Posts by Tanza Loudenback, CFP®
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Ask an Advisor: How Much Money Can I Earn from Working if I also Collect Social Security Spousal Benefits?
I draw my husband’s Social Security but I’m also working. How much money can I earn for the year? –Janice It’s quite common to collect Social Security retirement benefits and still work. In fact, some people never quit their job. Others may choose to take on part-time or gig work into their 70s and 80s… read more…
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Ask an Advisor: How Can You Make Sure a Financial Advisor Is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary makes a legal commitment to providing clients impartial and informed guidance on their money. One would hope that anyone holding themselves out to be a fiduciary is, in fact, meeting this standard. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as financial advisor = fiduciary. Traditionally, “financial advisor” has been used to describe a range of… read more…
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Ask an Advisor: My Husband Doesn’t Have an Estate Plan. What Are the Problems That I Could Run into?
My husband does not have a living trust, nor am I on his bank accounts as a beneficiary. I’m also not on the title of our home that we have lived in for the past 30+ years. What are the repercussions that I may run into should he perish before me? All I have is… read more…
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Ask an Advisor: Should I Cash Out My Annuities?
I have a significant sum invested in several annuities. I would like to switch that money into index funds and pay taxes as the money is withdrawn. Is this recommended? How would I do this? -Vlad Transferring any amount of… read more…
Financial Advisor
Ask an Advisor: Do I Need Life Insurance Once My Children Are Grown?
Do I need to carry life insurance after my children have reached adult age? If so, what type makes the most sense? – Greg Becoming an empty nester is a prime time to re-evaluate your life insurance needs. Life insurance… read more…
Tax & Legal
Ask an Advisor: How Can I Maximize Growth and Minimize Taxes in Retirement?
Are there investment strategies that take into consideration growth and taxation post-retirement? – Julie One of the keys to maximizing growth and minimizing taxes in retirement is to pair the least tax-advantaged securities with the most tax-advantaged accounts. The point is to neutralize the immediate tax impact on your portfolio while still allowing for capital… read more…
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Ask an Advisor: I’m Way Behind on Retirement Savings. What Do I Do?
I turn 58 this year and am at a loss for what to do or how to plan for my retirement. I only have a small amount of money invested through previous employers, and I’m not sure how to save now that I am self-employed. I am really concerned about my retirement but don’t know… read more…
Financial Advisor
Ask an Advisor: Do I Really Need a Trust?
I retired a few years ago and have a will and power of attorney, a reasonably good-sized net worth, mutual funds, annuities, cash, a home with no mortgage and a long-term health policy. I’ve read about trusts, but I’m still not clear on the pluses and minuses of setting one up. Why is that better… read more…
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Ask an Advisor: Should I Get an Annuity Now, or Wait for Better Rates?
I have just turned 60 years old and am interested in a QLAC. Is it worthwhile to wait to see if interest rates increase in the next year or so, or should I start shopping now? Also, if I don’t live long enough to use most of my investment, is a return on death benefit… read more…