
The Basics of Required Minimum Distributions: 12 Things You Must Know About RMDs

Financial Planning
The Basics of Required Minimum Distributions: 12 Things You Must Know About RMDs
Retirement savers who are 72 must start withdrawing funds from tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Here’s what you need to know about required minimum…
March 4, 2021
Traditional IRA Basics: 10 Things You Must Know

Basics
Traditional IRA Basics: 10 Things You Must Know
A traditional IRA can be a powerful retirement-savings tool but you need to understand contribution limits, RMDs, rules for beneficiaries under the SE…
January 29, 2021
Alternate Strategies for Stretch IRA

retirement
Alternate Strategies for Stretch IRA
There are still moves that IRA owners can make to help ease the transfer of their legacy to their chosen beneficiaries and save some money from the ta…
March 3, 2020
The Costly Danger of Putting Extra Money in Your IRA

IRAs
The Costly Danger of Putting Extra Money in Your IRA
Uncle Sam will sock you with an annual penalty until you fix your mistake.
January 15, 2020
A Retiree’s Guide to Key Dates in 2020

retirement
A Retiree’s Guide to Key Dates in 2020
Now is the time to assess your financial situation, look ahead and mark your calendar.
December 24, 2019
Retirees, Cover Your Trip and Your Health, Too

retirement
Retirees, Cover Your Trip and Your Health, Too
Travel insurance may protect you if have to cancel or interrupt a trip, or if you get sick while on the road.
December 18, 2019
Medicare Part B Premiums Climb for 2020

Medicare
Medicare Part B Premiums Climb for 2020
High-income retirees will experience the biggest changes.
November 13, 2019
Proposed RMD Rules Would Trim Mandated Distributions for Retirees

required minimum distributions (RMDs)
Proposed RMD Rules Would Trim Mandated Distributions for Retirees
Ways to get your voice heard on possible new life expectancy tables that would affect your money.
November 12, 2019
End-of-Year Moves to Trim Your 2019 Tax Tab

tax deductions
End-of-Year Moves to Trim Your 2019 Tax Tab
It's time to look for last-minute moves that can shrink your 2019 tax bill. But the end of the year is coming fast, so don't procrastinate.
November 8, 2019
Secure Act Threatens 'Stretch' IRA Rules That Benefit Heirs

retirement
Secure Act Threatens 'Stretch' IRA Rules That Benefit Heirs
Some retirees are concerned about a provision that could require heirs to empty inherited retirement accounts within 10 years and pay a lot more in ta…
October 21, 2019
IRA Aggregation Rule: When Many IRAs Become One

IRAs
IRA Aggregation Rule: When Many IRAs Become One
Manage withdrawals from multiple retirement accounts carefully to avoid surprises (and penalties).
September 30, 2019
Protecting Retirement Accounts from Creditors

IRAs
Protecting Retirement Accounts from Creditors
Degrees of legal protection differ for 401(k)s and IRAs.
September 3, 2019
Heirs Can Use NUA Tax Break for Inherited 401(k)s

retirement
Heirs Can Use NUA Tax Break for Inherited 401(k)s
This tax-saving move will result in more money in your pocket if you inherit employer stock.
September 2, 2019
Time Claims to Maximize Social Security Benefits

retirement
Time Claims to Maximize Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits have long been a critical part of Americans’ retirement income plans.
July 29, 2019
IRS Remodels the 1040 for 2019

taxes
IRS Remodels the 1040 for 2019
The IRS is reducing the number of schedules and improving the form to make it less confusing.
July 17, 2019
10 Things You Must Know About Social Security

social security
10 Things You Must Know About Social Security
For many Americans, Social Security benefits are the bedrock of retirement income.
July 17, 2019
IRS Releases Draft Form of New 1040 Tailored for Seniors

retirement
IRS Releases Draft Form of New 1040 Tailored for Seniors
Easier-to-read form highlights retirement income streams and other tax benefits for citizens 65 and older.
July 15, 2019
Taking Advantage of Higher QLAC Limits in 2019

retirement
Taking Advantage of Higher QLAC Limits in 2019
You'll need to crunch some numbers before you contribute more toward your qualified longevity annuity contract for retirement.
July 3, 2019
7 Midyear Moves Retirees Can Make to Trim 2019 Tax Tabs

retirement
7 Midyear Moves Retirees Can Make to Trim 2019 Tax Tabs
As July Fourth nears, there are fireworks to enjoy and cookouts to attend.
June 26, 2019
Secure Act Calls for Changes to IRAs, RMDs

IRAs
Secure Act Calls for Changes to IRAs, RMDs
Nixing the age cap for contributions and raising the age to start required minimum distributions could affect workers, retirees and heirs.
June 14, 2019
Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Face New Financial Test

retirement
Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Face New Financial Test
For the first time, borrowers will have to prove they can handle the ongoing property costs to qualify for a reverse mortgage.
June 11, 2019
Inherited 401(k)s: 6 Questions Heirs Need to Ask

401(k)s
Inherited 401(k)s: 6 Questions Heirs Need to Ask
An inherited 401(k) can be a lasting legacy, but the windfall needs to be handled carefully to maximize the inheritance and minimize taxes.
May 30, 2019
9 Smart Strategies for Handling RMDs

required minimum distributions (RMDs)
9 Smart Strategies for Handling RMDs
After decades of squirreling away money in tax-advantaged retirement accounts, investors entering their seventies have to flip the script.
March 26, 2019
Ways to Avoid IRS Underpayment Penalties

taxes
Ways to Avoid IRS Underpayment Penalties
There are several options for penalty relief if you end up owing more in taxes than you anticipated.
March 22, 2019
Start Trimming Your 2019 Tax Tab Now

retirement
Start Trimming Your 2019 Tax Tab Now
As you complete your 2018 tax return, turn some attention to your tax plans for 2019.
February 15, 2019
When It’s Time to Tap a Roth 401(k)

retirement
When It’s Time to Tap a Roth 401(k)
Want to declare your Roth money’s independence from Uncle Sam? Get up to speed on the rules for tapping a Roth 401(k) tax-free.
February 12, 2019
5 Tips to Deal With Market Volatility

retirement
5 Tips to Deal With Market Volatility
Down 650 points one day.
January 25, 2019