Rethinking Retirement Planning in 2025: Managing Economic UncertaintyTurning 73 This Year? Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Explained — Jacobs Financial Can Help
If you are turning 73 this year, this message is for you. The IRS may require you to take your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from pre-tax retirement accounts, such as a Traditional IRA. Missing an RMD can lead to costly penalties—so it’s important to plan ahead. What Is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)? A […]
The Three Biggest Retirement Risks for New Retirees — and How to Protect Your Income
Entering retirement is a major milestone. After years of saving and investing, your focus shifts from building wealth to protecting retirement savings and creating a reliable income. For many retirees, however, the early years of retirement introduce risks that are often underestimated—and can have lasting financial consequences. 1. Longevity Risk: Outliving Your Retirement Income One […]
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Legacy: A Local Guide to Smarter Retirement & Estate Planning
The holiday season brings moments of reflection—gathering with family, sharing stories, and enjoying traditions that remind us what truly matters. Amid all the celebrations, there’s one meaningful gift many people overlook: Creating a plan to pass on your legacy. Legacy planning isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. It protects the people you love and ensures the life […]
Why a Will or Estate Plan Matters in Your Retirement Years
At Jacobs Financial Services, we believe retirement should be a time of confidence — a stage of life where you enjoy the rewards of your hard work and feel secure about the future. Part of that security comes from knowing your legacy is protected and your wishes are clearly documented. That’s why having a thoughtful […]
What Is an Annual Strategy Meeting? Your Local Guide to Better Retirement Planning in West Michigan
If you’re preparing for your annual financial review or retirement consultation, you may find yourself wondering: “What exactly is a strategy meeting?” It’s a question we hear often at Jacobs Financial — and an important one. While certain updates happen around your policy anniversary, your Strategy Meeting is designed to be much more than a […]
What to Do When Your CD Matures — Smart Next Steps for West Michigan Savers
If your certificate of deposit (CD) has recently matured—or will in the coming weeks—it’s time to make a strategic move. Across West Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Holland, Muskegon, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, many savers are discovering that Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) and Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) can offer better yields, stronger guarantees, and valuable tax […]
The State of Layoffs in West Michigan: Economic Shifts,Automation, and What’s Next for Local Workers
The job market in West Michigan is undergoing a significant transition. Across Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Zeeland, and Kalamazoo, companies are announcing layoffs in manufacturing, finance, and media. While each case is unique, the broader picture reveals a region adapting to automation, inflation, and changing global demand. Layoffs Impacting Key Industries in West Michigan Manufacturing […]
Medicare Enrollment in West Michigan: How to Prepare for Retirement with Confidence
Navigating Medicare enrollment in West Michigan is one of the most important steps in preparing for a successful retirement. With multiple enrollment periods, different plan types, and dozens of coverage options, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. At Jacobs Financial Services, we love helping our clients succeed in retirement—not just with investments […]
Me-First Rule of Retirement Spending: Secure Your Essentials and Protect Your Income
Protect your Income with the Me-First Rule of Retirement Spending Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy the rewards of your hard work. But one common concern for many retirees is: What if I run out of money? Market fluctuations, rising costs, and longer life expectancies can make even a well-planned retirement feel […]
5 Cyber-Safety Moves That Outsmart Scammers (No Tech Degree Required)
You deserve to explore the internet confidently, without getting mugged by malware or conned by cybercrooks. In 2022, folks aged 60+ lost a whopping $3.1 billion to internet fraud. Let’s keep those digits safe, shall we? 1. Don’t Click Fishy Links — it’s Bait Scammers send emails, texts, or social posts that look legit, but […]