Avoiding the Unpleasant Surprise of a Mutual Fund Capital Gain Distribution
Capital gain distributions from mutual funds can create unexpected tax bills—especially when investing in taxable accounts near year-end. Understanding realized gains, unrealized gains, and distribution timing can help investors avoid costly surprises.
Ask the Adviser: If I don’t have earned income can I Fund my Retirement Accounts Based on my Spouse’s Income?
If you don’t have earned income of your own, you might think your path to retirement savings is blocked. However, if you are married and filing a joint return, your spouse’s income can unlock the door to your own IRA. Whether you are looking to catch up on savings or protect your assets from future medical costs, the “Spousal IRA” is a powerful wealth-building tool you should be using.
New Year, New Tax Laws
Two major tax law changes take effect in 2026—charitable deductions for non-itemizers and mandatory Roth catch-up contributions. Here’s what they mean for your retirement plan.
Ask the Adviser: What are my Annuity Payout Options?
Understanding how and when to take income from a non-qualified annuity
is essential—especially as contracts approach maturity. Learn the key payout
options, tax considerations, and questions to review before making a final
decision.
The Three Ghosts of Retirement (Past, Present, and Future)
Your retirement is personal, but it’s easy to worry if it’s as secure as it could be. Inspired by *A Christmas Carol*, we explore the three “ghosts” that haunt retirees: taxes, inflation, and sequence of returns. Learn how planning can drive away these common fears.
Ask the Adviser: What are Some Common Estate Planning Mistakes?
You’ve worked hard to build your nest egg. But are you sure your legacy is secure? Many people make critical errors by assuming a Will covers everything or by missing key tax-saving opportunities. Here are three common estate planning mistakes to avoid.
Ask the Adviser: What is the Difference Between Capital Gains and Capital Gains Distributions?
Many investors are surprised to learn that mutual funds can trigger taxable gains even when nothing is sold. This article explains the difference between capital gains and capital gains distributions—and how choosing the proper investment structure can help reduce surprise taxes.
Ask the Advisor: Should You Name Your Estate as Your IRA Beneficiary?
IRA beneficiary rules can be tricky. The wrong choice may trigger taxes, probate costs, and delays. Learn expert retirement planning advice to protect your heirs.
The Risks of Adding Your Child to Your Home’s Deed
Thinking of adding your child to your home’s deed to avoid probate or taxes? It might backfire. Explore the legal, tax, and family risks—and safer alternatives.
5 Things Retirees Should Know about “the Big Beautiful Bill”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces tax law changes that may reshape your retirement financial planning. From enhanced deductions to estate exemption increases, here’s what retirees need to know now.
The Enhanced Senior Deduction: A Big, Beautiful Deduction for Retirees
The “One Big Beautiful Bill: introduced several significant changes. Along with permanently extended current tax rates and increasing standard deduction, one key provision stands out for retirees: The Enhanced Senior Deduction.…
Five Strategies for Gifting to Adult Children
Giving your children money during your lifetime can be helpful for them and fulfilling for you. There’s a delicate balance, though.
How do I fix a missed RMD?
RMD rules can be highly complex, and it’s easy to make mistakes by taking the wrong RMD amount, taking an RMD from the wrong account, or missing an RMD altogether.
Ask the Adviser: Is my CCRC entrance fee tax deductible?
It depends on the type of contract you sign with your community.
Three Questions to Ask When Inheriting an IRA in 2025
The distribution rules for inherited IRAs can be very confusing. Here, we look at three key questions to help you see through the fog and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.
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.
Which Retirement Accounts Allow Qualified Charitable Distributions?
Other accounts with RMD requirements include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s. So, can QCDs be made from these accounts?
Ask the Adviser: Are Gifts to Children Tax-Deductible?
Although gifts to individuals are not tax deductible, you can get a partial deduction for money that will eventually go to your children.
Ask the Adviser: How can I start planning a tax-efficient 2025?
While we can’t be certain about all the possible changes, we do know that some legislation passed in previous years will begin to take effect in January.
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.
