Clifford Financial Planning, Inc.

06/02/2026

The "Men’s Underwear Index" remains a legendary economic proxy. 🙈
This month's chart 📈 is thanks to past Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, who tracked men's underwear 🩲 sales as a proxy for consumer confidence. What do you think the new Fed Chair will watch?

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05/29/2026

Happy National 529 Day 🎉

👀📊Check out the potential benefits of starting early and saving consistently. With a 529 plan, even modest monthly contributions can grow significantly over time.

Here are a few points to consider:
📚 529 plans are an effective college savings vehicle with potential tax advantages.
📚Any family member can contribute or even set up a plan (Grandparents love this!).
📚Withdrawals for education expenses are federally and usually state tax-free.
📚Under certain conditions, some funds can now be rolled over into a Roth IRA.

Starting early can make a big difference! Call our office today to help guide you through the process of starting a 529 plan.

☎️ (707) 526-1203



A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged college savings plan. Before choosing a plan, it's important to consider not only the state tax treatment, but also any associated fees and expenses. Availability of a state tax deduction will depend on your state of residence, as state tax laws and treatment may vary from federal tax laws. If you make nonqualified distributions, earnings will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax.

05/27/2026

Markets don't take vacations. But your strategy is built for the bumps.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

After years of saving and preparing, some retirees hesitate to spend.

That's understandable.

But retirement isn't only about preserving what you've built. It's about using it to support the life you want to live.

The first year isn't a test.

It's a transition.

And it's okay to take it one step at a time.

If you'd like to talk through what this season looks like for you, we're here.
☎️ (707) 526-1203

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05/20/2026

Retirement gives you time.

A lot of it.

And while that sounds freeing, it can also feel overwhelming at first.

When you're working, much of your day is structured. In retirement, you decide what today looks like.

Some people find it helps to create a little rhythm:
▪️A weekly volunteer day
▪️Lunch with friends
▪️A standing class
▪️Mornings reserved for exercise or hobbies

Not to recreate work — just to have something to look forward to.

Freedom often feels better with a little shape.

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05/19/2026

One adjustment many retirees don't expect?

Spending can feel emotionally different.

For decades, income came in the form of a paycheck, and saving was the goal. In retirement, you're drawing from what you built.

Even if the numbers work, the shift can take time.

Separating essential expenses from flexible choices often helps. Once core needs are covered, the rest becomes intentional — not stressful.

Confidence tends to grow as you settle into your new routine.

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05/18/2026

Some retirees describe the first few months as a honeymoon phase.

Travel. Projects. Rest. Catching up on everything that was postponed.

And then something shifts.

After the glow wears off, deeper questions start to surface:
▪️How do I want to spend my time?
▪️What feels meaningful now?

That transition is normal.

Retirement creates space. The first year is about deciding what deserves it.

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05/18/2026

Happy Anniversary to Russ & Terry Clifford 🤵‍♂️👰

05/15/2026

There's a moment early in retirement that catches many people off guard.

You wake up… and there's nowhere you need to be.

At first, that quiet feels wonderful. After years of deadlines and responsibility, it's a relief.

And then the question comes:

Now what?

If that feels familiar, you're not alone. Retirement isn't just a schedule change. For many people, it's an identity shift.

The first year isn't about having everything figured out. It's about finding your rhythm.

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