Your Money

The new "Magic Number" for retirement is $1.46 Million. And by magic number, I mean a WAG (wild-ass guess) because the survey asked adults how much they felt was right. Still, some trends in this survey are insightful. First, the "Magic Number" is much higher than in past years, reflecting anxiety around the cost of healthcare and long-term care and the feasibility of social security. Second, the new "magic number" is over $1 million more than the average survey participant's nest egg, reflecting the country's savings problem. Decades now after it began, workers have yet to adapt to the shift away from guaranteed pensions toward contribution plans like 401(k)s.

Despite efforts by younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z to start saving earlier, retirement readiness remains a concern across age groups. While this early start may position them more favorably, challenges persist in determining adequate savings targets amidst evolving economic conditions. As individuals navigate these uncertainties, personalized financial planning becomes crucial, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of factors like income, lifestyle expectations, and desired retirement age to ensure a secure and comfortable post-work life.

Americans Think They Need $1.46 Million to Retire Comfortably
by Anne Tergesen

At PWM, personalized financial planning is our service level above investment planning. A free tool we have for investment clients is a dynamic planning calculator. You can visit it here: preparing to get to and through retirement

Your Life

Anticipating the empty nest days when the last child leaves home is a common expectation. Yet, the reality often brings unexpected feelings of sadness and loneliness, known as empty nest syndrome. Despite the pride and joy accompanying this milestone, many parents are taken aback by the emotional void it creates. To navigate this transition positively, consider embracing new hobbies and interests, proactively maintaining regular communication, accentuating the positives, and embracing the evolving role of parenthood. Viewing this phase as an opportunity for personal growth and renewed connections with your children can transform it into a fulfilling and exciting chapter in both of your lives.

How to Manage Empty Nest Syndrome
by Dan Brennan, MD

Complexity Simplified

We are fortunate to have a huge selection of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines for various aches and pains, easily accessible through our local drug stores. However, it is important to choose the correct medication based on the type of pain you’re experiencing and the status of your health. Most nonprescription pain medicines are good at reducing pain as a symptom when taken for short periods and as recommended, but you should still use caution when taking them. OTC pain relief medications can help provide relief for different types of acute pain, which is pain lasting for less than a month and has a known cause. Chronic pain, lasting three months or more, can also be managed by OTC pain medications. The two main types of OTC pain relievers are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work differently on the body.

Acetaminophen blocks pain messages in the brain. NSAIDs, which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, work by reducing the chemicals involved in inflammation. Taking too much acetaminophen can harm your liver, perhaps permanently. Some NSAIDs, like aspirin, are not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other risk factors since they can contribute to strokes and heart attacks. Ibuprofen can contribute to kidney damage if not used correctly. Naproxen is not recommended for people over 65 due to side effects of ulcers and bleeding. Read on to learn more.

How to Choose Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine
source: Scripps

Trivia