Resources

Short, plain-English reads for real decisions.

Quick, friendly articles on retirement income, CalPERS & CalSTRS decisions, insurance reviews, and the questions I hear most often.

Estate

The 10-Minute Beneficiary Review Every Family Should Do

The fastest way to derail an estate plan is a stale beneficiary form. Here’s a quick checklist you can run today.

4 min readBy Pauline Githara

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CalSTRS

Should Teachers Roll Over Their 403(b) at Retirement?

Sometimes rolling your 403(b) to an IRA makes sense. Sometimes staying put is smarter. Here’s how to tell.

5 minRead

Insurance

Do We Really Need Long-Term Care Insurance?

An honest look at who benefits from LTC insurance, who doesn’t, and the hybrid options most families overlook.

6 minRead

Retirement

Social Security: Claim at 62, 67, or 70?

There’s no single “best” age to claim Social Security — but there is a best age for you. Here’s how to think about it.

5 minRead

CalSTRS

CalSTRS: Should Teachers Choose Member-Only or Option 2?

Understanding the real trade-off between the highest possible benefit and protecting your spouse — without the intimidating jargon.

6 minRead

CalPERS

CalPERS Retirement Options: Option 1 vs. 2W in Plain English

A friendly walkthrough of the difference between a Single-Life Allowance (Option 1) and a 100% survivor election (Option 2W) — with the questions you should ask before you decide.

7 minRead