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The Secret Social Security Benefit Most Divorced People Miss

Are you divorced and wondering if you can still get Social Security benefits from your ex? You probably can, and in most cases, they don’t even have to know about it. Social Security divorced spouse benefits don’t require your ex’s consent. This is one of the most misunderstood parts of Social Security. People are letting thousands of dollars go unclaimed because they don’t understand the rules. 

Reports show more than 4 in 10 Americans nearing retirement age do not know they can collect Social Security benefits for divorced spouses based on their ex-spouse’s earnings (AARP). Don’t leave money on the table. Being divorced doesn’t automatically rule out Social Security spousal benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions about divorce spousal benefits. Learn who is eligible, how much you might receive, what happens if you remarry, and how you can apply.

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The Money Saving Secret of Donor Advised Funds Explained

Have you ever wondered what a donor-advised fund is and how you could use it to maximize your charitable giving and tax benefits? There are a few different ways to give to charity. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) or charitable gift funds are one of the most flexible and efficient tools for philanthropy and financial planning. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how DAFs work, how they compare to private foundations, what assets are best to contribute, and the smart strategies you can use to make the most of your giving. 

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The 5 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Retirement Plans

If you’re starting to plan for retirement, you’ve got the right idea. But keep in mind retirement isn’t about reaching a magic number in your bank account. Before you spend another dollar, it’s worth taking a step back. Because the truth is, retirement isn’t just about how much money you’ve saved, it’s about the smart choices you make today. One wrong move could mean pushing retirement further away, or worse, never being able to retire at all.

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Charitable Gifting 3 Ways

If you’re charitably minded, you may want to consider how you give, not just how much. Some charitable giving strategies can be more tax-efficient and align better with your financial goals, especially during retirement. In this article, we’ll discuss three ways to approach charitable gifting that you may not have heard of, and which may offer more benefits than simply giving cash. They are gifting stock to charity, gifting your required minimum distribution to charity, and utilizing a charitable gift fund. Keep reading to learn more.

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What’s the BEST Trust for Your Estate Planning Needs?

When it comes to estate planning, trusts are powerful tools that can help individuals maintain control, protect assets, and provide for loved ones. However, understanding the different types of trusts for estate planning can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. In this article, we’ll explore four widely used trusts—testamentary, revocable living, irrevocable, and special needs trusts—and clarify how each one functions.

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Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes from the Rich and Famous

When it comes to wealth and legacy, even the rich and famous can get estate planning wrong—and sometimes in very public and expensive ways. From overlooked documents to poor communication and failed funding of trusts, these missteps often lead to years of legal battles and unintended consequences for heirs.

At Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors, we believe that clear, coordinated planning is essential, regardless of how much money you have. Here’s a look at several high-profile estate planning mistakes and what we can all learn from them.

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Streamline Your Estate Planning with Simple Account Titling Strategies

When it comes to estate planning, how your accounts are titled can have a significant impact on what happens to your assets after you pass away. Certain titling strategies can help you avoid probate, simplify asset distribution, and ensure your wishes are carried out. Others—if not handled properly—can lead to unintended consequences.

In this article, we’ll walk through three common account titling strategies and how each one works:

  1. Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS)
  2. Tenancy in Common
  3. Transfer on Death (TOD) or Designated Beneficiary Accounts

Keep reading to learn more.

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$1.8mm Today. Retire at 66? These Changes Made It Possible

When it comes to retirement planning, numbers only tell part of the story. Just as important are your goals—what you want your money to do for you. In this real-life retirement plan case study, we walk through how one couple used personalized financial planning to make key adjustments that greatly improved their probability of retiring on time and living the lifestyle they envisioned.

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Can Small Business Owners REALLY Achieve Financial Freedom?

Are you a business owner? Check out our video on this topic, too!

For many small business owners, their company is more than just a source of income—it’s their financial foundation. But when it comes time to sell the business and retire, a critical question arises: How to sell your business for retirement in a way that leads to long-term financial stability. Understanding the right sale price, aligning financial goals, and closing any wealth gaps are key steps in transitioning from business ownership to retirement.

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