Articles Index
2010 IRA Contribution Limits
Most retirement plan limits have not changed due to a lack of significant inflation. Learn what you need to know about IRAs, Roth IRAs, contributions, and conversions.
2010 401K Contribution Limits
Benefit from the 2010 401(k) contribution limits by taking maximum advantage of this powerful tax-deferred retirement plan.
Your 401K Match - Maximize Your 401K Match
Taking advantage of an employer's 401K match is a critical piece of proper retirement planning. This company match provides you with the opportunity to receive free money into your retirement plan.
IRA Withdrawals
An IRA withdrawal is any distribution from your individual retirement account. It's critical to understand how your distribution will affect your financial future, both from tax and retirement planning perspectives.
2009 IRA Contribution Limits
Many retirement plan limits have changed. Some have not. Learn what you need to know about IRAs, Roth IRAs, contributions, and conversions.
401(k) Limits - 2009
Learn the 2009 401(k) contribution limits so you can take maximum advantage of this powerful tax-deferred retirement plan.
Calculate Your Social Security Benefits
Learn the two components of calculating your Social Security Benefits: your earnings history and the age you retire. Understand the impact your normal retirement age has on your retirement benefit too.
Should You Have a Mortgage During Retirement?
The lure of a mortgage-free retirement is attractive. Learn the considerations for eliminating what's likely to be your largest bill in retirement.
Benefits of an IRA Rollover
An IRA rollover is an effective way to simplify your retirement planning while giving you more investment choices and extending your tax deferral.
Medicare Part B Premiums - Varying By Income
Medicare premiums, for 5% of America's retirees, are higher than the rest of us. Could you be paying more? How much more?
Gifting in a Down Market - Lower Your Future Estate Tax
Although no one likes to see the value of their assets decline, there is an upside - gifting more for less.
Contributing to a 401(k) and a Roth IRA -You Can Do It!
"Can I Contribute to a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?" is a common question. The answer is almost always yes. Learn the details.
Gift Taxes - Who Pays the Gift Tax?
Although gift tax is very straightforward, those with high asset levels need to follow the rules or risk paying tax unnecessarily.
Roth 401(k) - Saving For Retirement Tax-Free
Roth 401(k)s bring together the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA and the higher contribution limits of a 401(k). Yet a Roth IRA contribution lowers your net pay in a way a regular 401(k) does not. Learn what to consider when evaluating a Roth 401(k).
When You're Over The Limit - Non Deductible IRA Contributions
Due to certain income limits, not every worker is eligible to make a deductible contribution to a regular IRA. A subset of this group may be permitted to make a contribution to a Roth IRA. Still others will be prohibited from doing either. Enter the non-deductible regular IRA contribution. Learn the ins, outs, and implications of a non-deductible IRA contribution.
Roth IRA Distributions - Use A Roth IRA Distribution as an Emergency Fund?
The use of Roth IRA distributions as an emergency fund is a noteworthy concept. Nonetheless, it is fraught with significant disadvantages including negative tax and retirement planning consequences. Learn what to consider whenever you take a Roth IRA distribution, be it before or during retirement.
Health Savings Accounts - Is An HSA Another Retirement Plan?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) can be an important part of your retirement planning. Coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), an HSA can provide you with tax-free growth on qualified medical expenses and tax-deferred growth on the excess. Learn more about how an HSA might help you achieve your retirement goals.
Long Term Care Insurance - How Will You Pay for Any Long Term Care Costs?
Long term care insurance is an important consideration for anyone approaching or already in retirement? What is your plan for possible long term care? Does insurance play a role? Should it?
All About Medicare - Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D
Due to the rising cost of health care, Medicare is a critical and growing component of retirement planning. Learn about the alphabet soup of Medicare Parts.
How Much Can You Safely Withdraw From Your Retirement Account Each Year?
What is the real safe withdrawal rate? Many experts feel withdrawing 4% of your initial retirement account balance, then adjusting annually for inflation is the right amount. But such a straightforward approach does leave us with some pretty illogical conclusions. Learn what to consider when contemplating what you can afford to spend in retirement.
Can’t Afford to Retire Yet? A Delayed Retirement May Be The Solution
Many people seek to retire at age 62 but can't actually afford to retire so young. While not necessarily the most attractive step, the action most likely to be successful is to delay the date you retire. A three year delay can mean up to a third more available to you after you retire.
Social Security – How to Borrow from Social Security Interest-Free
Learn how an unusual quirk in Social Security allows retirees to take an interest-free loan from Social Security.
Retirement Savings - How Much is Enough?
When planning for retirement, one of the most challenging questions is "How much savings do I need?" Although there's no one-size-fits-all answer, there are numerous savings considerations. Learn what to think about and how to incorporate your personal goals into your individual retirement savings plan. It's much easier to save when you know what you're saving for!
Calculating the Value of Your Estate – Estate Tax Value
Despite all the changes in the estate tax, the method for calculating the value of your estate has remained consistent. Do you know that many accounts that are not subject to income tax might be subject to estate tax?
Retirement Planning Has Changed – How to Plan for the New Retirement
The decline of defined benefit pensions and the uncertainty surrounding Social Security are just two of the various important changes to today's retirement compared to a generation ago. Learn what you can and should do about the new retirement. Your retirement planning must change.