“Straight cash, homey”
– Randy Moss – MN Vikings
Welcome to the May Edition of Ryan’s Retirement Ramblings – The monthly newsletter that will bring you the latest developments from the qualified plan space & provide updates for the retirement team at Wheeler Retirement Plans.
On A Personal Note…
Well it’s official, I’m starting to feel old. My youngest turned 16 this past month. If there is anyone than enjoys their Birthday MONTH more than her; I want to meet this person. She keeps me on my toes and more importantly will terrorize the Traffic Cops in Duluth.
Wishing you all the best as we swim into the beginning of Summer. Be on the lookout for this driver and turn the other way…..HA
Early Retirement: Dream or Dilemma?
For many workers, early retirement is the ultimate goal — carefree days filled with road trips, golf, or time spent with friends and family. Yet, reality often tells a different story. Many Americans are retiring years sooner than they expected to, often due to health problems, layoffs, or other unanticipated events. According to the 2024 EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey, the median retirement age in the U.S. is 62….
Rising Hardship Withdrawals Putting Retirement at Risk
A growing number of workers are raiding their employer-sponsored retirement plans to cover emergency expenses, highlighting an alarming trend in employee retirement security. According to Vanguard Group, 4.8% of 401(k) participants took hardship withdrawals in 2024, up from 3.6% in 2023 and….
Market Turmoil Spurs Trading, but Staying Put Pays Off
The U.S. stock market suffered its worst day in five years on Friday, April 4, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all posted significant losses.
Despite the turbulence, financial experts continue to advise retirement plan investors to “stay the course” rather than react impulsively….
Participant Corner
Four Basic Steps for a Successful Retirement
We understand that most retirement savers aren’t financial experts, and that can make preparing for retirement feel overwhelming. The good news is that achieving a successful retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few basic steps, you could set yourself up for long-term financial security….
Mr. C’s Movie (Show) Review
I can’t believe a film that spent 95% filmed inside a luxury automobile would be something to write home about; yet here I am with a ballpoint pen. Locked is a horror/thriller directed by David Yarovesky (man behind the disturbing “Brightburn”) that pits Eddie (Bill Skarsgard) against a maniacal SUV owner William (an eerie Sir Anthony Hopkins). This film is a remake of the 2019 Argentine film “4×4” where as Eddie is a small time thief that breaks into the wrong SUV. Eddie becomes trapped inside the four doors of the SUV for the duration of the 90 minute run time. William plays a cat and mouse game with Eddie using the vehicle as a weapon; bullet proof glass, electric shock seats, remote control audio/visual to dial up at the crazy. It’s not immediately clear why William has modified his car or if Eddie was the intended player throughout the beginning of the movie. We don’t’ see William until the final 15 minutes of the film but his voice is unmistakable as he imparts themes of justice, desperation and most importantly power over Eddie. The confined setting of the car is felt by the movie watching audience and the chilling voiceover delivered through the car’s audio system is devilish. More of a psychological horror than typical blood and guts. However, there are a few scenes throughout the movie which William graphically sends his teaching to Eddie. The movie beautifully acted by Skarsgard considering the claustrophobia of being trapped in a car by a maniac. The scenes involving Eddie’s daughter are down right cruel that will have you cheering for victim.
On a scale of: “Like It”, “Love It”, or “Gotta Have It”; it’s a “Like It” for me. The premise of the car being used as a weapon reminded me of vintage Stephen King. It’s probably not a film to see more than once but watching Anthony Hopkins revert back to a “Hannibal Lecter” like character was fun. Moral of the story…..Don’t steal cars.