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.
Social Security Do-Overs: What Are the Options?
If you’re regretting the timing of starting Social Security, you may be able to rethink your strategy by restarting or suspending benefits.
Know the Biases That May Affect Your Investment Strategy
The best way to avoid investing bias is to learn how it commonly shows up—and to pursue an objective investment strategy.
Beyond Financial Planning: Finding Vibrant Living in Retirement
Finding meaning and purpose after your career is a common concern. Here, we share ideas from “Vibrant Living,” a TV segment about developing a healthy, happy retirement.
How to Avoid Overreliance on Social Security (While Making the Most of It)
It may be wise to plan for retirement without full Social Security, since projections indicate the future of the benefit is unpredictable.
Life Insurance in Retirement: Is it Necessary?
Determining whether you need life insurance in retirement can get complicated—and it depends on your unique situation. Let these questions guide you.
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.
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.
Immediate Fixed Income Annuity: Is It Right For You?
Immediate fixed-income annuities are often sold quoting an interest rate that is not available in certificates of deposit or bonds. Generally, the interest rate quoted far exceeds more traditional fixed-income products and is quite a lure to investors.
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.
It Takes Planning to Reduce Your Medicare Premiums
With appropriate income withdrawal strategies, a retiree can lessen their exposure to IRMAA surcharges.
The Importance of Reporting to Credit Agencies After Death
It is the responsibility of the surviving spouse or the estate’s executor to notify lenders on joint accounts, to close out accounts in the deceased’s name, and to notify the three major credit agencies.
Estate Planning Essentials Part 3: Protecting Beneficiaries from Themselves
Studies have shown that some heirs ultimately end up in worse financial shape after receiving an inheritance. This is so common that psychologists call it sudden wealth syndrome, although it is not an actual psychological diagnosis.
Six Retirement Tips That Should Go Away Forever
These misperceptions can end up costing you a lot of money, and more importantly, years of your life working for someone else rather than pursuing your passions.
Estate Planning Essentials Part 2: Are Trusts Needed for Minor Beneficiaries?
Trusts can be an essential part of your plan—but they are often complex and time-consuming to set up.
Power of Attorney Roadblocks: Can You Answer These Three Questions About Your POA?
You may be shocked to learn that new national and state laws may have prohibited your agent’s power to act.
Estate Planning Essentials Part 1: Take Time to Prepare the Heir
The mechanics of estate planning can be easy enough, but the big picture requires a lot of thought and soul searching.
Financial Challenges of Losing a Spouse in Retirement
Widows and widowers whose spouses were younger than 72 at the time of death need to examine their options carefully before rolling over their spouse’s IRA.
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.
