Ask the Adviser: How are Assets in My IRA Different Than Other Assets in my Estate?
IRAs are subject to their own set of rules, and those rules can be complex. Here’s what to know at a high level.
What is Form 5498, and why did I receive it so late?
Form 5498 must be mailed to the IRS by May 31. However, because IRA contributions can be made up until April 15, you might not receive Form 5498 until after Tax Day.
Ask the Adviser: What’s the difference between premium bonds and discount bonds?
Bonds can be sold on the secondary market for more—or less—than par value. That sale price separates a “premium” from a “discount” bond.
Are You an Investor—or a Speculator?
When you purchase gold, cryptocurrencies, or art, you own an asset you hope will appreciate—without any real idea if it will.
Are You Overspending in Retirement?
The 4% rule was developed taking economic downturns into account, and it has generally held up well during recent financial crises.
Should You Do a Roth Conversion?
Deciding to convert to a Roth IRA doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Let your tax bracket be your guide when determining the amount to convert.
Ask the Adviser: How Can I Guide My Grandchildren to Make Smart Money Choices?
Here are three practical ways to lead those who lack some of the financial skills you’ve gained in your lifetime.
Your 2024 Guide to Year-End Tax Planning
Reducing your tax liability means taking advantage of regulatory updates. We’ll look at some of the year’s tax law changes and opportunities.
Don’t Overlook HSAs as a Retirement Savings Vehicle
It’s a little-known fact that health savings accounts can provide an excellent way to save, invest, and take distributions—without paying taxes.
Ask the Adviser: What’s predicted to happen with bonds in 2024?
The Fed is slated to cut interest rates, which may likely raise bond prices. Here’s what to know.
How to Reduce (or Avoid!) Taxes on Social Security Benefits
These five strategies can minimize the taxes you’ll pay on Social Security and help extend the life of your nest egg.
Retirement Savings and How to Make Time Work for You
Younger generations are lagging behind on target goals for retirement savings. Here, we will look at some simple strategies for catching up.
Ask the Adviser: Should I opt for an annuity inside my 401(k) plan?
An annuity creates an income stream while also incurring costs within the plan. We’ll evaluate the pros and cons.
Recapping Market Highlights and Most-Read Articles from 2023
This past year, we covered topics ranging from inflation and legislative changes to RMDs and asset allocation. Here is an overview.
A 10-Question Pop Quiz to Test Your Tax and Investment IQ
How much do you know about the tax implications of investing? This quiz tests your knowledge and gives you a chance to brush up on the basics.
Ask the Adviser: Is my portfolio well-diversified?
While there’s no magic formula for balancing a portfolio, there are some key factors to consider—from asset allocation to sector concentration.
What to Know When Investing in REITs
Real Estate Investment Trusts offer a way to invest in real estate without having to actually manage property. Yet it’s wise to understand the taxation first.
Ask the Adviser: What is ESG investing and why all the talk about it lately?
ESG ratings evaluate how socially conscious a company is, serving as guideposts for selective investors. And their impact is only growing.
The Pros and Cons of Self-Directing Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Account
While more investment choices may be appealing, there are some issues to be aware of before taking this direction.
Ask the Adviser: How do I know if my investments are insured?
As an investor, you do not need to worry if you’re covered—if you have your investments through a SIPC member brokerage firm, coverage is automatic.
