- Guide to Cross-Border Investment Advisors
A cross-border investment advisor helps clients manage assets across multiple countries while addressing tax rules, reporting requirements and currency exposure. These professionals often work with individuals who live abroad, hold dual citizenship or invest internationally. Their expertise often includes U.S. tax compliance for foreign accounts, treaty-based planning and portfolio strategies suited to global markets. If… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I’m 62 and Need ‘Reliable Income’ in Retirement. What Investments Do You Suggest?
I’m 62 and will be turning 63 next month. I’ve been self-employed for most of my career and currently own a home that I rent out. I’m now considering investing in another property to help strengthen my retirement plan. Since I don’t expect to receive much from Social Security, I’m looking for strategic and secure… read more…
- How Do Couples Split Their Finances and Financial Plans?
When two people build a life together, deciding how to split finances becomes a central element of the partnership. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; every couple has different incomes, values and spending habits. While some prefer the simplicity of merged finances, others value independence and choose to keep things separate. The key is to find a… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I Have $1M in My IRA. How Much Will I Pay in Taxes When RMDs Begin?
I have $1 million in my IRA. Once I reach 73 years of age what are the withdrawal requirements? I retired five years ago with no income other than Social Security. What tax bracket will I be in when I begin withdrawing 4% of my IRA? – Clifford Once you reach age 73, you’ll need… read more…
- How to Protect a Trust Fund in a Divorce
When significant assets like a trust fund are involved in a divorce, couples may wonder whether it will be considered marital property and how the court might divide it in a settlement. The type of trust, how the funds are managed and when it was established can all influence the outcome of a divorce. Additionally,… read more…
- Guide to Cross-Border Financial Planning and Services
Cross-border financial planning and services have become increasingly important in our globalized world, where people frequently live, work and invest in multiple countries. If you’re an expatriate, business owner with international operations or someone planning to retire abroad, it is important to understand how different tax systems interact and how to optimize your financial strategy… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I’m the Breadwinner But I’m 6 Years Younger Than My Wife. Does She Have to Wait Until I Hit FRA to Claim Spousal Benefits?
When can a spouse who is older than the primary breadwinner claim spousal benefits? My wife, who was born in 1956, is six years older than me. She claimed her Social Security benefits at 62, three years before her full retirement age (FRA). Her check is under $400 per month, as she hasn’t worked in… read more…
- Is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) a Fiduciary?
When planning for retirement, it is crucial to understand the role and responsibilities of your financial advisor. But is a CRPC a fiduciary? While CRPCs train in retirement planning through the College for Financial Planning, this credential does not inherently require them to act as fiduciaries. Whether a CRPC functions as a fiduciary depends on… read more…
- How to Find a Financial Advisor as a High-Net-Worth Individual
A high-net-worth financial advisor specializes in serving individuals with substantial assets, typically offering personalized wealth management, including advanced planning strategies and more types of investments. These advisors may provide services such as tax optimization, estate planning, philanthropic structuring and access to alternative assets. Unlike general financial advisors who serve a broad array of investors, they… read more…
- How to File a Tax Extension in New York: Eligibility Rules
A New York State tax extension gives taxpayers more time to file their return, but it does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes owed. Most individuals can request an extension online using Form IT-370, which grants an automatic six-month filing extension, typically to October 15. However, they still must submit full payment of… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: We Have $1.4M Saved for Retirement. Can We Afford to Spend $7k Per Month?
I turn 59 in September 2025 and I plan to retire at 62 with no debt. I have $1.2 million in a traditional IRA and $200,000 in a workplace Roth 401(k). I have an emergency cash fund in a high-yield savings account. I earn $320,000 per year and annually contribute $30,000 to the Roth 401(k), plus… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I’m 62 With a $5,100 Monthly Pension and $100k in Annual Expenses. Should I Collect Social Security Now or Delay?
Should I collect Social Security now ($2,621 per month) or later? I’m 62 and my wife is 60. I retired in 2015 and my wife will retire in February 2026. I’m collecting a pension of $5,125 per month. My wife earns $50,000 per year and will collect a $300 monthly pension when she retires in… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: Do I Have to Take RMDs from the IRAs That I’m Inheriting from My Mother?
I inherited an IRA from my mother who was already taking RMDs when she passed away. Am I required to take RMDs from the inherited IRA, or does the IRA simply need to be depleted by 10 years from the date of inheritance? I don’t have any special needs or disabilities. Similarly, are RMDs required… read more…
- Advisor Advice: How Often Should I Follow Up With Prospects and How Should I Frame Those Conversations?
Written by Michael Collins, CFA® In today’s fast-paced world, getting the attention of potential clients isn’t easy, especially when connecting with someone over the phone. As you work to grow your client base, it’s not just about generating leads; it’s about making sure those leads actually respond and engage with you. Making monthly follow-ups with… read more…
- How Much Would I Have Now if I Invest $1,000 in $NVDA During the 2020 Stock Market Crash?
An investor who “buys the dip” might take advantage of market volatility or short-term events to ideally get a better return on investments. While timing the market and individual equity investments have their own risks, buying the dip can be a good way to invest in good assets while they’ve temporarily lost value. For example,… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: We Own Millions in Real Estate Through Self-Directed IRAs. How Do We Transfer it to Our Sons?
My wife and I own five senior homes in our self-directed IRAs. How do we transfer them to our two sons after we die? Under the new IRS rules it appears that the boys have only 10 years to take the money out. The houses are worth about $1.75 to $2 million in total now.… read more…
- How to Find a Fiduciary Financial Advisor to Work With
Choosing a financial advisor is an important financial milestone. That is why you need to know whether they follow a fiduciary standard. A fiduciary advisor is required to act in your best interest, offer unbiased advice and clearly explain any fees or potential conflicts. This can help you get trustworthy support when planning for retirement,… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: Can My Wife Collect Social Security on My Earnings Record and Switch to Hers at Age 66?
I’m 57 and my wife is 48. Both of us work, but my wife makes much less money than I do (almost 1/3 of what I make). I am planning to retire at age 66 and start collecting Social Security benefits. It is my understanding that I will be eligible for full benefits ($3,653 per… read more…
- How to Become a Millionaire By Age 40: Steps and Examples
Most people never achieve a net worth of $1 million, but it’s possible to reach that wealth goal at the relatively early age of 40 even from humble beginnings. Many who become millionaires by 40 start investing while still quite young, are willing to take calculated financial risks and prioritize acquiring assets that can grow… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I Want to Roll Over $60k to a Roth, But Need Help Tax Planning. Can I Offset Part of My Tax Bill By Donating Some of the Money?
I’m interested in converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA and want to know if taxes are due at time of the rollover. Currently, I have $95,566 in a traditional IRA and would like to roll over $60,000 to a Roth IRA. Also, is it possible to have part of the taxes designated as… read more…
- On-the-Run Treasuries: Are They Safe?
When investors seek safety in the bond market, U.S. Treasury securities often top the list of considerations. Among these government-backed investments, on-the-run Treasuries represent the most recently issued bonds. These are bonds of a particular maturity and are distinct from their older “off-the-run” counterparts. But just how safe are these popular securities? Investors consider on-the-run… read more…
- Beneficiary Rules for CD Accounts and Estate Planning
Certificate of deposit (CD) accounts offer a secure way to save money with fixed interest rates. However, many people overlook the importance of properly designating beneficiaries for these financial instruments. If you want an estate plan to avoid the risk of probate, take the time to understand CD beneficiary rules. Unlike wills, which must go… read more…
- Can Any Person Serve as a Fiduciary? Eligibility Requirements
A fiduciary is someone responsible for acting in another person’s best interest, such as a trustee, guardian, financial advisor or executor of a will. Whether someone can serve as a fiduciary depends on the role, qualifications and any legal or institutional rules that apply. In many situations, a fiduciary does not need to hold a… read more…
- Ask An Advisor: I Want to Build a New House for $700k. Should I Use Roth Savings or Get a Mortgage?
I am 60 years old and want to build a new house for $700,000. We have $1.5 million in 401(k) plans, including $500,000 in Roth funds, which I could withdraw to pay a big chunk of the house. We have a pension of $70,000 a year and Social Security of $44,000 per year. Also, the… read more…
- How to Invest $10k in Real Estate: Strategies and Examples
Even $10,000 can be enough to start investing in real estate, a historically stable asset class that also offers appealing income and appreciation potential. Whether you’re looking to generate passive income, diversify your investment portfolio or participate in real estate appreciation without direct ownership responsibility, there are strategies suited to your needs. From fractional ownership… read more…