Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts

March 21, 2025A rabbi trust is a type of irrevocable trust that employers use to fund deferred compensation plans for key employees or executives. The money is set aside for the employee but can still be taken by creditors if the employer goes bankrupt. A financial advisor can help you decide if a rabbi trust is a… read more…

February 6, 2025If you are facing the choice between a large lump sum or monthly payments, you’ll likely want to consider several key factors before making a decision. One concern is when you will receive the money, since getting $115,000 up front will allow you to invest it sooner and earn money from it over a longer… read more…

November 12, 2024A thrift savings plan (TSP) is a retirement savings program specifically designed for federal employees and members of the military. TSPs are considered qualified retirement plans, and this status affects aspects like tax benefits, employer contributions and protections under federal law. Qualified retirement plans must meet certain standards set by the IRS and are typically… read more…

October 30, 2024If you participate in a pension plan through your workplace, you’ll have to decide how you want to receive the payout when you retire. Pension plans typically offer two disbursement options: an annuity, which provides steady payments over time, or a lump-sum payment. Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice will… read more…

October 25, 2024Deciding between a $500,000 lump sum or $3,500 monthly annuity payments for your pension isn’t straightforward and involves weighing several personal factors. You need to consider how long you might live, which impacts how much total money you’ll get from monthly payments, alongside your retirement age to see how long your funds need to last.… read more…

October 18, 2024South Carolina offers a deferred compensation program that allows public-sector employees to set aside a portion of their income to be paid out at a later date, typically during retirement. Contributions are often made pre-tax, which can lower current taxable income and provide potential tax benefits. Teachers, government workers, and other public employees can use… read more…

October 15, 2024In Ohio, the retirement age follows federal guidelines, typically ranging from 65 to 67 based on the year of birth for non-government employees. Teachers and state workers may have different retirement age requirements due to their specific pension plans. A financial advisor can help you with your retirement plan options and create a personalized strategy… read more…

October 13, 2024A deferred compensation plan allows eligible employees to set aside part of their salary into an account that grows tax-free until retirement. Many public employees in Missouri can use these plans, often called 457(b) plans, to supplement pensions or Social Security. A financial advisor can help you answer questions about Missouri’s deferred compensation plan, and… read more…

October 9, 2024In the Empire State, the retirement age can vary depending on several factors, including the type of employment and the retirement system one is part of. For most individuals, the standard retirement age aligns with the federal guidelines set by the Social Security Administration, which is gradually increasing to 67 for those born in 1960… read more…

October 5, 2024Public employees in Illinois are part of a structured retirement system that determines when they can start receiving pension benefits. The state offers several pension systems, including those for teachers, state employees and police officers, each with its own eligibility requirements. For example, members of the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and State Employees’ Retirement… read more…

October 2, 2024The retirement age in Florida, specifically for those enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) for public-sector workers, depends on the employee’s age and years of service. Early retirement is possible, but it comes with a reduction in benefits. For most members of the FRS Pension Plan, the normal retirement age is 62 or 65,… read more…

September 29, 2024A 409a deferred compensation plan is a non-qualified arrangement that allows employees to defer a portion of their income to a future date. This plan is often used by high-income earners to reduce taxable income in the short term. Unlike qualified plans such as 401(k)s, 409a plans have flexible contribution limits and payout schedules but… read more…

September 20, 2024A retirement saver who expects to receive income from a pension generally needs to account for income taxes in their retirement plan. Most pension benefits are subject to federal income tax and many states also levy taxes on pension income. Retirees may be able to reduce their overall tax burden by taking lump sum distributions… read more…

September 16, 2024While pensions have become less common in the private sector, there are still jobs that provide this valuable benefit. Government, public-sector and unionized employers are all likely to offer pensions to their employees. It can be worthwhile to consider whether working in one of those fields could be a viable way to provide for a… read more…

September 12, 2024Estate planning is important for managing and distributing assets, especially for veterans who have unique benefits like pensions, VA benefits and healthcare coverage to consider. Veterans can access free estate planning services, including wills, through various organizations, so they don’t have to handle this task alone or pay for professional help. If you need help… read more…

September 11, 2024Pension plans often include spousal survivor benefits, which allow surviving spouses to receive part of the pension payments after the pension holder’s death. These benefits can play a key role in long-term financial planning for married couples, as they provide continued income for surviving spouses. You should know how these benefits work if you or… read more…

July 25, 2024When faced with the death of a parent, many find themselves asking whether they can claim their parent’s retirement funds. Accessing your father’s retirement funds can depend on various factors such as the type of retirement account he held and whether you are a named beneficiary. Typically, accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s allow for beneficiary… read more…

July 19, 2024Federal employees generally receive annuity-based pension funds when they retire. Depending on when you joined the government, this may be supplemented by Social Security and a private savings plan. The amount you receive from these various programs depends, among other things, on how long you worked for the government and at what age you retire. As… read more…

July 12, 2024Navigating the rules and regulations surrounding qualified retirement plans like 401(k)s can be complex, particularly when it comes to required minimum distributions (RMDs). When these mandatory withdrawals are not taken on time or in sufficient amounts, the funds that are not withdrawn will be considered excess accumulation and subject to tax penalties. A financial advisor… read more…

July 11, 2024There are many retirement plans available to help you save for your golden years. 401(k)s, IRAs and Roth IRAs offer unique benefits and tax advantages tailored to different financial goals and employment situations. Choosing the right plan can affect your savings strategy, tax liabilities and overall retirement readiness, which is why carefully comparing the available… read more…

July 11, 2024How thrift savings plans (TSPs) are affected in divorce depends on their value and the overall division of assets. Federal regulations govern how TSP accounts are divided, often involving a court order known as a Retirement Benefits Court Order (RBCO). These orders ensure a fair distribution of retirement savings between spouses, considering various factors like… read more…

July 8, 2024Independent contractors face unique challenges when it comes to retirement planning due to the lack of employer-sponsored plans. The good news is that there are several retirement plan options designed specifically for self-employed individuals, each with unique benefits and consideration. Popular choices include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and solo 401(k)s, each offering distinct benefits and… read more…

July 8, 2024Nonprofits have a variety of retirement plan options to help their employees save for the future. Popular choices include 403(b) plans, similar to 401(k) plans but tailored for nonprofit organizations, and 401(a) plans, which offer higher contribution limits. Additionally, SIMPLE IRAs and SEP IRAs cater to smaller nonprofits with simpler administrative requirements. Understanding the specific… read more…

June 27, 2024A self-invested personal pension (SIPP) is a type of pension plan offered in the United Kingdom that allows individuals greater control over their retirement savings by letting them choose and manage their investments. Unlike traditional pension plans, SIPPs provide access to a wide range of investment options. This flexibility can help tailor a retirement strategy… read more…

June 21, 2024Workers with defined benefit pensions may be offered the chance to collect a one-time, lump sum payment instead of monthly pension benefits for life. Making this decision involves evaluating a number of factors, including the lump sum amount, the amount of the monthly payments and the age of the recipient when the offer is made.… read more…