Author: Zachary Morris, CFP®

Having traveled to over 35 countries, Zach is a believer in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s statement that Life is about the journey, not the destination. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ provides Zach the opportunity to help clients define and realize their journey, and co-founding Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors, an independent firm, allows the freedom to define the client experience along the way.

DON’T Claim Social Security Until You Understand This!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 14, 2026.

Retired couple reviewing finances and Social Security survivor benefits

Most couples plan for Social Security based on their own lifespans. What age should I file? When do I break even? How much will I get each month? But when one spouse passes away, Social Security planning doesn’t stop. The surviving spouse may still rely on those benefits for the rest of their life. Let’s look at who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, how much you can receive, when to claim, how survivor benefits work with your own Social Security benefit, and the mistakes that could cost you money over your lifetime.

8 Completely LEGAL Ways to Pay Less Tax In Retirement

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 4, 2026.

Many people think their biggest tax challenge happens during their working years. That’s not always the case. Retirement comes with its own set of tax rules and tax strategies. The good news is that several retirement tax strategies can help you keep more of your money and potentially reduce your lifetime tax bill. Let’s walk through eight strategies that can help you pay less tax in retirement.

Should I Have A WILL or a TRUST?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on July 15, 2026.

Do you need a WILL, a TRUST, or both? A lot of people think a trust is something you set up to save on taxes or protect your assets from creditors or lawsuits. While some trusts are designed for those purposes, that’s not why most families create one. For the vast majority of people, a trust isn’t about taxes or lawsuits at all. It’s about making things easier for your loved ones after you’re gone. The truth is, everyone needs a will. Not everyone needs a trust. Understanding the difference can help you decide what’s right for your family.

5 Good Reasons You SHOULD CLAIM Social Security at 62!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on June 15, 2026.

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll make. Most people are told to wait as long as possible before claiming Social Security. In fact, delaying benefits until age 70 is often considered the default retirement strategy. But what if that’s actually the wrong move? For millions of retirees, especially married couples, waiting isn’t always the best option.

6 BIG Retirement Mistakes (And How To AVOID Them)

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 26, 2026.

Even small retirement mistakes can quietly cost you thousands. Many retirees spend decades preparing financially, only to discover that retirement planning is about much more than reaching a certain account balance. Your investments, taxes, healthcare costs, spending habits, and withdrawal strategy all work together. Here are six retirement mistakes that can quietly derail a financial plan and what you can do to avoid them.

6 Social Security Mistakes You Should AVOID. Here’s How!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 14, 2026.

A lot of people think Social Security advice is one-size-fits-all. But even one mistake can cost you thousands of dollars over the course of retirement. It’s important to have a Social Security strategy built around your situation, not just general advice. Here are five of the most common Social Security mistakes people make.

How Much Money Can I Give To Kids Without Paying Tax?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 4, 2026.

There are a few common misconceptions about how to gift money to children. Some believe they can pay for weddings, renovations, or even contractors directly without tax consequences, while others fear the IRS will penalize them for giving “too much.” Let’s break down the truth about annual gift exclusions, lifetime exemptions, and smart strategies for transferring wealth.

Sell These 5 Things BEFORE You Retire (For Peace Of Mind)

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on April 16, 2026.

Not sure what to sell before retirement? Many retirees carry unnecessary baggage into retirement. While things like old annuities or other large purchases may have once seemed like smart investments, they now create financial stress, higher costs, and unnecessary complexity.

Roth 401(k) or Traditional (Pre-Tax): Most People Get it WRONG

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on April 1, 2026.

Is a traditional vs Roth 401(k) better for taxes? Common advice says that a Roth is only for low earners, and that traditional 401(k)s are always better for high earners. But in many cases, the math tells a different story. The real answer depends on future taxes, required minimum distributions, Medicare surcharges, and even what happens when you pass money to your kids.

3 Big Risks When You Are Retiring With a Pension

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on February 12, 2026.

A pension can be an incredible benefit if you are lucky enough to have one. Pensions help with income, predictability, and peace of mind in retirement. While they provide stability, there are three hidden pension risks that can quietly erode your financial security. If overlooked, these risks could mean the difference between a surplus and running out of money too soon.

The good news is that none of these challenges is insurmountable. With the right type of planning, they can be anticipated and managed.