We’ve been so inundated with the idea of tax-free investment accounts that the taxable investment account’s role in retirement planning is underutilized and overlooked. If you’re like most Americans, you’ve got at least one and maybe a few retirement accounts. You like the tax benefits that come from having IRA's,…
If you are working after 70 ½, there are still ways to save money tax-free. Wage earners are not permitted to put money into a traditional IRA in the year they turn 70 ½ according to the Kiplinger article, “Tax-Smart Ways to Save When You're Too Old for a Traditional…
Think of an estate plan as a love letter to your family after you have passed. You’d be surprised at how many people you know don’t have a will or an estate plan in place. They may be among the many who have an unspoken belief that if they don’t…
The double nickel year has potential for allowing you to tap your 401(k) without an early withdrawal penalty, but you have to know exactly how it works to avoid problems. There's one exception to the rule that you must be at least 59 ½ to tap your 401(k) without incurring…
Houston families with an Alzheimer's patient must address the issue of financial planning as well as care and treatment. A number of planning tools should be discussed once a diagnosis has been made. Any family faced with helping a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease has a…
Perhaps the most important thing to do when you inherit an IRA is your homework. Start by finding out exactly the type of IRA you have inherited, and then find out what kind of beneficiary you are. USA Today's article, "If you inherit an IRA, make a plan before doing…
Not everyone who has a traditional IRA is a good candidate for a Roth IRA conversion, according to The Motley Fool's article, "5 Things to Consider Before Making a Roth IRA Conversion." While every person's situation is different, there are five key elements to consider before making the change to…
Sharron Epperson, who is CNBC’s senior personal finance correspondent, stressed the importance of retirement planning in the coming year — with two products in particular. Need a financial resolution for 2015? Save as much money as you can in a Roth IRA. One of the best things you can do…
These three questions merely scratch the surface of other factors that may need to be considered. Keep in mind that your estate at age 45 is likely very different from the one you’ll have at age 65 and 85 — your accounts change, you spend/inherit assets, and you gain/lose family…
As a result, financial advisers and families are taking steps to shield IRA assets for children and other beneficiaries in case those heirs ever find themselves in bankruptcy proceedings. Is your IRA protected from creditors in the event of bankruptcy? Not anymore. Because of the recent unanimous high court decision,…