Articles Index
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
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?
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 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.
Want to Retire But Can’t Afford to Retire? Working Longer 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.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust – Avoiding The Estate Tax Through an ILIT
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is an important estate planning document for individuals meeting certain criteria. Learn the relative advantages and disadvantages of an irrevocable life insurance trust including potential estate tax savings and the forfeiture of future flexibility.
No Required Minimum Distribution Necessary in 2009 – 2009 RMD Not Required
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) were suspended for 2009. However, those turning 70 1/2 during 2008 must still take their first distribution by April 1, 2009. Learn the occasionally counter-intuitive effects of this quickly-passed legislation.
Revocable Living Trust - Avoiding Probate Using a Revocable Living Trust
While it's important to have a will, a revocable living trust is often more meaningful in assuring that your affairs go smoothly and as you planned after you pass on. Learn about the advantages of a revocable living trust.
COLA – Social Security and Cost of Living Adjustments
One of the most valuable parts of your Social Security benefit is your cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA). It is the Social Security COLA that allows for protection from inflation over the long-term.
IRA Rollovers - How to Avoid Mandatory Withholding
401K to IRA rollovers are a fairly straightforward process as long as you make it clear of your intentions. However, if you take a distribution and then decide to do an IRA rollover, your job jut got harder thanks to mandatory withholding. Learn how to avoid the 20% mandatory withholding.
Whole Life Insurance and Retirement Planning
Learn when it might make sense to use life insurance as part of your retirement plan.
Safe Investing - Retirement Planning Safe Investing
Safe investing through cash, cash equivalents, and fixed income is increasingly important as you get close to or enter retirement. Still, the advantages of greater security from safe investing are somewhat offset but the greater risk inflation presents.
Saving For Retirement - Save Taxes Today For a Prosperous Future Tomorrow
Saving for retirement during your working career is a necessary step to achieve financial independence. Take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you by saving for retirement.
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.
401K Withdrawals
Every 401K withdrawal affects your taxes and your future retirement planning. Make sure to consider these implications and others concerns whenever contemplating a distribution from your plan.
Roth IRA – Five-Year Rule for Distributions
To benefit from the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA, you must keep your assets in your account for five years after your initial contribution. Like with other fun tax rules, five years can actually go by a lot quicker. Learn how.
Life Expectancy and Required Minimum Distributions
Shortly after your 70th birthday, you will be forced to begin withdrawing money from your 401K and regular IRA. The exact minimum withdrawal mandates is called your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Learn how to calculate your RMD and view the Uniform Life Expectancy tables.
Retirement Planning In Your Thirties – A Great Time to Increase Your Retirement
Retirement planning in your thirties presents the true need to save more with the competing realities of increased expenses due to a growing family. Before the college bills come due, increase the amount you save for retirement and keep an eye on appropriate long-term investment strategies.