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Kailey Hagen, CFP®

TMFKailey

Kailey is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional and has been writing about retirement and personal finance since 2013. She holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Recent Articles by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Stressed couple looking at documents

Jul 6, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Investors Expect Long-Term Returns of 15.3%. Here's the Reality All Retirees Need to Keep in Mind

Optimism is a good thing, but too much of it can wreak havoc on your retirement plan.

Smiling couple eating ice cream cones

Jul 6, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Here's What the Average Couple on Social Security Is Earning in 2024

Two checks are definitely better than one, but how far they go depends in part on your choices.

Stressed couple looking at documents together

Jul 5, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

3 Ways You Could Be Leaving Some of Your Social Security Benefits on the Table

You need to do more than just sign up if you hope to maximize your Social Security checks and reduce the strain on your personal savings.

Young person looking at laptop

Jul 5, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Why the First 10 Years of Your Career Are Critical for Retirement Savings

Retirement might feel far away now, but it comes up fast, so it's important to make saving for it a priority.

Man mid aged laptop stressed

Jul 2, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

3 Reasons You Might Regret Retiring in Your 50s

Retiring at any age can bring a host of financial challenges, but those who retire in their 50s have some unique hurdles to overcome.

Couple looking at documents and smartphone

Jun 30, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

The 3 Biggest Barriers to Retirement Savings and How to Overcome Them

Many workers struggle to save enough for retirement, but having the right strategies can help.

Smiling person holding glasses and looking at laptop

Jun 30, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Gen X Is Coming Up on an Important Retirement Milestone. Here's What They Need to Know.

Accessing your life savings is about to get a lot cheaper, but that doesn't mean now is the time to crack open your nest egg.

concerned unhappy person staring at laptop

Jun 30, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

This Devastating 401(k) Mistake Could Have You Playing Catch-Up for Years. Here's How to Avoid It.

This error can go unchecked for years, and it might even send you back to the drawing board to draft a new retirement plan.

bearded person at desk by computer taking notes

Jun 29, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

The Average Monthly Social Security Payment in 2024 Is Just $1,917. Here's How to Prepare for a Retirement That Doesn't Depend on Social Security

Social Security's diminishing buying power is a real problem for workers, so the more independent you can be, the better.

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Jun 29, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

3 Secrets to Unlocking Your Maximum Social Security Benefit

Three key steps could add thousands of dollars to your lifetime retirement benefit.

Smiling couple looking at laptop screen

Jun 27, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Here's What a $10,000 401(k) Investment Could Be Worth in 20 Years

It might not seem like much today, but you'd be surprised what a few decades in the stock market can do.

Serious senior staring at laptop

Jun 23, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

If You Make Only 1 Move to Maximize Your Social Security Benefit, Let It Be This

If you haven't applied for your first check yet, there's still time to take this important benefit-boosting step.

Person holding tablet and looking at documents

Jun 22, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Here's How Much the Average American Has in Retirement Savings

You might not be as far behind others as you'd expect, but that doesn't mean you can take it easy when it comes to retirement savings.

Getty - person in suit at desk laptop thoughtful thinking-1286x880-7c61f58

Jun 22, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Here's What the Average Worker's Social Security Benefit Could Be in 2035

Social Security's trust funds are expected to be depleted by 2035, and that's going to have an important effect on future benefits.

retired couple computer screen

Jun 21, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

The 2025 Social Security COLA Could Be the Largest We See for a Long Time. Here's Why That's Bad News for Seniors

Smaller cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are a double-edged sword for seniors.

Two people looking at tablet together

Jun 21, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Getting a Divorce? 3 Things to Know About Ex-Spousal Social Security Benefits

Getting divorced changes a lot financially, but you could still be eligible to claim Social Security on your ex's work record.

Relaxed person lying in hammock

Jun 20, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Here Are My 3 Top Reasons for Claiming Social Security at 70

Yes, I'll get fewer checks, but waiting could also bring me a lot more money.

Young person staring at laptop

Jun 19, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

This Could Be Gen Z's Biggest Barrier to a Comfortable Retirement

It's not a lack of savings, but it's something just as detrimental.

retired couple on patio happy

Jun 17, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Regret Claiming Social Security Early? This Little-Known Move Could Boost Your Checks Up to 28%

Claiming early shrinks your monthly benefit, but the Social Security Administration gives you a way to grow your checks after you've signed up.

couple reviewing papers budgeting

Jun 17, 2024 by Kailey Hagen, CFP®

Here's How Much Contributing 1% More of Your Salary Could Boost Your Retirement Savings

It might seem small, but over time, it could add up to a comfortable nest egg.

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