FINANCIALLY FOCUSED

January 2026 Newsletter

CREATE A SMOOTH PATH TO RETIREMENT

According to a recent U.S. News & World Report article titled 4 Essential Steps for Retirement Planning, there are four strategy moves that may help strengthen your long-term financial security.

ASSESS CURRENT SPENDING

Effective retirement planning begins with understanding your present financial picture. Experts recommend reviewing bank statements, tracking cash flow, and identifying which expenses will continue into retirement. Costs like commuting, work clothing, or supporting a child’s education may disappear, while essentials such as housing and utilities remain. Knowing your “core expenses” helps determine how much income you’ll need.

Most retirees should expect to spend 55% to 80% of their pre-retirement income, ideally drawn from predictable sources like Social Security or annuities. Healthcare and lifestyle choices remain the biggest variables.

PROJECT FUTURE NEEDS 

Next, list the activities and goals that will shape your retirement lifestyle. Travel, visiting family, relocating, or home renovations can all affect future spending needs. If projected income falls short, you may need to adjust your savings rate or consider part-time work in retirement, which is a common choice among older Americans.

ACCOUNT FOR HEALTHCARE COSTS 

Healthcare is a major long-term expense. Fidelity estimates that an average 65-year-old retiree may spend about $172,000 in out-of-pocket medical costs over 20–30 years. Medicare helps but doesn’t cover everything, so retirees should evaluate supplemental insurance or Medicare Advantage plans.

While future medical needs are unpredictable, assessing your current health and any chronic conditions can provide helpful planning guidance.

PLAN YOUR LIFESTYLE AND LEGACY

Retirement requires purpose as well as financial readiness. Consider how you’ll spend your days, what hobbies you hope to continue, and whether you want to leave an inheritance. Legal preparation is also key: ensure you have a will and documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives in place.

Thoughtful planning today can create a more secure and fulfilling retirement tomorrow.

SOURCE

https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/4-essential-steps-for-retirement-planning

WHAT WE’RE READING

We’ve been busy preparing for a fantastic and rewarding 2026 by catching up on some of our favorite financial and lifestyle news sites. Here are some articles that stood out:

• If you need a refresher on IRA rules, this Kiplinger article, The 10-Year Rule for Inherited IRAs has some eye-opening details.
• If you’re considering moving after you retire, don’t miss this U.S. News and World Report article, U.S. News Ranks the Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2026.
• See how your financial situation stacks up against other Americans with this Yahoo Finance article, 1 in 3 Americans say their financial situation has deteriorated in the past year, new survey finds.
• Many people list travel as one of their biggest retirement goals, and if you’re one of them, you’ll want to read this Yahoo Life article, I’m a Travel Expert: 5 Top Destinations for Retired Boomers in 2026.
• Winter may be settling in throughout much of the country, but it’s not too early to begin planning next summer’s garden! Freshen your green thumb with this Martha Stewart feature, 4 Garden Design Trends for 2026, From Nancy Meyers-Inspired Gardens to Container Planting.

US GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: WHAT'S THE IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AND MARKETS?

As the longest shutdown in history comes to an end, focus is shifting to reopening – and managing the lingering impacts on markets and the economy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• After 43 days the longest U.S. government shutdown in history has ended – but all is not yet back to normal.
• The delayed publication of official economic data is impacting the Federal Reserve, which is mulling the prospect of further rate cuts.
• The shutdown is expected to reduce the GDP growth rate in the fourth quarter, and raise it in Q1 2026.

SOURCE

https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/government-shutdown

SWEDISH MEATBALLS WITH GRAVY

These juicy and flavorful Swedish Meatballs are smothered in a savory gravy cream sauce and are perfect by themselves or over noodles or mashed potatoes.

Let's Get Cooking

Jeffrey Bird, Ronald Bird and Andrew Bird offer Investment Advisory Services through Gradient Advisors, LLC (Arden Hills, MN 877-885-0508), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Gradient Advisors, LLC and its advisors do not render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Financial Concepts, Inc is not a registered investment advisor and is independent of Gradient Advisors, LLC. Insurance products and services are offered through Jeffrey Bird, Ronald Bird and Andrew Bird, independent agents.

This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, retain, copy, or disseminate this memo or any part of it. If you have received this memo in error, please notify the sender immediately by Email or fax, and destroy all copies of this communication. Please be further advised that, pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, and similar laws, any communication in this e-mail is subject to regulatory, supervisory, and law enforcement review.

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