Retirement Blog

Ralph Short has been helping Virginia residents strategize and plan for retirement for nearly four decades. There are many people who have worked hard and saved up for their envisioned future, but that is just part of the journey.

Ralph routinely posts informative blogs and articles that help retirees and pre-retirees alike with topical information on a financial world where trends and regulations are constantly in motion.


2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

While there are many possible ways to provide streams of income for yourself in retirement, one of the most common is the receiving of a monthly Social Security check. The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment increase for 20261. This follows a 2.5% increase last...

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Tax-Efficient Strategies

As the year draws to a close, it is the perfect time to review your financial plan and implement strategies that can help reduce your tax burden and strengthen your long-term goals. One of the most effective moves is maxing out retirement contributions. If you have not reached the annual...

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Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Once you reach age 73, the IRS requires you to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from tax-deferred retirement accounts such as traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s. These withdrawals are not optional—they are mandated by law and taxed as ordinary income. Missing the deadline can result in steep penalties, currently...

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