Is it risky to retire when the stock market is at an all-time high?

It's a question I get all the time, and the conventional wisdom is usually that you should worry about sequence of returns risk and protect part of your portfolio by moving money into cash or fixed income.

But what does the historical data actually show?

In my latest podcast episode I look at:

• Why an all-time high does not necessarily mean markets are riskier

• Why I don't believe sequence of returns risk is an issue in a 30-year retirement

• What 150 years of market history shows about long-term retirement investing

• Why adding cash or fixed income can reduce your long-term growth and retirement cash flow

• When fixed income can still make sense — especially if it helps you stay invested during market declines

• Why your ability to stay invested may matter far more than what the market is doing on the day you retire

• How the 4% Rule fits into a long-term retirement strategy

• Why following a proper Financial Plan is usually more important than reacting to market highs and lows

The bottom line: Markets hit all-time highs regularly. Retiring at one does not automatically make your retirement plan unsafe.

For investors with the risk tolerance to stay invested through major market declines, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term market timing can lead to a much more comfortable retirement.

Read the full article or watch the video on the blog to see what the historical data shows: https://edrempel.com/retiring-at-an-all-time-high-what-history-actually-shows/

You're earning a full-time income, paying your bills, and still wondering: where did all my money go?

That feeling is more common than you might think.

In Sabiha Mukadam's latest blog post, video and podcast for the Youth Corner she shares a simpler way to approach budgeting without making it feel restrictive.

She covers:

• A three-bucket system for your income

• How to know what you can safely spend

• Why automating your money can make budgeting easier

• How sinking funds can help with future expenses

• What to do when the numbers don't fit perfectly

• Why consistency matters more than having a perfect budget

The goal isn't to track every dollar.

It's to create a system that helps you enjoy your life now while still protecting your future.

Read the article, watch the video or listen to the podcast here: https://edrempel.com/budgeting-with-a-full-time-income-without-feeling-restricted/

Sabiha Mukadam has a new podcast episode on debt after separation and how to regain control without panic.

Separation can create significant financial pressure through legal fees, moving costs, two households and debts that may still be shared.

She covers:

• The 3 types of post-separation debt

• Separating joint and individual liabilities

• Financial blind spots to watch for

• Debt snowball vs. debt avalanche

• A practical 30-day reset plan

One of the key messages is that debt doesn't have to define what happens next. Getting clear on the numbers and creating a structure can make the situation much more manageable.

Worth a read, watch or listen: https://scfplanning.com/financial-planning-in-real-life/debt-after-separation-how-to-regain-control-without-panic/