Smart Money With Sam

Wanting growth in retirement? You might need something else.

When someone says they want their money to grow, it could mean one of two very different things.

Some people are genuinely behind and need their portfolio to work harder before they retire. Growth is the right goal for them.

But for others, the nest egg is already there. The returns are reasonable. And yet, they still can't bring themselves to spend it. For this group, chasing a higher return isn't going to solve anything.

What they're really looking for is clarity and confidence, a plan that lays out what they've built and what they can actually enjoy without second-guessing every dollar.

We were all taught to save. Very few of us were ever taught how to eventually spend. And that transition, from a lifetime of accumulating to actually using what you've built, is often the most difficult part of retirement. Not because the numbers are wrong, but because the mindset hasn't caught up yet.

Hit follow for more on the psychology of retirement money.

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, or legal advice. All examples are hypothetical, for illustrative purposes only, and are merely arithmetic calculations. They are not representative of the performance of any type of investment, security, or strategy offered by the firm. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Hypothetical returns do not reflect actual trading and may not be indicative of the performance of any specific investment. They are based on assumptions and estimates that may not be accurate or applicable to your individual situation. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website, www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Leaving your job at 55? This rule could matter.

Many people approaching early retirement have never heard of the Rule of 55, and that gap can cost them.

If you leave your job in the year you turn 55 or older, you may be able to access your 401(k) or 403(b) without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. For anyone navigating a layoff, a voluntary early exit, or just trying to bridge the years before age 59 and a half, that distinction is significant.

But two details can make or break whether this provision actually works for you.

One involves a common financial move that seems logical at the time but eliminates the exemption entirely. The other is buried in your plan documents and could limit your flexibility in a way that creates its own set of problems.

If you or someone you know is thinking about leaving work in the next few years, this is worth understanding before any decisions are made.

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, or legal advice. All examples are hypothetical, for illustrative purposes only, and are merely arithmetic calculations. They are not representative of the performance of any type of investment, security, or strategy offered by the firm. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Hypothetical returns do not reflect actual trading and may not be indicative of the performance of any specific investment. They are based on assumptions and estimates that may not be accurate or applicable to your individual situation. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website, www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Foundation Wealth Partners serves Gen X and older Millennials in their 40s to mid-50s.