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.


Creating a Budget for the New Year

The start of a new year is more than a calendar milestone, it is also an opportunity to take control of your financial future. For retirees and those nearing retirement, creating a detailed budget isn’t just a good habit; it is an important step towards long-term confidence in your finances....

Read More

New Laws and Regulations in 2026

Your retirement goals may not have changed from one year to the next, but each time the calendar resets to January, it is likely that some financial rules and regulations will see changes. 2026 is no exception. There are some notable differences to retirement-related items that could be worth your...

Read More

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...

Read More