Thinking about retirement? Discover why the old "4% rule" could be holding you back—and how risk-based guardrails let you spend more, worry less, and create a life full of memories, not missed opportunities.
Most people think about diversification as spreading investments across stocks, bonds, or sectors. But another powerful strategy often overlooked is tax diversification — spreading your savings across different account types with varying tax treatments. Using a mix of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts can give you greater flexibility, reduce your future tax burden, and help maximize your after-tax income both now and in retirement. Whether you’re self-employed or navigating a creative career, understanding how to position your money across these three tax buckets is key to building a smarter, more resilient financial plan. Learn how to make tax diversification work for you in this practical guide.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), along with many 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are offered in two main varieties: traditional and Roth. While you might already know the basics, deciding which option fits your personal situation is less straightforward. This question is especially relevant for creative professionals, who often have variable incomes and less predictable career paths but want to plan thoughtfully for their retirement.