- Can You Stop Social Security Benefits and Restart Later?
Deciding whether to stop Social Security and restart it later depends on your age and how long you have been receiving benefits. If you have been on Social Security for less than 12 months, you can apply to withdraw your application. This will essentially erase the claim. For those who have reached full retirement age… read more…
- Cross-Border Retirement Planning: What You Need to Know
Cross-border retirement planning can introduce unique financial questions for those living, working or retiring across more than one country. Tax rules, pension portability, healthcare access and currency risk can all affect retirement income and expenses. Planning ahead can help you account for differences in tax treaties, investment regulations and residency requirements. Whether you are moving… read more…
- What’s the Ideal Age to Retire for Longevity?
Retirement is a major life decision and the timing can affect more than just your finances. While having enough money is important, other factors—like your health, mental well-being, social life and the type of work you do—also matter. Some research shows that when you retire may impact how long you live as well as your… read more…
- 401(k) Asset Allocation By Age: Examples and Charts
As you progress through your career, your income investment strategy should evolve to balance growth opportunities with risk management. In your 20s and 30s, you might embrace more aggressive allocations. This means a higher percentage of stocks to capitalize on long-term growth potential. By your 40s and 50s, there’s a gradual shift toward more conservative… read more…
- 401(k) Millionaires by Age Group
Becoming a 401(k) millionaire represents a significant milestone in retirement planning. According to recent data, the average age at which individuals attain this status is 59 years old, typically after 26 years of consistent contributions to their retirement plans. The length of time typically required to become a 401(k) millionaire underscores the importance of long-term… read more…
- What’s Considered an “Aggressive” 401(k) Strategy?
An aggressive 401(k) strategy typically involves allocating a larger share of retirement contributions to stocks, particularly those with higher growth potential. This approach aims to maximize long-term returns by accepting greater short-term volatility. It’s often favored by younger investors who have more time to recover from market downturns. Asset choices might include small-cap funds, emerging… read more…
- Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA Without Having Earned Income?
You generally need earned income—such as wages, tips, or self-employment income—to contribute to a Roth IRA, since these accounts are meant to support retirement savings from active work. If you don’t have earned income, you typically can’t contribute directly, though exceptions like spousal IRAs or indirect strategies may offer alternatives. A financial advisor can help… read more…
- Do You Pay Taxes on 457(b) Withdrawals After Age 70?
If you are approaching retirement and have savings in a 457(b) retirement plan, you might wonder which taxes you’ll pay on withdrawals after age 70. This is important when it comes to retirement planning. Otherwise, it could be hard to accurately estimate your future income and tax liabilities. While 457(b) plans offer unique benefits when… read more…
- Employee Deferral vs. Roth Deferral
If you have to choose between a traditional or Roth deferral, you will have to decide whether it’s better to get a tax break now or in retirement. A traditional deferral lowers your taxable income today, while a Roth deferral offers tax-free withdrawals later. A financial advisor can work with you to determine which is… read more…
- What Is the RMD for a 401(K) If You Still Work?
Retirement accounts like 401(k)s come with specific rules. One of the most important, required minimum distributions (RMDs), dictate when you must start withdrawing money. But when you reach the age typically associated with these mandatory withdrawals, what happens if you still work? The RMD for a 401(k) follows different guidelines for those who work than… read more…
- We Will Make $360k Combined This Year. Can We Use a Backdoor Roth Strategy to Reduce Our Taxes?
A backdoor Roth can sometimes be a good idea. The government puts income limits on who can contribute to a Roth IRA portfolio. In 2025, these limits are set at $165,000 for single filers, and $246,000 for joint filers. If you’re above this cap, you cannot contribute money to a Roth IRA. However, there is… read more…
- What Are the Distribution Rules for Inherited IRAs?
When you inherit an individual retirement account (IRA), it comes with a set of rules that dictate how and when you must take distributions. Knowing which rules apply to you can help you avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties. It can also help ensure that you make the most of your inheritance. The IRS has specific… read more…
- How to Build an Investment Plan for Retirement: Examples
Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, knowing how to build an investment plan for retirement is essential for financial security in your later years. A well-designed retirement plan considers your time horizon, risk tolerance and financial goals to create a roadmap for your future. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about… read more…
- Can You Roll Over a 401(k) Into a 403(b) Account?
The IRS does permit rollovers between these 401(k) and 403(b) plans, allowing you to consolidate retirement savings when appropriate. However, not all 403(b) plans accept rollovers from 401(k) accounts. This decision is up to the individual plan administrator. While both 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are tax-advantaged retirement plans, they serve different employer types. 401(k)s are typically… read more…
- When Does the RMD Age Go Up to 75 Years Old?
For retirement savers preparing for required minimum distributions (RMDs), recent legislation has brought significant changes to the timeline. The SECURE Act of 2019 initially raised the RMD age from 70½ to 72. This gave retirees more time before mandatory withdrawals begin. Then, the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 introduced further adjustments. It increased the age… read more…
- Can You Reinvest Your RMD into a Roth IRA?
Reinvesting a required minimum distribution (RMD) into a Roth IRA isn’t allowed directly, since RMDs are considered taxable income. However, if you have earned income and fall within the IRS income limits for Roth contributions, you can contribute to a Roth IRA using funds from any source—including money withdrawn to satisfy your RMD. RMDs can… read more…
- We’re in Our 70s With Our Home Paid Off and $350k in IRAs. Can a Nursing Home Take Any of It?
No, but also yes. A nursing home cannot unilaterally take your assets or property, even if you are staying there. Nursing homes have the same rights and limitations as any other business. If you sign a contract and don’t pay, then a nursing home can theoretically sue and collect assets for breach of contract. Even… read more…
- What Tax Bracket Does It Make Sense to Start Converting Traditional IRA to a Roth?
Your current tax bracket is an important consideration when evaluating whether to convert a tax-deferred retirement account to a Roth account. However, it’s just one of several elements to keep in mind. For example, your tax bracket in retirement is just as important as the one you’re in now. If you’re in a lower tax… read more…
- I’m 65 and Retiring Soon. How Should I Structure My $890k Portfolio?
Do you have a backup plan? This is one of the key questions when it comes to managing your portfolio in retirement. Your income will be determined in large part by how much growth your portfolio generates, but investing for more growth means accepting more risk. Investing for security, on the other hand, comes with… read more…
- Annuities vs. Dividend Stocks: Taxes, Pros and Cons, Examples
Annuities and dividend-paying stocks work differently when it comes to income, taxes and risk. Annuities offer fixed or variable payments under a contract, often used for retirement. Dividend stocks pay income from company profits and may also grow in value. Which one works better depends on your needs for taxes, flexibility and risk. Whether you’re… read more…
- 6 Reinvestment Options for Retirement Income
Many retirees receive distributions from retirement accounts, pensions, dividends or even part-time work. Should this income exceed immediate spending needs, retirees often look to put the excess back to work. Thoughtfully reinvesting surplus retirement income can help preserve wealth, protect against inflation and even grow your financial resources over time. However, the reinvestment options you… read more…
- What Happens to Your SSDI When Your Child Turns 18?
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may also receive additional benefits for a dependent child. But what happens to your SSDI when your child turns 18? Many parents rely on this supplemental income and want to understand how their child turning 18 will impact eligibility and benefits. Your SSDI benefit as a… read more…
- What Percentage of a Retirement Portfolio Should Be in Cash?
Planning for retirement involves making a lot of decisions, including how to allocate your portfolio. Among stocks, bonds and other investments, many pre-retirees wonder what percent of a retirement portfolio should be in cash. Cash plays an important role in ensuring stability, accessibility and peace of mind. However, holding too much cash can also reduce… read more…
- How Much Should You Put in Your 403(b) Per Paycheck?
If you work in the education, healthcare or nonprofit sector, you’ve likely asked an important question regarding your plan for retirement: how much should I put in my 403(b) per paycheck? The right amount to contribute depends on several factors, including your age, salary, employer match and overall retirement strategy. Whether you are just starting… read more…
- Bonds vs. Stocks in a 401(k): Which Should You Invest In?
Bonds and stocks each offer benefits, but they come with different levels of risk and return. A balanced mix can help build wealth while also reducing the impact of market swings, which is especially important as retirement approaches. The allocation for your 401(k) will depend on your age, risk tolerance, investment timeline and overall goals.… read more…