- I Have $500k in a Roth IRA, and Will Receive a Combined $2,000 a Month From a Pension and Social Security. Can I Retire at 62?
Figuring out when you can afford to retire often comes down to determining whether your assets will produce enough annual income to support your lifestyle and spending needs. If you need help deciding when to retire, connect with a financial advisor and have them build you an income plan based on your unique financial situation.… read more…
- 6 Questions to Ask Before Buying an Annuity
Annuities can offer financial stability through a steady stream of income, but they can also impact your long-term financial health. Therefore, you should consider the fees that can erode your investment to the payout rates and the trustworthiness of the issuing company, which can all play a pivotal role in determining the suitability of an… read more…
- My RMDs Start Soon So I Want to Convert $900k to a Roth, but I’m Getting Conflicting Info About Having to Wait 5 Years to Use the Money
People with Roth IRAs generally have to wait five years before withdrawing earnings from their account. But the devil is in the details, and for this particular rule, getting those details can be surprisingly difficult. For starters, the IRS has three different five-year rules that apply to Roth IRAs. One of them, the conversion rule,… read more…
- How to Make Investments in Your Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is an account, not an investment, so once you’ve put money into the account it still must be invested. Common investment options for Roth IRA accounts include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Some sponsors offer many options, while others only have a few. Self-directed… read more…
- When Does Social Security Increase?
Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues what is known as the Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA. This is an annual increase intended to keep Social Security benefits in line with inflation. This increase is announced in October of each year and applies to all benefits starting in January of the following year. For… read more…
- Types of Annuities for Seniors to Consider
Annuities can provide steady income for as long as you live, which is one reason a senior might purchase one. These contracts with insurance companies come in many different varieties, which can help address seniors’ specific financial needs. However, their variety and complexity can make annuities confusing compared to relatively straightforward investments such as mutual… read more…
- I Waited to Take My First RMD Until April 1st. Will This Affect My Second Year’s RMD?
Unlike most personal finance questions, the answer to this one is short and simple: yes, waiting until April 1st to take your first RMD will affect the amount of your second year’s RMD. The IRS rules on required minimum distributions – RMDs – demand that anyone turning 73 in 2024 withdraw a certain minimum amount… read more…
- I’m 59 With $1.3 Million in a 401(k). Should I Convert $130,000 Per Year to a Roth to Avoid RMDs?
Converting a 401(k) into a Roth IRA can be appealing for several reasons. Not only can you make qualified withdrawals from Roth accounts tax-free, but Roth accounts are also exempt from required minimum distributions (RMDs.) That can give you more flexibility when withdrawing from your account in retirement and potentially save you money on taxes. If… read more…
- Guide to Retirement Planning for Millennials
Members of the Millennial generation face special challenges including high levels of student loan debt and inflated housing costs when it comes to planning for a secure retirement. However, by taking proactive steps now, Millennials can set themselves up for a comfortable and secure retirement. Keys include budgeting, saving and making the most of tax-advantaged… read more…
- We’re 66 With $1.4 Million in IRAs, and $4,100 Monthly From Social Security. What’s Our Retirement Budget?
Say that, as a married couple, you have $1.4 million in your IRAs and, at age 66, expect about $4,100 per month in Social Security. Based on some typical rules of thumb, you might be able to plan on about $108,000 per year of retirement income, but how much you actually need and will be… read more…
- What Is a Retirement Visa?
The allure of living abroad can promise a better climate, a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life, if you find the right country to move to in your golden years. But you can’t just pick up and move wherever you want, whenever you feel like it, without the required documentation. One… read more…
- What Is a Retirement Accumulation Plan?
The accumulation phase is the period in your working life when you’re saving money for retirement. It starts from your first paycheck and continues until you retire. During this phase, your primary objective is to grow your retirement savings through your contributions to retirement savings accounts, the selection of investments and the use of other… read more…
- 5 Tax Strategies for Your Retirement Income
Retirement planning can be complicated. But ignoring the tax consequences of your retirement income can take a bite out of your nest egg. Luckily, you can take a few strategic steps to minimize your tax liability. Here are five common strategies to consider. And, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, a financial advisor can… read more…
- 5 Ways to Increase Your Social Security Benefits
For many Americans, Social Security benefits make up significant part of their retirement income. Therefore, it’s important to understand which steps you can take to maximize your benefits. Whether you’re considering when to start claiming, how to build up your work history, or how working after retirement can affect your taxes, the choices you make… read more…
- I’m Planning to Get a $3,200 Monthly Social Security Benefit. How Can I Avoid Taxes?
More and more retirees are being taxed on Social Security benefits. Legislative changes over the decade have shaped the age of receipt, amount of benefits and taxation over the decades, meaning many Americans unexpectedly will face taxation on the public program paid into during their working years. For someone starting their Social Security benefits at… read more…
- I’m 65, Taking Social Security and Have $830,000 in a 401(k). Is It Too Late to Convert to a Roth IRA?
There is no age limit on Roth conversions, so you can transfer pre-tax savings into a Roth IRA regardless of your age or retirement status. As long as you have qualifying funds in a pre-tax portfolio, you can move them to an after-tax Roth account. A financial advisor can help you make important decision surrounding… read more…
- What Is a Life Insurance Annuity?
A life insurance annuity is a benefit payment option for a life insurance policy. If you are a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you may have the option to receive your payout in the form of a life insurance annuity. In this case, when the policyholder dies, the insurance company will place your payout… read more…
- Is it Wise to Convert 10% of My 401(k) into a Roth IRA Each Year to Avoid Taxes and RMDs?
A Roth IRA has a couple of significant advantages. Most notably, they allow your retirement savings to grow tax-free (as opposed to tax-deferred) and they have no required minimum distributions (RMDs). If your priority is to control your retirement savings, then a Roth IRA might be the right choice. However, Roth IRAs have their disadvantages… read more…
- I’m 55 With $1.2 Million in My 401(k). Would Catch-Up Contributions Be Worth It?
Catch-up contributions are designed to help people save extra money in tax-advantaged retirement accounts once they hit age 50. For many savers who are behind on their retirement savings goals, catch-up contributions represent a not-to-be-missed second chance at securing a more comfortable retirement. A financial advisor can help you plan and save for retirement. Connect… read more…
- I Want to Convert $920k from a 401(k) to a Roth IRA. How Can I Reduce Taxes?
Transferring funds from a 401(k) into a Roth IRA lets you make tax-free free withdrawals in retirement, avoids rules on mandatory distributions and adds flexibility for estate planning. However, when converting a large amount of money, the potential tax bill becomes a major issue. Fortunately, strategies exist that can reduce the tax bill significantly and… read more…
- A Successful Retirement May Hinge on Avoiding These Careless Mistakes
Deciding to retire can feel a bit unnerving. Retirees have plenty to potentially worry about – some of which they have no control over – like how the market will perform and how fast prices at the supermarket will increase. But regardless of the economic environment, simple mistakes can prove costly for retirees. Here are… read more…
- What Is a Retiree Reimbursement Arrangement?
Retiree reimbursement arrangements (RRAs) are a type of savings plan funded solely by employers to help their now retired former employees pay for medical expenses, including Medicare premiums and copays. While RRAs cater to the needs of retirees, active employees may find similar benefits in health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). A financial advisor can help you… read more…
- What Is a Trusteed IRA?
A trusteed IRA is a type of individual retirement account that is set up as a trust. This account can benefit those who want to have the tax advantages of a traditional IRA and the asset management of a trust. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know. If you need help deciding which… read more…
- 6 Financial Planning Tips for Retirees
The key to maximizing your retirement will depend on your ability to select financial planning resources that align with your specific goals and finances. Here are six general tips that can help you meet needs at every stage of your retirement planning. For help creating a long-term financial plan, consider working with a financial advisor.… read more…
- What to Know Before Hiring an Advisor for Your Retirement Plan
Financial advisors who offer retirement planning services play an important role in the financial services industry. From devising tax-efficient income strategies to managing investment portfolios with an eye on mitigating risks, these advisors work to ensure that your money lasts through your golden years. However, there’s a lot to consider before settling on a retirement… read more…