The question “where should you retire?” goes far beyond sunshine and scenery. It’s a financial decision that can impact your lifestyle, taxes, healthcare access, and long‑term security for decades. The real question isn’t just where you’ll live, it’s how that location fits into a well‑designed retirement plan that accounts for income, protection, and future care needs.
Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the best places to retire based on quality of life, senior population, tax rates, healthcare quality, and overall value. Their latest 2026 rankings include:
(Source: U.S. News & World Report – Best Places to Retire, https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire)
While rankings make great headlines, retirement decisions rarely come down to a list. Even within the same city, the cost of living can vary dramatically by neighborhood.
One practical idea to keep in mind is: rent before you buy. Renting offers flexibility if family needs change or priorities shift. It allows you to experience daily life, understand true costs, and confirm the location fits your lifestyle without locking yourself into a long‑term commitment. This approach reflects the type of real-world planning conversations encouraged at Aul Financial Group, LLC, where flexibility matters more than rushing decisions.
When clients talk about relocating in retirement, the first question isn’t where—it’s how will this affect the plan? This question opens the door to deeper conversations, including:
Retirement planning isn’t static. A move can create new opportunities, but it can also introduce risks if income and expenses aren’t aligned. The goal is to ensure lifestyle choices support long‑term financial stability, not unintentionally strain it.
Annuities often get a bad reputation, largely due to misunderstanding. In reality, “annuity” is an umbrella term, and different types serve very different purposes:
The real question isn’t should I have an annuity? —it’s why. If Social Security and pensions already cover expenses, additional guaranteed income may be unnecessary. But if there’s a monthly gap, an annuity can act as a personally funded pension, helping reduce uncertainty. They aren’t right for everyone, which is why Aul Financial Group, LLC offers an “annuity x‑ray” to help evaluate whether an existing annuity aligns with current goals.
Long‑term care planning is a core focus of what we do at Aul Financial Group, LLC because it is one of the most emotional—and expensive—risks in retirement. Actor Seth Rogen highlighted this reality in his documentary Taking Care, sharing his family’s experience caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. He noted that quality 24‑hour in‑home care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, placing immense strain on families without a plan.
Long‑term care planning isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Traditional long‑term care insurance can be costly and often “use it or lose it.” Today, alternatives may include:
These strategies aim to help protect both assets and loved ones while providing flexibility if care is needed later in life.
Several persistent myths continue to derail otherwise solid retirement plans:
At Aul Financial Group, LLC, we often recommend a tax analysis to determine whether too much wealth is concentrated in IRAs or 401(k)s and what that could mean long term.
Retirement planning is about finding clarity, flexibility, and protecting the people you care about. Whether you’re considering a move, evaluating annuities, or planning for long‑term care, the right plan starts with understanding your options—and avoiding assumptions.
Retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a journey that deserves a thoughtful, flexible plan—and we’re here to help you create it.
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Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Aul Financial Group, LLC. Aul Financial Group, LLC is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through Impact Partnership Wealth, LLC (IPW), a Registered Investment Adviser. IPW does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Aul Financial Group, LLC are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements. This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Variable annuities are sold by prospectus only. Investors should carefully review the prospectus and consult with a financial, tax, or legal professional before investing. 5340047-04/26
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Steven Aul is an independent financial professional with decades of experience helping individuals navigate retirement and financial planning. A Ball State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he is the host of The Aul Financial Hour – Your Money Matters on KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM and has contributed to publications including CNN Money, Forbes, and Fortune, while also leading financial workshops throughout the St. Louis area.
Steve believes in full transparency in his practice and designations.
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The RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional®) designation is sought by financial services sales professionals whose focus includes clients planning for their retirement income. The designation’s required curriculum is administered by The American College in Bryn Mawr PA, which is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Philadelphia, PA 19104 The mark RICP® is the property of The American College and may be used only by individuals who have successfully completed the initial and ongoing certification requirements for this designation.
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