The Hourly Advisor, Author at The Hourly Advisor

Couple walking along the Hoboken waterfront with the Manhattan skyline, representing tax-smart retirement planning in New Jersey.

Tax-Smart Retirement Planning in New Jersey: What High Earners Need to Know

If you’re a high earner in New Jersey, retirement planning isn’t just about saving enough. It’s about keeping what you’ve built. New Jersey is one of the highest-tax states in the country, and for many professionals approaching retirement, taxes become one of the biggest line items in the plan — sometimes bigger than investment fees […]

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Financial advisor and professional client reviewing investment documents in modern office with New York City skyline visible through windows

Fee-Only Financial Planning for New Jersey Professionals (Is It Worth It?)

If you’re a New Jersey professional earning a solid income, you’ve probably wondered whether hiring a financial planner makes sense. Maybe you’ve done well managing money on your own, or maybe you’re just not sure if paying for advice is worth it when there’s so much free information available online. Here’s the reality: the right

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Couple walking along the Hoboken waterfront with the Manhattan skyline in the background, representing financial planning in New Jersey.

The Cost of Hiring a Financial Advisor in New Jersey (Hourly vs AUM Explained)

If you’re searching for a financial advisor in New Jersey, you’re not alone. New Jersey has some of the highest-income households in the country, and many families here are doing everything “right” financially — saving aggressively, investing consistently, and building significant wealth over time. But one of the biggest financial decisions NJ residents face is

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Retired couple reviewing tax documents and financial plan at home, discussing ways to lower taxes in retirement

How to Lower Taxes in Retirement

The Retirement Tax Surprise You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and finally reached retirement. You assume your taxes will drop — after all, you’re not earning a paycheck anymore. Then tax season hits. You realize your Social Security is taxable, your RMDs are pushing you into a higher bracket, and your “tax-free” withdrawals are anything but.

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Professional reviewing 401(k) rollover options with paperwork and laptop, symbolizing retirement account decisions

Should I Roll Over My 401(k) or Leave It With My Old Employer?

The Post-Job Dilemma You’ve left a job, updated your LinkedIn, and maybe even celebrated with a happy hour. But there’s one big financial question still hanging over you: What should I do with my old 401(k)? It’s a decision millions of Americans face every year. And the truth is, there isn’t a universal right answer

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Retired couple reviewing retirement withdrawal plan with 4% rule calculation on paper

What Is the 4% Rule and Does It Still Work in 2025?

The Rule Everyone Talks About If you’ve ever Googled “How much can I safely withdraw in retirement?” you’ve probably run into the 4% rule. It’s one of the most widely cited retirement planning shortcuts, and for good reason — it’s simple and gives people a ballpark number. But here’s the problem: retirement is more complex

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Retired couple reviewing Social Security benefits with calendar highlighting ages 62 and 70, symbolizing the decision to claim early or delay benefits

Should I Take Social Security Early or Wait Until 70?

The Big Social Security Question If you’re nearing retirement, chances are you’ve asked yourself this: “Should I claim Social Security as soon as I can at 62, or should I wait until 70 to get the biggest possible check?” It’s one of the most important decisions retirees make. Claiming early puts money in your pocket

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House with dollar sign and stock chart overlay, symbolizing the decision between paying off a mortgage and investing

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early or Invest?

The Classic Dilemma It’s one of the most common financial questions out there: “Should I pay off my mortgage early, or should I invest the extra money?” At first glance, it seems like a simple math problem. If investments are expected to return 7–10% a year and your mortgage rate is 3–6%, then investing should

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