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
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.
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.
It Takes Planning to Reduce Your Medicare Premiums
With appropriate income withdrawal strategies, a retiree can lessen their exposure to IRMAA surcharges.
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.
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.
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.
Other Ways to Utilize Savings in a 529 Plan Without a Penalty
The good news is that there are plenty of legitimate options to avoid the penalties and taxes.
Designing the Ideal Retirement: Keep Doing What You Love, Eliminate the Rest
Could a happy retirement still include working, but only doing the parts of our jobs we enjoy?
Becoming Financially Independent Part 3: Build Your New Three-Legged Stool™ and Help It Grow
It’s just as important to diversify how funds are saved as it is to diversify how they are invested.
Becoming Financially Independent Part 2: Do Not Disturb Accumulation, Do Not Overlook Consolidation
Do not spend money that has been accumulated for financial independence. Invading long-term savings extends the time it will take to achieve a goal.
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.
Becoming Financially Independent, Part 1: Where to Start
Time is the most important word in our investment vocabulary. If financial independence is the goal, starting today beats waiting until tomorrow.
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.
