Blog posts from Rodgers & Associates on working with financial advisers, including how to find one, the different types, what “fee-only” advisers do differently, what to expect, and how to get the most from the relationship
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.
“It Won’t Happen to Me”: Why Scam Victims Are More Common Than You Think
When it comes to scams, most people have the same reaction: “I’d never fall for that.” We like to think we’re too smart, too cautious, or too experienced to be tricked. Yet, year after year,…
Are You Overspending in Retirement?
The 4% rule was developed taking economic downturns into account, and it has generally held up well during recent financial crises.
Ask the Adviser: What do I need to know about planning for long-term care?
If needed, long-term care is one of the pricier parts of retirement. But it can be even more expensive without a proper plan in place.
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.
Your 2024 Guide to Year-End Tax Planning
Reducing your tax liability means taking advantage of regulatory updates. We’ll look at some of the year’s tax law changes and opportunities.
Ask the Adviser: What are the benefits of using a donor-advised fund?
If charitable giving is part of your long-term financial plan, a donor-advised fund can help you tap into greater tax benefits and more easily direct your giving.
Ask the Adviser: Are my investment advisory fees tax deductible?
While it’s no longer possible to deduct advisory fees outright, we’ll explore other tax-efficient ways to cover them.
Ask the Adviser: Should I opt for an annuity inside my 401(k) plan?
An annuity creates an income stream while also incurring costs within the plan. We’ll evaluate the pros and cons.
Recapping Market Highlights and Most-Read Articles from 2023
This past year, we covered topics ranging from inflation and legislative changes to RMDs and asset allocation. Here is an overview.
Ask the Adviser: How long should I keep my financial documents?
The guidance varies depending on the document. We’ll look at what to consider with bank statements, tax returns, and other common file types.
A 10-Question Pop Quiz to Test Your Tax and Investment IQ
How much do you know about the tax implications of investing? This quiz tests your knowledge and gives you a chance to brush up on the basics.
Ask the Adviser: Is my portfolio well-diversified?
While there’s no magic formula for balancing a portfolio, there are some key factors to consider—from asset allocation to sector concentration.
What to Know When Investing in REITs
Real Estate Investment Trusts offer a way to invest in real estate without having to actually manage property. Yet it’s wise to understand the taxation first.
Ask the Adviser: What is ESG investing and why all the talk about it lately?
ESG ratings evaluate how socially conscious a company is, serving as guideposts for selective investors. And their impact is only growing.
The Pros and Cons of Self-Directing Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Account
While more investment choices may be appealing, there are some issues to be aware of before taking this direction.
You’ve Been Given the Chance to Retire Early—Now What?
You’ve brought in a regular income and made wise investments throughout your life. Now you’re facing the transition from generating income to drawing down your savings.
Ask the Adviser: How can I best maintain my financial plan?
Much like caring for a vehicle, financial planning is an ongoing process—not a once-and-done event.
Understanding RMDs Can Help You Save
Want to design a tax-efficient retirement? Learning how and when to take required minimum distributions (or RMDs) can be a key part of your overall strategy.
Are Roth Conversions Right for People Over 73?
Roth IRAs are not subject to RMD rules.
Learn These IRA Rules to Avoid Costly Penalties
Full of tricky timing concerns, the rules for IRA withdrawals are commonly misunderstood. Here, we explain five of them.
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.
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.
Ask the Adviser: Is it ever okay to sell investments during a bear market?
However, this doesn’t mean that you should never sell during a market decline. Here are three scenarios when doing so may be a shrewd move.
The Pros and Cons of Paying off Your Mortgage Early
Wondering whether to close out your home loan ahead of schedule? We’ll look at the benefits of doing this—and when it might be better to invest in bonds instead.
Ask the Adviser: What does the Inflation Reduction Act mean for my ACA subsidies?
The Inflation Reduction Act extends premium tax credits through 2025—and expands who’s eligible.
What’s a Bond Ladder and How Does It Work?
This strategy of diversifying bonds can help smooth out the ups and downs of the market.
How to Make the Most of a Downturn
When the market is in decline, we take these proactive steps with our clients.
Every Retiree Needs a Spending Plan: Here’s Where to Start
Less restrictive than budgeting, spending plans are a proactive and flexible way to anticipate cash needs in retirement.
Creating a Steady Paycheck in Retirement
Learn how a combination of outside income, investments, and retirement accounts can help cover regular expenses.
Hardship Withdrawals – What are the Real Costs?
Withdrawing money early from a retirement account is meant to be a last resort—and can come with consequences. Make sure you know these penalties and exemptions first.
Should I Consult with a Financial Adviser?
An adviser can help you balance today’s wants with tomorrow’s needs. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether to partner with one.
Using the New Three-Legged Stool™ Strategy to Support the Weight of Your Income
Protecting your portfolio from avoidable income tax is key to creating a sound income strategy for retirement.
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.
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.
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.
Why is Time-Weighted Return a Good Way to Track Performance in Retirement?
Learn why we use time-weighted return as a reporting metric and see how it gives you an accurate picture of portfolio changes over time.
Do You Have an Accurate Vision of Retirement? If You Don’t Know Where You Are Going, It’s Going to Be Hard to Get There.
Retirement is not a date on a calendar; it is a journey that begins before our working career ends.
How to Legally Transfer After-Tax Money into a Tax-Free Roth IRA
Understand your path for rolling after-tax money in employer-sponsored plans to a Roth IRA and the rules that need to be considered to complete this transaction properly.
What You Need to Know About RMDs
Many clients have questions about when they need to withdraw money from their IRAs and what the rules are for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Learn how to evaluate distribution options and avoid penalties that arise when RMDs are not met.
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.
What is the Rodgers & Associates Financial Planning Process?
Our approach to retirement planning combines the seven-step process outlined by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards with our own unique focus on maximizing tax efficiency, managing risk, and minimizing expenses throughout retirement.
As You Approach Retirement, How You Save is Extremely Important
In planning for retirement, how you save is just as important as how much you save. Learn how you can save tax-efficiently by diversifying your assets across accounts that are taxed differently.
Dos and Don’ts of Retirement Planning
Use these tips and strategies about spending, saving, and asset allocation to reach your retirement goals.
2 Ways to Help Children and Grandchildren Financially…Without Spoiling Them
We all start out life by working for money. The goal should be to put some of the money we work for aside regularly and invest it.
Is Your Adviser Worthy of Your Trust?
It’s not enough to connect with your financial adviser. Use these 10 questions to find a financial adviser you can trust with your finances.
Don’t Lose Track of Your Previous Employer Retirement Plans
When changing jobs, you may have choices to make about your retirement money. The choices will depend on your age and the type of plan you are in, as well as the rules of the plan.
Are Retirement Funds Exempt from Creditors, Including the IRS?
The government encourages retirement savings by allowing taxpayers to make qualified contributions to retirement accounts on a tax-deferred basis.
Thinking of Helping Out Your Adult Child(ren) Financially? You Might Not be Helping.
A recent study1 conducted for Northwestern Mutual found one in three Baby Boomers (33%), the generation closest to retirement age, have less than $25,000 in retirement savings.
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…
How To Avoid Being Double Taxed On Your After-Tax IRA Contributions
The primary goal of income tax planning is to pay the least amount of tax possible. Good tax planning should include avoiding paying tax on the same income twice. One…
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…
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…
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…
Teach Your Children Well – Or They Are Likely to Waste Their Inheritance
Studies estimate the baby boom generation is set to inherit $11.6 trillion over the next 20 years from their parents. The baby boomers are expected to pass on as much…
