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Michael Santiago, CRPC™
Education
BA, Media and Communications
University of Washington
About
Michael Santiago is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ and the senior financial editor at Annuity.org and RetireGuide.com. With over ten years of experience across various industries, he has crafted and refined content in fields such as health care, education, and financial planning. Michael is dedicated to producing accurate and impactful financial content that empowers readers to make informed decisions.
Fact-Checked Articles by Michael Santiago, CRPC™
Retirement Bucket Strategy: What to Know
Updated Jan 11, 2025
The bucket strategy is a way of drawing down assets during retirement. Discover how it works, its pros and cons, and how an advisor can help.
Retirement Income Taxes: What to Know
Updated Jan 11, 2025
Taxes are a critical element in a comprehensive retirement plan. Discover how they affect your income and how to manage them here.
How Retirement Planning Evolves With Age
Updated Jan 11, 2025
Planning for retirement often looks unique in different stages of life. We explore how approaches shift in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Healthcare Planning for Retirees: What to Know
Updated Jan 18, 2025
Healthcare is a big and often overlooked expense for retirees. Learn what to know about planning for it, including how an advisor can help.
6 Unexpected Retirement Expenses and How to Handle Them
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Even when you retire, life can throw financial surprises your way. Learn what the most common unexpected expenses are and how to handle them.
Early Retirement Number: Basics and How to Calculate
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Early retirement requires careful planning and saving. We explain how to calculate how much you need to stop working early.
Capital Preservation Strategy: What to Know
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Employing strategies to preserve your capital can be helpful as you near important goals such as retirement. We break down how it works.
5 Reasons to Switch Financial Advisors
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Are you happy with your advisor? Here are five signs it’s time to consider a switch to another expert.
What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA?
Updated Oct 11, 2024
The backdoor IRA method allows you to convert nondeductible contributions to your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. We break down how it works and the process’s pros and cons.
Impact of an Inheritance on Retirement Planning
Updated Nov 27, 2024
Find out how an inheritance can transform your financial landscape and retirement outlook, as well as what to do and avoid.
What Is Tax Diversification?
Updated Sep 3, 2024
Tax diversification is a strategy that can help you save money and gain flexibility. We break down how it works here.
Should You Get a Job After You Retire?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Getting a job after you retire allows you to gain purpose and additional income. We will explain what you should know about returning to work.
What Is the Rule of 55?
Updated Sep 3, 2024
The rule of 55 allows you to withdraw funds from your workplace retirement plan penalty-free. Learn how it works here.
How the SEC Regulates Financial Advisors
Updated Jan 11, 2025
The SEC is an agency that protects investors and maintains fair markets. We explain how it regulates the financial advisory industry.
Required Minimum Distributions: What to Know
Updated Oct 11, 2024
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are amounts you must withdraw from retirement accounts each year, starting at 73. Learn how they work and about their impact.
Retiring Abroad: What to Know
Updated Jan 11, 2025
Retiring in another country can be rewarding and stressful. We explain six details to consider before moving abroad.
What Is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)?
Updated Jan 7, 2025
CRPCs are professionals that can help you plan for retirement, as well as life after. In this article, we explain what they do and how to find one.
Understanding Financial Advisor Disclosures
Updated Jan 17, 2025
Disclosures allow you to assess a financial advisor’s disciplinary history, including regulatory or legal actions. We explain how they work and why they’re so important.
What Is the FIRE Movement?
Updated Oct 11, 2024
The FIRE Movement is a popular strategy for retiring early. Learn how it works and its pros and cons here.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Updated Jan 11, 2025
Finding a financial advisor is tough with so many options on the table. This article will help you get started and narrow your search.
What Is a Financial Advisor?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Financial advisors can help you manage your money responsibly. Find out what they do, how to find one, the cost to hire one, and more.