David Rodeck
David is a financial freelance writer based out of Delaware. He specializes in making investing, insurance and retirement planning understandable. He has been published in Kiplinger, Forbes and U.S. News, and also writes for clients like American Express, LendingTree and Prudential. He is currently Treasurer for the Financial Writers Society.
Before becoming a writer, David was an insurance salesman and registered representative for New York Life. During that time, he passed both the Series 6 and CFP exams. David graduated from McGill University with degrees in Economics and Finance where he was also captain of the varsity tennis team.
Latest articles by David Rodeck
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10 Things You Should Know About Life Insurance
A collection of information about life insurance
By David Rodeck • Published
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401(k) Plans: 10 Things You Should Know
Retirement When it comes to 401(k) plans, it's your money. But your boss and the government make the rules. 10 things you should know.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Annuities: 10 Things You Should Know
Love ’em or hate ’em, annuities are back. And as always, there's plenty you should know before getting an annuity for yourself.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Managing Your Stock Market Psychology
You can remain steady even though the stock market may feel like a roller coaster. Your emotions don’t have to rule your wallet.
By David Rodeck • Published
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The 4% Rule Gets a Closer Look
The go-to rule for retirement spending was created 28 years ago. Things have changed since then.
By David Rodeck • Last updated
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The Six Best Ways to Give to Charity (And Cut Your Tax Bill)
Giving your money to charity doesn’t have to be a totally selfless act. It can also be a way to keep the tax collector’s hands out of your pocket or away from your heirs.
By David Rodeck • Published
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6 of the Worst Assets to Inherit
inheritance Leaving these assets to loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. How to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
By David Rodeck • Last updated
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What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
By David Rodeck • Published
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As the Market Falls, New Retirees Need a Plan
retirement If you’re in the early stages of your retirement, you’re likely in a rough spot watching your portfolio shrink. We have some strategies to make the best of things.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Make the Most of a Roth's Back Door
Financial Planning A workaround for the Roth IRA income restrictions enables wealthier individuals to to earn tax-free income. But how long will that back door remain open?
By David Rodeck • Published
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Does an Annuity Belong in a 401(k)?
Making Your Money Last Unlike pensions, 401(k)s place the risk of outliving savings squarely on the retiree's shoulders. Find out what's right for you.
By David Rodeck • Published
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8 Must-Know Facts About Your Social Security Benefits
Making Your Money Last What you don't understand about Social Security could cost you. Here are key facts worth knowing.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Estate Planning: A Special Trust for Special Needs Children
Caregiving Special needs trusts can help fund quality-of-life improvements for the beneficiary, such as a phone, a trip or a private room in a group care facility.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Short-Term Insurance Plans' Good, Bad and Ugly
retirement You'll need a clear-eyed analysis to gauge the value of short-term care insurance plans and if they're right for you.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Retirees, Here's How to Make a Medigap Switch to Save Money
Making Your Money Last You want to find the best Medicare medigap plan for your budget. Sometimes that means changing things up. Here's some guidance.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Build an Inflation Hedge Around Retirement
Financial Planning Inflation brings two headaches for retirees: stretching a fixed income to meet rapidly rising prices and investing a retirement savings portfolio so that it keeps pace with the higher cost of living. Here are some strategies to avoid the pain.
By David Rodeck • Published
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6 Reasons to Avoid a Self-Directed IRA
self directed IRA These specialized retirement accounts let investors do things they can't in an ordinary IRA, like invest directly in alternative assets. But this opportunity also comes with these risks.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Don't Fall for That Life Insurance Ad on TV
life insurance A 30-second commercial is unlikely to fully explain the pros and cons of a life insurance product. Here's a better way to find the right insurance for you.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Retirees, Here's What to Consider When Buying an Annuity
annuities Annuities are sometimes touted as a solution for retirees concerned about outliving their savings. But these products can be complicated.
By David Rodeck • Published
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New Year's Resolutions to Set Retirees Up for a Successful 2022
happy retirement Here are five goals that will help you strengthen your finances and save more money.
By David Rodeck • Published
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6 of the Best Assets to Inherit
inheritance If you really want to help your heirs out, these are some of the best assets to leave them.
By David Rodeck • Published
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5 of the Best Financial Gifts for Grandkids
gift ideas If you've been giving your grandchildren cash for the holidays, now is a good time to rethink that. There are other financial gifts that will help teach them the value of money and set them up for life.
By David Rodeck • Published
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Retirees, Get an Upfront Tax Break for Delayed Charitable Giving
Charity A donor-advised fund allows you to deduct your contributions on your tax return today while postponing the actual charitable donations until later.
By David Rodeck • Published
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How to Find a Lost Retirement Account
Financial Planning A national database to find forgotten 401(k)s and pensions could be on the way, but savers should take action now to locate any missing retirement accounts.
By David Rodeck • Published