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October 28, 2025I am 57 and have $1.1 million in my 401(k) and $50,000 in a high-yield savings account. I earn $300,000 per year and put $30,000 in my 401(k) each year plus a match on the first 6%. I have a $220,000 mortgage on a home valued at $550,000. I would like to retire at 62… read more…

September 25, 2025I’m 73 and my 401(k) hasn’t been doing well for the last few years. Would it be a good idea for me to withdraw my money from my 401(k) and pay the tax that I will have to pay eventually anyway, and then invest the rest of my money in CDs? -Archie Your desire for… read more…

August 2, 2023In my 401(k) retirement plan, I’m 82% stocks. I’m 65 and still working. Should I be moving my stocks to bonds? -Bob While it’s not a satisfying answer, the real answer is that “it depends.” The decision of whether to shift your 401(k) to a more conservative asset allocation will depend primarily on your longer-term… read more…

July 25, 2023I’m 77 years old and I requested my 401(k) fund administrator to prepare my RMD. I was told I do not have to withdraw my money if I am still employed. Please confirm if this in fact an IRS rule or that of the fund management company? -Bea That is correct, Bea. If you are… read more…

July 13, 2023I have $800,000 sitting in a money market account because I don’t know what else to do with it. My hope was that I could put it in something that can yield around 4-5% growth. I also have $900,000 in my 401(k) that is sitting in minimal-risk accounts with Vanguard. I will be turning 62… read more…

July 25, 2023My husband and I are both in our early 40s, and he recently received a monetary gift from his deceased father of more than $20,000. We have nothing to speak of in regard to savings or retirement funds. As we’re in our 40s, what would you recommend we do? –Aubrey First of all, I’d like… read more…

June 22, 2023I’m 64. I just inherited $50,000. I’m leary of investing it in stocks as I took a bath after 9/11 and saw my $70,000 401(k) cut in half. I have been looking at high-interest savings in digital banks such as… read more…

June 21, 2023The existence of fiduciary duty does not prevent potential conflicts of interest. Could you explain a little more about this idea? What types of conflicts could arise even with a fiduciary? – Marianne Finding a fiduciary is a great start… read more…

November 7, 2025We are a dual-income couple in our mid-50s with over $2 million in our 401(k)s. Should we “sacrifice” the pre-tax benefit and switch to Roth contributions at work? -Wendy Like most tax-related questions, the answer is “it depends.” Based on… read more…

October 29, 2025My wife and I are both 65 years old. She will retire this year and I’ll work until I’m 67. We’ll get about $42,000 in Social Security and have about $1 million in savings. Can we live on $90,000 per… read more…

October 29, 2025I recently attended a retirement seminar at a local community college where the instructor talked about potentially higher tax rates in retirement due to the new RMD age. I have been under the impression throughout my saving career that tax… read more…

June 7, 2023Is it possible to have someone advise me on only part of my portfolio and does that make sense? -Marda It really depends on both what you’re trying to achieve and what your financial advisor is willing to accommodate. In… read more…

August 26, 2025How much am I able to earn from an employer if I opt to take my Social Security at age 62 next year? – Glenn To be very clear, you can earn as much money as you want while collecting… read more…

May 31, 2023My company provides both a traditional and Roth 401(k) option. My question is whether I should contribute to a traditional 401(k), Roth 401(k) or a mix of both. I am 31 years old, single and live in San Francisco. My… read more…

May 25, 2023A financial advisor told me the pros of building a two-part bond ladder (three-year Treasurys and 10-year corporates) to generate fixed income and cover required minimum distributions (RMDs). What are the cons? -Ken When used in the right circumstances and… read more…

September 4, 2023I am 65 and at the absolute peak of my earnings. I’m also in the 35% tax bracket and am not looking to retire soon. I need $30,000 for a home project. I have enough to take it out of… read more…

May 19, 2023Should a financial advisor ask me for my risk tolerance, then invest accordingly? Or do they use their own proven strategy? -Chris This question sets up a false dichotomy. These risk-related investing considerations are not mutually exclusive. Many financial advisors… read more…

May 12, 2023I’m currently 40, and my existing 20-year term policy for $250,000 will expire at age 53. I also have about $100,000 in coverage through my employer, which I would lose if I switched jobs. My partner is disabled, unable to… read more…

October 28, 2025How much money can I give to my son and daughter-in-law without incurring a tax issue with the IRS? -Irwin For 2023, you can give your son and daughter-in-law each $17,000 without having to deal with the IRS. But even… read more…

May 9, 2023Our investments were $450,000 and are now $250,000. How much do I lose before I cash in investments? -Liz I’m sorry that you’ve experienced such a significant financial loss. I know that can be stressful and scary as you wonder whether… read more…

October 28, 2025At 68, I do not have any investments of any kind. My $80,000 condo is paid off, and I have $60,000 saved. Am I too late? -Bernhard It’s never too late to start investing and managing your money. But I… read more…

October 29, 2025What are your thoughts on Roth conversions if you are in the highest tax bracket and plan to be there moving forward? -Joel If you ask some financial professionals, the answer to this question might be a resounding no, and… read more…

April 28, 2023I’m afraid of the stock market. With my first investment, I lost 60% of my money. So I’m strictly into bonds. With interest rates low, what’s your advice? Should I stay or try something else? -Jerold It’s reasonable to be… read more…

October 28, 2025If I have a tax-deferred 401(k). Can I convert it to a Roth IRA without paying the deferred taxes when I roll it over? -Tommy Generally, the answer here is no. There’s typically no method to totally dodge taxes on… read more…

September 4, 2023Why hire a financial advisor who will take around 1% percent of your assets per year when you can get a certificate of deposit (CD) at over 5% with no fee? That alone amounts to a 6% return on your… read more…