When was the last time you went through your closet and got rid of the old stuff that you haven't worn in years? I know, I know... If you keep it for 20 years, it will be in fashion again. I hear ya. However, will it still fit?
Charity trucks and stores are always ready to receive and recycle your stuff. Many things you no longer want will have value to someone else. Speaking of value... eBay, Poshmark, and other resale sites provide great online marketplaces to sell gently used items. You would be amazed at the prices some of the vintage stuff posted online is going for these days. Wonder what treasures are hidden among your stuff? You only know once you explore.
The reason I bring this up is because some of our clients are looking for creative ways to financially gain from what they already have. We are always on the lookout for UNCOMMON solutions to common problems.
Hidden Financial Opportunities
For instance, folks carry a high level of anxiety when it comes to their money. Often, folks will make the wrong decisions because they are afraid to seek help or need to ask the right questions. Here are some examples of how you can lower your anxiety by consulting an expert for a solution.
We have a long-time client who needed a solution regarding their finances. During the conversation, they explained that they own a small business that uses their vehicle (weighing over 6000 pounds) in the operation of the business. They use the vehicle 25% of the time to get to and from home to work and 75% to work-related locations. They wondered if their vehicle could qualify as a business tax deduction. We don't provide tax advice; instead, we suggested they talk to a tax expert about their desire to increase their income by lowering their taxes.
The accountant was able to give them a great creative solution. Unfortunately, the client never knew about the opportunity and missed the potential savings earlier because they delayed asking the question to an expert. They could however amend and refile their taxes for the prior year. If they hadn't asked – they wouldn't have known.
Another client explained in a meeting that he was paying very high interest rates on two loans. He also had five small savings accounts at various institutions paying little to no interest. Super easy solution. Gather the cash, close the small accounts, and pay off the debt, and you win. That's why meeting with us is so helpful. We can help to uncover unexpected results or solutions.
Financial organization doesn't have to be limited to the big picture; it can help you win with your money in ways you never expected. As always, we are here to help.
By David Schaeffer
Founder of American Retirement Advisors, David has spent decades helping retirees and pre-retirees build secure financial futures. His straightforward approach to retirement planning has guided hundreds of families toward confident, well-prepared retirements.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's right about those hidden financial treasures, and I see this all the time with folks getting ready for retirement. Most people are surprised when they learn how many opportunities they're sitting on without realizing it. For 2026, there are some specific places to look that can make a real difference.
Take retirement accounts, for instance. If you're 50 or older, you can contribute up to $31,000 to your 401(k) this year with catch-up contributions, and up to $8,000 to an IRA. But here's what many people don't know: if you have old 401(k) accounts scattered around from previous jobs, consolidating them can sometimes unlock better investment options and lower fees. The IRS doesn't require you to take Required Minimum Distributions until age 73, so there's often room to move money around strategically before then.
Another area people ask me about is Social Security optimization. You can claim as early as age 62, but waiting until your Full Retirement Age (67 for most people today) or even age 70 can increase your monthly benefit significantly. Sometimes the "hidden treasure" isn't what you have now, but what you could have by waiting or coordinating benefits with your spouse.
The key is getting organized so you can see the whole picture clearly. Once you do that, the opportunities often become obvious.