IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty
The reason withdrawals from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty is that policymakers wanted to create a disincentive to use these savings for anything other than retirement.1 Yet, policymakers also recognize that life can present more pressing circumstances that require access to these […]
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional before making any changes to your 2024 tax strategy. You can also contact your financial professional, who may […]
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of “FICA” and “OASDI” (Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance). It hinted at a future that seemed both intangible and far away. Yet, some Americans now sit on the cusp of […]
Social Security: Maximizing Benefits
Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status. Understanding the strategies for maximizing your Social Security retirement income benefits should be prefaced with a review of the […]
Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive
Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?” Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process: 1. Calculate Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): The highest 35 years of indexed earnings is added together. It is then divided […]
Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts
An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer. The same can be said about your retirement strategy. The typical retirement strategy is built on the pillars of your 401(k) plan, your Traditional […]
Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you’re not sure the plan you’ve chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider. How much can my business afford to contribute? The cost of contributions may be managed by the plan type. A simplified employee pension plan […]
Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement
During your accumulation years, you may have categorized your risk as “conservative,” “moderate,” or “aggressive” and that guided how your portfolio was built. Maybe you concerned yourself with finding the “best-performing funds,” even though you knew past performance does not guarantee future results. What occurs with many retirees is a change in mindset—it’s less about […]
Catch-Up Contributions
A recent survey found that 28% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 27% are not confident.1 In 2001 congress passed a law that can help older workers make up for lost time. But few may understand how this generous offer can […]