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You've won the game. How much longer do you want to keep playing?
Have you won the game? How much longer do you want to keep playing? Are your market based accounts ahead of projections? Is it time to stop playing?

Serious Money Ohio
Aug 312 min read


Is There Arbitrage in a PLOP?
Ohio public pensions, PLOPs and arbitrage. Explore an idea you've never considered for your retirement income plan.

Serious Money Ohio
Aug 252 min read


How Ohio Families Can Protect Their Budget from Rising Energy Costs
Every month, Ohio families feel the impact of rising household expenses. While we can't control inflation, we can take steps to manage some of our recurring costs. One often-overlooked opportunity is your electric and natural gas supply service. Many Ohio consumers don't realize they may be able to choose their electricity and natural gas supplier through Ohio's Energy Choice program. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio provides a free comparison tool called Apples to A

Serious Money Ohio
Aug 172 min read


The Relief of Not Having to Figure It All Out Alone
Relief comes from not facing important retirement decisions alone.

Serious Money Ohio
Aug 92 min read


One Scenario, Two Annuities: How a 70‑Year‑Old’s $100,000 IRA Performs - RMDs & Account Balances
Compare results for a 70-Year Old with a $100,000 IRA. RMDs and account balances across two types of annuities.

Serious Money Ohio
Jul 302 min read


You've Spent 30 Years Building Your Pension. Now Trust It.
For many Northwest Ohio STRS, PERS, and SERS members, retirement planning becomes an endless search for certainty. Should I pick Option 1 or Option 2? Should I take a PLOP? Should I invest more aggressively? Should I delay retirement another year? The problem is that retirement doesn't offer certainty. It offers confidence. And confidence comes from recognizing what you've already accomplished. You've shown up for work for decades. You've contributed to your retirement

Serious Money Ohio
Jul 271 min read


Why I Created the Annuity Decision Process™ for STRS, SERS, and OPERS Members
Annuity Decision Process™️

Serious Money Ohio
Jul 202 min read


Annuity Decision Process: The Three Steps to Determine If an Annuity Is Right for You
Retirement planning often feels like navigating a maze with many unknowns. One of the most common questions is whether an annuity fits into your retirement plan. Annuities can offer steady income, but they are not the right choice for everyone. To help you decide, there is a clear, three-step process that answers the most important question: does an annuity belong in your retirement plan? This process helps you verify your need, justify an insured solution, and match the righ

Serious Money Ohio
Jul 143 min read


Three Top Reasons 82% of Retirees Stay in Northwest Ohio
Retirement is a time to enjoy life, relax, and feel secure. If you’re thinking about where to spend your retirement years, you might wonder why so many retirees choose to stay in Northwest Ohio. In fact, 82% of retirees in this region decide to stay put. What makes Northwest Ohio so special for retirees? Let’s explore the top three reasons that make this area a favorite for those enjoying their golden years. Eye-level view of a peaceful lakeside park in Northwest Ohio with be

Serious Money Ohio
Jun 233 min read


The Three Questions Smart Annuity Buyers Ask Before They Sign an Application
Purchase the Right Annuity for You - Not the One You Are Being Sold Take the time to review options from several annuity providers. It is your money, after all. Savvy buyers approach annuity decisions with confidence and precision. Annuities can offer tax deferred growth and a dependable income stream for retirement, yet their complexities demand a clear understanding. Here are three pivotal questions that discerning annuity buyers ask before committing. 1. What type of annu

Serious Money Ohio
Jun 42 min read


Hidden Bond Exposure in Balanced Funds, Target-Date Funds, and "Set It and Forget It" Allocations
When you think about your retirement investments, you probably want a mix that balances growth and safety. Balanced funds, target-date funds, and "set it and forget it" allocations are popular choices because they promise simplicity and steady results. But there’s a hidden risk many retirees don’t see: bond exposure. This hidden bond exposure can limit your flexibility and may shortchange your long-term results.
Let’s explore why these three common investment approaches mi

Serious Money Ohio
May 113 min read


CREDIT RECESSION PROBABILITY DASHBOARD
Purpose: Identify whether the U.S. is entering a credit‑driven recession rather than a normal economic slowdown.

Serious Money Ohio
Apr 282 min read


Have five or more years of annuity annual statements?
Are there now more than a few annual statements in your annuity file? Has it been 5-years or more since you made an annuity part of your retirement plans? If so, it's now time for a deep dive into how your money has performed . How has that large sum of money you deposited grown in value - have your actual results met the expectations that you had? Could the money in your annuity be working harder for you? Let's start by telling you what is needed to thoroughly analyze your a

Serious Money Ohio
Apr 72 min read


Don't use more money than you need to create the income you want.
Discover a conservative way to generate the retirement income you want - and free up dollars for additional liquidity.

Serious Money Ohio
Mar 302 min read


Understanding Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuities for a Secure Retirement
A happy couple walk along the Maumee River.

Serious Money Ohio
Mar 244 min read


Have you noticed the storms?
The last year has been different. High winds and snow. High winds and rain. Incredibly powerful winds all by themselves. Causing human casualties and property damage in amounts not normally seen. What if those devastating storms transferred over to the financial markets? In some way not seen by financial Doppler or predicted by financial models. A true financial collapse. When people talk about a “financial collapse,” they’re rarely imagining a routine recession. They’re pict

Serious Money Ohio
Mar 162 min read


Franklin Park Mall and Your Retirement
Many of us remember when Franklin Park Mall was the place to be. Packed parking lots. Busy stores. Energy everywhere. It felt like it would always thrive. But things changed. Anchor stores left. Traffic slowed. Decisions made years earlier began to matter. Today the mall is still there…but it isn’t what it once was. Retirement can follow the same path. Without a clear income strategy - plans to maintain and protect your nest egg - and thoughtful legacy preparation, even a str

Serious Money Ohio
Mar 41 min read


Bloomberg Raises Concerns: What Does It Mean for the US Economy & Your Future?
Do the issues raised by Bloomberg raise risks for current retirees?

Serious Money Ohio
Mar 24 min read


Tax Planning Is Best Done Early in Retirement
When you step into retirement, it might feel like the hard part is over. But here’s a secret: tax planning is best done early in retirement , before inefficient patterns take hold that cost you more in taxes than necessary. You might wonder, why start worrying about taxes now? Isn’t retirement supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying your savings? The truth is, the choices you make in the first few years of retirement can have a huge impact on your financial security down t

Serious Money Ohio
Feb 253 min read


Strategies for Secure Retirement Income and Peace of Mind
Retirement brings a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges. After years of working and saving, the focus shifts to making your money last while protecting your spouse’s financial future. Many retirees in Ohio face concerns about reliable income in retirement, market ups and downs, and ensuring their spouse is secure if they pass away first. I want to share practical strategies that have helped many others enjoy a steady income and peace of mind during retirement

Serious Money Ohio
Feb 232 min read
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