Want to Retire in 2026? Here’s a Strategy!
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of Financially Focused, where we share timely strategies, financial news, and even a summer recipe to enjoy with friends and family.
Want to Retire in 2026? Here’s a Strategy!
Thinking about retiring next year? You’ll need a clear, strategic plan to make it happen smoothly. A recent U.S. News & World Report article offers actionable advice for those targeting 2026 as their retirement year.
Key Steps to Consider:
Optimize your portfolio: Adjust your mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets to balance income and growth potential while protecting against downside risks.
Plan your withdrawals carefully: The traditional 4% rule is a starting point, but flexible withdrawal strategies that respond to market conditions may be more effective.
Prepare for taxes and inflation: Account for Medicare surcharges, capital gains, and inflation. Consider tools like tax-loss harvesting, dividend stocks, and inflation-protected securities.
Work with a professional: A financial advisor can help tailor your withdrawal rates, asset allocation, and tax planning to your lifestyle and goals.
The bottom line: prepare early, stay flexible, and align your financial strategy with both opportunities and risks on the horizon.
Read the full U.S. News article ›
What We’ve Been Reading
Here are some standout reads our team found insightful this month:
Forgetting About These Three 2025 Retirement Account Changes Could Cost You (The Motley Fool) – A reminder about three key updates that could impact retirement accounts in the second half of 2025. Read on The Motley Fool ›
How New Retirees Are Navigating Economic Uncertainty (Kiplinger) – Six strategies to manage retirement during uncertain markets. Read on Kiplinger ›
10 Ways to Fail at Retirement (AARP) – A candid look at the common pitfalls that derail retirement success. Read on AARP ›
Fun Fact: Mount Everest Isn’t the Tallest Mountain on Earth
It’s true — Hawaii’s Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are technically taller than Mt. Everest by about 1.4 km. That’s because much of their mass lies underwater, bringing their total height to 10.2 km compared to Everest’s 8.8 km.
Learn more fun science facts ›
Recipe of the Month: Grilled Steak Salad
This light but hearty Grilled Steak Salad makes the perfect late-summer meal.
Ingredients
Dressing
4 garlic cloves, peeled & smashed
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
½ tsp. granulated sugar
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Salad
1 medium red onion, cut into ½” slices
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 ¼ lb boneless ribeye steak
5 oz baby arugula and/or baby spinach
1 avocado, pitted & sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 oz blue cheese crumbles
Torn fresh basil leaves
Directions
Cook garlic in olive oil until softened, then blend with vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
Grill onion slices and steak until charred and cooked to medium-rare. Slice steak thinly.
Arrange arugula on a platter and top with steak, onions, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and basil.
Drizzle with dressing before serving.
Get the full recipe on Delish ›
Sources
U.S. News & World Report: If You Want to Retire in 2026, Here’s What You Need to Prep Now
The Motley Fool: Forgetting About These Three 2025 Retirement Account Changes Could Cost You
Kiplinger: How New Retirees Are Navigating Economic Uncertainty
BBC Science Focus: Fun Facts
Delish: Grilled Steak Salad Recipe
