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.
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.
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.
Phase 1 of the AGILE Retirement Journey
Did you know a critical phase of retirement begins 10 years out? We’ll go over what you need to do in phase one on this edition of Project Wealth.
Phase 2 of the AGILE Retirement Journey
Preparing for retirement might be the single biggest financial challenge people face. We’ll cover planning at the beginning of your retirement journey on this edition of Project Wealth.
Phase 3 of the AGILE Retirement Journey
Transitioning from work to retirement might be the biggest financial challenge people face. We’ll cover planning during Phase 3 of your retirement journey on this edition of Project Wealth.
High Earners: Maximize Your 401(k) Match Using This Simple Tool
Don’t leave money on the table.
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?
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.
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.
Passive Investing: Index Mutual Funds vs. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
The difference can be summed up in two words: intraday trading. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs can be bought and sold anytime throughout the day.
Evaluating Where to Retire: Pennsylvania Vs. Surrounding States
Affordability, access to healthcare, climate, and culture are just some of the important factors to consider before moving to another state.
529 Plans: Know the Rules for K‑12 and College Qualified Expenses
529 plans can be a good option for both college and K‑12 savings. But to avoid paying taxes or early withdrawal penalties, it’s vitally important to keep up with any changes to the rules.
Are Pennsylvanians Saving Enough for Retirement?
Only 51% of Pennsylvanians have tried to figure out how much they need to save for retirement—and just 31% are satisfied with their current financial condition.
