Category Archives: Retirement Income
Roth IRA has a 5-Year Rule
Roth IRAs are popular for their flexibility and the simplicity of putting after-tax dollars in and not paying taxes on withdrawals during retirement. However, making the most of a Roth IRA requires paying attention to the details, according to a recent article “What is the Roth IRA 5-Year Rule?” from U.S. News & World… Read More »
What Should I Know about Immediate Variable Annuities?
FedWeek’s recent article entitled “Buying an Annuity for an Income Stream” explains that these annuities come in two varieties, immediate fixed annuities and immediate variable annuities. With an immediate fixed annuity, you receive the same amount each month, as long as the annuity lasts. However, a fixed payout may not be attractive, because that… Read More »
Tax Implications of CARES Act for Roth Conversions
With a combination of lowered 2020 tax liability, the potential for future tax increases and potentially lower portfolio values, we are in uncharted financial waters. However, all of these factors may make a Roth conversion more attractive than ever, according to the article “Covid-19 and the CARES Act enhance the Roth conversion game” from… Read More »
Estate Planning and Probate Planning
The nature of the probate process varies from state to state, and even varies from county to county. However, the nature of the process is the same. A court has to validate a will to ensure that it meets the legal requirements of the state before assets can be distributed, explains the article “Probate… Read More »
Tapping an Inherited IRA?
Many people are looking at their inherited IRAs this year, when COVID-19 has decimated the economy. The rules about when and how you can tap the money you inherited changed with the passage of the SECURE Act at the end of December 2019. It then they changed again with the passage of the CARES… Read More »
What Do I Need to Retire?
Research from the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s Retirement Confidence Survey shows a lack of preparation in retirement planning. According to the annual survey, 66% of those 55 years and older said they were confident they had sufficient savings to live comfortably throughout retirement. However, just 48% within the same age group haven’t figured out… Read More »
What Should I know about Financial Powers of Attorney?
A financial power of attorney, or Durable Power of Attorney, is a document allowing an “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” to act on the principal’s behalf. It usually allows the agent to pay the principal’s bills, access her accounts, pay her taxes and buy and sell investments. This person, in effect, assumes the responsibilities of the… Read More »
Planning for Long-Term Care Before It’s Too Late
Starting to plan for elder care should happen when you are in your 50s or 60s. By the time you are 70, it may be too late. With the national median annual cost of a private room in a nursing facility coming in at more than $100, 000, not having a plan can become… Read More »
How Much Money Is Needed for Long-Term Care?
You probably know that healthcare is a big expense for retirees. If you don’t, it is important to understand that the cost of long-term care is very high. Research shows that 70% of seniors 65 and over will require some type of long-term care in their lifetime. This could be as little as a… Read More »
Retirement Fund Withdrawals Can Affect Social Security Benefits
Coordinating income in retirement takes a bit more thought than just collecting a paycheck. Take too much from Peter, you’ll end up paying Paul. Some retirees end up owing taxes on their Social Security benefits. If you want to avoid this scenario, master the details as explained in the article “Will My Retirement Fund… Read More »