Retirement is not just the end of a career; it is the start of a new chapter. Whether you feel excited, uncertain, or both, this guide will help you prepare for life after work. Learn how to check your financial readiness, define your purpose, protect your health, and stay connected so you can replace your paycheck, stay energized, and enjoy the freedom you have earned.

If you're a teacher with a pension, it can be a powerful part of your retirement, but it's not the whole story. From understanding your benefit formula and healthcare options to supplementing with savings and navigating new Social Security rules, smart planning is key. Learn how to make the most of your pension and retire with confidence.

Planning for retirement is about more than saving money; it’s about gaining the freedom to live the life you want. While many think they’ll work forever, the need for a solid plan becomes clear as life and priorities change. Starting early gives you more options for your future, whether that means retiring early or pursuing new passions. It’s never too late to begin making intentional decisions to secure a fulfilling, work-optional future.

RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from tax-advantaged retirement accounts once you reach a certain age. While they may sound complicated, understanding how RMDs work is key to avoiding penalties and making smarter financial decisions for your future.

Feeling behind in savings is a common concern among our clients. Whether you're past 40 or 50, it's never too late to start getting your financial house in order. By increasing your income or decreasing expenses, you can create the margin needed to save more and work towards a secure financial future. Click here to learn more about how you can catch up on your savings

Saving $1,000,000 for retirement is an impressive achievement, but its purchasing power decreases over time. This amount might not be enough to live on unless you have minimal expenses or other income sources. Diversifying your income streams and boosting your savings rate can help ensure a more comfortable retirement. Read more to learn strategies for maximizing your retirement savings and income.

Discover the changing landscape of retirement in the US, from shifting trends in average retirement ages to evolving attitudes toward work and leisure. We’ll also explore the factors influencing retirement decisions to gain practical advice on preparing for your own retirement journey.

Michael Hollis provides an easy step-by-step process to follow when rolling over your old 401k plan.

Michael Hollis breaks down the Roth IRA 5-Year Rule for both contributions and conversions. An understanding of this rule is imperative when preparing to take withdrawals in retirement.

Michael Hollis gives you some key considerations and ideas to optimize your retirement account withdrawals for a long, financially secure, and stress-free retirement.

Michael Hollis discusses what to know regarding retirement contributions and what you can do when.

The Dala Group asks our clients to send us their insurance declarations so we can help them maximize their transfer of risk and minimize their costs. We always want to ensure that your assets are protected from risks and that you are covered by the insurance you need, not the add-ons you don’t need.

We’re getting to the end of the year. Have you met your retirement savings goals?

Holiday spending doesn’t have to derail your retirement savings. You can avoid typical pitfalls by returning to your values and goals. By focusing on what truly matters, setting clear financial objectives, and communicating honestly with loved ones, you can enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your long-term financial security. The Dala Group would love to partner with you on your journey!

When I develop these articles, I research, brainstorm, and write an outline. For this one, I could have gone on and on and on. I could write a whole book on the potential pitfalls that arise as we near retirement.

A knee-jerk reaction to spending money on something big can be put in check as you think about the long-term impact of the large purchase and your financial plan.

Illinois and Chicago have great reasons to stay even into retirement. With a planning staying or moving to the area can become a reality.

When traveling in retirement, one of the key matters to consider is budgeting to make it happen.