retirement planning
Today is the Last Day to Fund Your IRA and Cut Your Taxes
Today is the Last Day to Fund Your IRA and Cut Your Taxes
Although you need to act quickly, you still have a few hours to make a 2020 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.
May 17, 2021
Contributing to Your HSA Today Could Lower Your Tax Bill
Contributing to Your HSA Today Could Lower Your Tax Bill
If you haven't already contributed the full amount to your HSA for 2020, you have a few more hours to do so and potentially reduce your tax bill at th…
May 17, 2021
33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
Even with the federal exemption from death taxes raised, retirees should pay more attention to estate taxes and inheritance taxes levied by states.
May 13, 2021
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
You may have dreamed of a tax-free retirement, but if you live in these 13 states, your Social Security benefits are subject to a state tax. That's on…
May 11, 2021
HSA Contribution Limits and Other Requirements
HSA Contribution Limits and Other Requirements
Annually adjusted contribution limits, health plan minimum deductibles, and limits on out-of-pocket medical expenses must be met if you're covering he…
May 10, 2021
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8 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
8 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Since this year's tax deadline was pushed back to May 17, many people are just now filing their tax return. That means there are a lot of tax refunds …
May 10, 2021
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class
Your retirement contributions could be the key to a lower tax bill.
May 3, 2021
The Benefits of Working Longer
The Benefits of Working Longer
Delaying retirement for a couple of years—or even a few months—is the most effective way to improve your retirement security.
April 29, 2021
Biden Hopes to Eliminate Stepped-Up Basis for Millionaires
Biden Hopes to Eliminate Stepped-Up Basis for Millionaires
As part of his American Families Plan, President Biden wants to change the way capital assets are taxed when you die.
April 28, 2021
COVID-19 and Retirement Planning: 5 Actions to Take Now
COVID-19 and Retirement Planning: 5 Actions to Take Now
As our nation’s health situation and economy continue settling down in the wake of the pandemic, it’s time to re-evaluate where you are now and where …
April 24, 2021
7 Ways to Utilize Your Life Insurance Policy’s Cash Value
7 Ways to Utilize Your Life Insurance Policy’s Cash Value
If you no longer need life insurance, don't just cancel the policy and cash out. Instead, consider one of these strategies to capitalize on its value …
April 23, 2021
10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Retirees
10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Retirees
When it comes to state and local taxes, retirees in these states are likely to pay more than retirees in other states.
April 21, 2021
The Essentials You Need for an Estate Plan
The Essentials You Need for an Estate Plan
You can reduce stress and expenses for yourself and your family if you develop an estate plan that includes these important documents.
April 21, 2021
Is Your Financial Plan Flexible Enough?
Is Your Financial Plan Flexible Enough?
As your life changes, your financial plan may change too. And that’s OK.
April 19, 2021
The Perfect Storm for Retirees
The Perfect Storm for Retirees
Today’s retirees could face a perfect storm because they are living longer and spending more time in retirement, while at the same time losing access …
April 18, 2021
Social Security Earnings Tests: 5 Things You Must Know
Social Security Earnings Tests: 5 Things You Must Know
If you’re still working and claim Social Security early, your benefits could be reduced, at least temporarily.
April 14, 2021
What NOT to Do with Your TSP: 8 Thrift Savings Plan Mistakes to Avoid
What NOT to Do with Your TSP: 8 Thrift Savings Plan Mistakes to Avoid
Many federal workers saving for retirement in TSPs get tripped up by these common pitfalls. To help maximize your own savings, make sure you steer cle…
April 14, 2021
How to Retire Well During Difficult Times
How to Retire Well During Difficult Times
When the financial environment is challenging (like now), it’s important to plan ahead and avoid some all-too-common retirement mistakes.
April 11, 2021
Don’t Make the Same Mistakes in 2021 – Keep Your Retirement Plan on Track
Don’t Make the Same Mistakes in 2021 – Keep Your Retirement Plan on Track
Looking back at 2020 gives retirement savers a good perspective for how to proceed going forward. Staying flexible and being prepared to change course…
April 11, 2021
10 Questions Retirees Often Get Wrong About Taxes in Retirement
10 Questions Retirees Often Get Wrong About Taxes in Retirement
You worked hard to build your retirement nest egg. But do you know how to minimize taxes on your savings?
April 7, 2021
Don’t Let Retirement Planning Faze You: What to Focus on in Each Phase
Don’t Let Retirement Planning Faze You: What to Focus on in Each Phase
When you think about all the moving parts to planning for retirement, it can feel overwhelming. But breaking it down into four phases could help bring…
April 5, 2021
Turning 60? Ask Yourself These 4 Important Questions
Turning 60? Ask Yourself These 4 Important Questions
Retirement is an exciting milestone, and planning becomes even more crucial once you get within a few years of saying goodbye to your career. As we tu…
April 2, 2021
How to Take a Pension: A Math Formula Drives 1 Retiree’s Choice
How to Take a Pension: A Math Formula Drives 1 Retiree’s Choice
Ever hear of the pension income ratio? This mathematical formula can help you decide whether it makes more sense to take a lump sum or a series of pen…
April 2, 2021
6 ‘Retirement Killers’ to Avoid at All Costs
6 ‘Retirement Killers’ to Avoid at All Costs
Financial planners see people making these six money mistakes all the time, and they can endanger your retirement. Here are six surefire ways to kill …
April 1, 2021
You're Asking the Wrong Financial Questions: Here's How to Fix That
You're Asking the Wrong Financial Questions: Here's How to Fix That
Three of the most common personal finance questions financial advisers get all the time are not the right ones to ask. Here’s how to take those questi…
April 1, 2021