxation, but evolving tax laws can create unforeseen financial challenges. In this post, we explore the complexities retirees face and the value of expert financial guidance.

When it comes to investing, understanding the tax implications is crucial for optimizing returns and achieving long-term financial goals. Two popular strategies to consider are tax-deferred and tax-free investments.

Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but it’s crucial to plan your finances wisely to make the most of your retirement income. A key element is developing a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy to minimize tax liabilities and maximize savings.

As retirement approaches, ensuring a steady and sufficient income becomes a paramount concern. Maximizing retirement income requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies that can help individuals optimize their re...

Retirement is a time of fulfillment, relaxation, and freedom. However, it also brings with it a host of financial considerations, including taxes.