Yuna Baek-Morrison, Author at Credit Scout

Yuna Baek-Morrison,

Yuna Baek-Morrison is a consumer credit specialist and former loan underwriter who spent nearly a decade evaluating credit profiles for a top-five U.S. auto lender. She now channels that insider knowledge into practical, no-nonsense guidance on credit building, auto financing, and smart borrowing strategies. Her work has been cited in several personal finance publications, and she holds a certificate in financial counseling from the AFCPE.

Retired couple reviewing financial documents and retirement savings plan at a kitchen table

How to Retire on $500,000: A Realistic Plan That Actually Works

A $500K portfolio plus average Social Security adds up to ~$43,500/year — enough to retire, but only if you meet four specific conditions. Here's the honest math.

Family reviewing medical bills and tax forms at a kitchen table to calculate deductible healthcare expenses

Medical Expense Deductions: The Overlooked Tax Break Most Families Qualify For

A family clearing the 7.5% AGI floor by $4,000 saves $880 in federal taxes — here's how the medical expense tax deduction works and who qualifies.

Side-by-side comparison chart of SEP IRA and Solo 401k contribution limits for self-employed individuals in 2026

SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k): Which Retirement Account Wins for the Self-Employed?

Both accounts share a $72,000 limit in 2026, but the Solo 401(k) hits that ceiling at far lower income—and adds Roth access a SEP IRA can never offer.

W-2 employee reviewing pre-tax payroll deduction options on a laptop alongside a pay stub and tax documents

How to Reduce Your Taxable Income as a W-2 Employee

Max out your 401(k) at $24,500 and HSA at $8,750 for family coverage in 2026—W-2 employees can trim thousands from adjusted gross income before a paycheck is issued.

Retiree reviewing portfolio withdrawal charts and retirement income plan at a desk

The 4% Withdrawal Rule Is Broken: What Retirees Are Using Instead

Morningstar's 2025 research puts the safe withdrawal rate at 3.9%—but flexible strategies like guardrails can support up to 5.7%. Here's what actually works now.

A single woman in her 50s reviewing retirement savings documents at a desk with a laptop and financial statements

How a Single Woman in Her 50s Can Catch Up on Retirement Savings Fast

28% of working women skipped retirement savings in 2024–25. Here's the exact order to use catch-up contributions—401(k), HSA, Social Security delay—to close the gap fast.