OUR BLOG
February 2025
Slower Rate Cuts, The Market, and Your Finances
Whether you’re checking your account balances, planning your next adventure, or enjoying a well-earned retirement, markets move... and with it, your account values may as well. Recent market volatility, driven by the Federal Reserve’s announcement to slow rate cuts, has left many retirees [...]
January 2025
Advanced Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Retirees: Solving Real Problems with ILITs, GRATs, and CRTs
Imagine this: Sarah and Robert, a retired couple in their late 60s, have spent decades building a comfortable life. Robert sold a successful business, and their combined estate, valued at $15 million, includes a mix of real estate, investments, and life insurance. They [...]
First Steps to Starting the Estate Planning Process
Estate planning is a crucial step for retirees to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to provide clarity for their loved ones. Beyond the legal and financial aspects, it's essential to approach this process with sensitivity, acknowledging the emotional [...]
December 2024
4 Mistakes to Avoid Before You Officially Retire
Retirement marks the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities for relaxation, travel, personal growth, and more. However, a financially stable, smooth transition requires careful planning to avoid common pitfalls. Here are four mistakes to sidestep as you prepare for your golden [...]
The Pros and Cons of Life Insurance: An Overview
Life insurance can be a great piece of financial support for your family, but, in some cases, also for your immediate financial needs. Life insurance has been around for centuries, providing peace of mind and financial security to millions of families worldwide. However, [...]
How Spending and Budgets in Retirement Change Over Time
Retirement is often viewed as a static phase of life, but the reality is far more dynamic. As retirees progress through their golden years, their spending habits and budgetary needs evolve significantly. Understanding these changes is crucial for effective retirement planning and ensuring [...]
November 2024
Differences Between Traditional and Roth IRA
When it comes to planning for retirement, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a popular investment option. There are two main types of IRAs: traditional and Roth. Both have their own unique features, advantages, and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore the key [...]
Back to the Basics of Retirement Accounts
Retirement accounts are a cornerstone of today’s retirement strategies. While everyone might recognize the terms “IRA” or “401(k),” it’s important to familiarize yourself with how they work so you can understand how they may play a role in your own retirement strategy and [...]
Disclosure: This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC or performance returns of any O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.