How the Death of a Spouse Affects Taxes and Retirement Income
Many people mistakenly believe their expenses will be half as much as a widow(er) than as a couple. This is true of some expenses, like food and clothing. However, larger expenses related…
What is the IRS Form 1040-SR?
House Republicans boasted their 2017 tax reform would simplify taxes to the point that taxpayers would be able to file a return on a postcard. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)…
The Pros and Cons of Retiring in Pennsylvania
It’s a great place to retire, but can be an expensive place to have an estate.
Under TCJA, can Investment Advisory Fees Still have a Tax Benefit?
Many taxpayers have filed their returns for 2017 and are grateful tax season is behind them. Tax planning for 2018 is probably one of the last things they want to…
Follow the Rules When Rolling Over Your Pension to an IRA
Many companies are closing out their pension plans, giving workers the opportunity to roll them over to an IRA or another plan. This situation was created by the high cost…
When and Why You Should Convert an IRA to a Roth
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) eliminated the ability to use recharacterization to reverse the conversion of a Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. The process of undoing a Roth…
Means Testing Social Security: What We Know Right Now
Means testing could take the form of more income taxes, a reduction in benefits, a surtax or some other method.
How We Choose Funds for our Clients’ Investment Portfolios
The Dow Jones Industrial Average has just passed 23,000 as I am writing this newsletter. Clients typically ask if there are any good places to invest, and this topic comes up…
What Does It Mean to Be a “Retirement Specialist”?
The Rodgers & Associates logo includes “The Retirement Specialists.” The home page of our website says we “specialize in financial planning for those who are retired or expect to retire within…
Don’t Retire Broke!
The New Three-Legged Stool A Tax-efficient Approach to Retirement Planning was published in June of 2009. People had been told for years that they would be in a lower tax bracket…
Consider all of your alternatives before starting a foundation
The Clinton Foundation has been in the news lately. The former President of the United States, William J. Clinton, started the foundation in 1997. It is the nonprofit corporation used…
Retirement Withdrawal Mistake #1: Killing the Goose that Lays Golden Eggs
Withdrawing extra funds from your retirement account can diminish your future income stream.
Differences Between Spousal and Survivor Benefits, Explained
What you need to know about spousal and survivor benefits.
Organize Your Financial Documents with These 10 Helpful Categories
Save time, Save money, Save headaches!
Variable Annuities: How To Evaluate Whether You Should Keep One
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to meet prospective clients who attended an “informational” seminar, got a nice steak dinner, and ultimately purchased an annuity that may cost them thousands of dollars…
How To Avoid Paying Taxes Twice on the Same Income
What’s worse than paying income taxes? Paying taxes on the same income twice. Before putting away your 2015 tax folder, make sure your return contained Form 8606 if you have…
What Those Extra Letters on Your Medicare Card Mean
Clients often ask us about the meaning of the letter suffix on their Medicare card. Your Medicare number (also called Medicare Claim Number) is usually your Social Security number followed…
Follow the Rules When Rolling Over Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan
Know your options and follow these rules to help prevent costly rollover mistakes.
7 Steps To Follow When You Receive a Pension Buyout Offer
Nearly 200 companies have made significant changes to their pension plans over the past 10 years. Plan terminations, freezes and benefit formula adjustments are some of the changes companies are…
Could You Be Obligated To Pay a Parent’s Nursing Home Bills?
Pennsylvania’s Superior Court ruled in Savoy v. Savoy that an indigent mother could sue her adult son to pay her overdue nursing home bills. The case was decided in 1994…
