More Ways to Lessen the Impact of the SECURE Act
Here, we offer further strategies for heirs of retirement accounts to maximize the after-tax value of their funds.
What’s a Bond Ladder and How Does It Work?
This strategy of diversifying bonds can help smooth out the ups and downs of the market.
Follow This Formula When Converting an IRA to a Roth
Here, we break down the IRS pro-rata rule—a calculation that helps distinguish pre-tax and after-tax funds.
Hardship Withdrawals – What are the Real Costs?
Withdrawing money early from a retirement account is meant to be a last resort—and can come with consequences. Make sure you know these penalties and exemptions first.
You Inherited an IRA under the SECURE Act—Now What?
Follow these strategies to design a distribution plan with tax efficiency in mind.
You May Be Able to Reduce the Taxes from Inherited Assets
If you’re the beneficiary of retirement accounts or other inherited assets, it pays to learn about the IRD deduction.
Learn These IRA Rules to Avoid Costly Penalties
Full of tricky timing concerns, the rules for IRA withdrawals are commonly misunderstood. Here, we explain five of them.
Using the New Three-Legged Stool™ Strategy to Support the Weight of Your Income
Protecting your portfolio from avoidable income tax is key to creating a sound income strategy for retirement.
Know the Tax Consequences of Your Hobby
Is that new pursuit a hobby or a business? Learn the difference and follow the corresponding tax rules to avoid penalties.
You missed an RMD—now what?
The rules surrounding Required Minimum Distributions are complicated and missing them can be costly. If you have made an error, follow these steps to amend it and seek a penalty waiver
What to Know Before Drawing Social Security Benefits
Deciding when to begin Social Security benefits is complicated. Weighing these factors, and running careful tax projections, can help.
How the New Three-Legged Stool™ Strategy Helps Reduce Taxes in Retirement
Learn how diversifying your taxability (not just investments) is key to creating a sound retirement plan.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Follow the Rules to Avoid Costly Penalties
Taxpayers reaching age 72 should be aware that a portion of the funds in their retirement accounts starts to become taxable each year—and pitfalls are common.
Consider These Three Factors Prior to Drawing Social Security Benefits
Keep in mind that claiming Social Security benefits before FRA results in a permanent reduction in the benefit amount, whether you are claiming spousal benefits or your own.
The Differences Between Estate and Inheritance Taxes
Estate tax is levied against someone’s estate upon death and is based on the size of the total estate. Inheritance tax is levied against the heirs of an estate.
9 Retirement Decisions You’ll Want To Make With a Specialist
It’s wise to use an adviser whose primary focus is on strategies that maximize the retirement experience.
I Just Inherited an IRA From My Parent. Now What?
The new rule for adults who inherit an IRA from their parents in 2020 and beyond is that they must liquidate that account within 10 years.
7 Steps to Take When You Inherit an IRA
When Inheriting an IRA there are complex rules you will need to follow to avoid costly errors.
Common Traps That Could Catch Early Retirees
Until you reach age 59 ½, attempting to access tax-deferred retirement accounts could trigger taxes and penalties.
12 Ways to Avoid a Penalty on Early Withdrawals
If money is taken from an IRA before age 59 1/2, a 10% excise tax penalty is applied to the amounts withdrawn—unless it meets one of the twelve exceptions.