Jonathan Bird, Author at Farnam Financial

Healthcare in Retirement Part 3: ACA Subsidies vs Roth Conversions

By Jonathan Bird August 7, 2024Financial Planning

As we discussed in part two of this series, there are a few main ways that an early retiree would cover their health insurance needs in retirement. The majority of…

Charitable Giving in Retirement

By Jonathan Bird April 30, 2024Financial Planning

Charitable giving can become an important aspect of the lives of many retirees. After working hard and saving diligently throughout your career, perhaps you want to give back to your…

Navigating Long-Term Care in Retirement: Insurance, Self-Funding, and Considerations

By Jonathan Bird March 28, 2024Financial Planning, Insights

Planning for retirement involves more than just setting aside savings; it requires careful consideration of potential long-term care needs. With increasing life expectancy, many individuals may require assistance with daily…

Investment Value and Rising Market Prices

By Jonathan Bird February 26, 2024Insights

This short essay will answer the following questions: 1) What gives an asset investment value? 2) Why do individual company stock prices rise over time? 3) Why does the general…

Retiree’s Year-End Tax Planning Strategies and Key Deadlines

By Jonathan Bird November 6, 2023Insights

As the year winds down, it's a crucial time for retirees to shift their focus to year-end tax planning. And ultimately, this approach is not just about saving money—it's also…

What Banks Won’t Tell You: How to Maximize Your Return On Cash Savings

By Jonathan Bird October 16, 2023Insights

You deposit your hard-earned money into the bank, but do you ever wonder where it goes, how it's used, or why your bank is paying you so little in interest,…

State Taxation of Social Security Benefits: Which States Tax and How?

By Jonathan Bird October 5, 2023Financial Planning

While federal tax rules for Social Security apply to all US residents, different states have different tax rules to consider. For example, in some states, Social Security benefits may be…

The Countdown to Retirement: A Comprehensive Financial Checklist for Your Last Five Years of Work

By Jonathan Bird September 18, 2023Financial Planning

Retirement is one of the biggest long-term financial goals people have and one of the most significant transitions they face in life. That’s why planning and preparing during your last…

The Complete Guide to Investing in Bonds: Understanding Basics, Taxation, and Current Interest Rates

By Jonathan Bird September 6, 2023Financial Planning

While it's common to invest in bonds, it's fairly uncommon to understand the ins and outs of this essential asset class. And, while you don't need to be a bond…

How to Deal with Your Finances After the Death of a Spouse

By Jonathan Bird September 1, 2023Financial Planning, Insights

If you’re dealing with the death of a spouse, there are no words that can express the grief of this loss. First and foremost, it’s important to take care of…