- I Have a 401(k) From a Previous Employer. What Should I Do With It?
If you’ve changed jobs recently, don’t put off deciding what to do with your 401(k) for too long. While you have several options for your account when you leave a job, there’s an estimated 29.2 million 401(k)s that have been left behind with former employers, according to a 2023 analysis from Capitalize. Those accounts hold… read more…
- I’m 66, Taking Social Security, and Have $745,000 in a 401(k). Is It Too Late to Convert to a Roth IRA?
Legally, it’s never too late to make a Roth conversion. The IRS will let you move qualifying funds at any time as long as you can pay the resulting tax bill. For those in or near retirement, the bigger question is whether it’s a wise call to make a Roth conversion. On the one hand,… read more…
- We Have $1.4 Million in IRAs and Fully Own a $750k Home. Can We Retire in 2 Years at 60?
Retiring early can be tricky, even if you have considerable home equity. Say for example that you’re married with $1.4 million in your IRAs and a home worth $750,000. Retiring early could well be within reach, but you may face be a few big challenges. Retiring at age 60 means having to wait several years… read more…
- How 401(k) Loans Impact Your Taxes
While borrowing from your 401(k) account can hurt your long-term retirement planning, that’s not the only consideration. There are also tax implications if you’re not able to repay the funds in a timely manner. Here’s what you need to know before taking out a 401(k) loan, and how it could impact your retirement nest egg.… read more…
- I Have $845k in a Traditional IRA. How Can I Reduce Taxes When Converting to a Roth?
There’s no way to entirely avoid paying income taxes when you convert a traditional IRA into a Roth account. However, with smart financial planning you can reduce the impact of those taxes. A financial advisor can help you roll over your retirement savings into a Roth IRA and manage your investments. Connect with a fiduciary… read more…
- What Are Safe Retirement Withdrawal Rates?
Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial stability, and understanding safe retirement withdrawal rates is a key component of this process. As you transition from accumulating wealth to drawing from your savings, determining how much you can safely withdraw each year without depleting your nest egg is essential. This concept, often referred to… read more…
- 8 Retirement Planning Tips for 2025
Planning for retirement has a new look in 2025, thanks to changes brought about by Congress. Retirement savers this year will find fresh things to consider when it comes to rainy day savings, 401(k) contribution limits for older workers, rules on mandatory withdrawals for Roth 401(k) plans and student loan payment matches. At the same… read more…
- I’m 65 With $850,000 in an IRA. Is It Worth It to Convert That Money to a Roth to Avoid RMDs?
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) from pre-tax retirement accounts can have a number of unintended consequences. These mandatory withdrawals can push you into a higher tax bracket, reduce your investment flexibility, increase your Medicare premiums and result in more of your Social Security benefits being taxed. If you’re planning to convert IRA funds to a Roth… read more…
- Our Combined Income Will Top $400k This Year. Can We Use a Backdoor Roth to Avoid Future Taxes?
A backdoor Roth conversion can save you significantly in future taxes, but at the cost of paying those taxes now. This isn’t always a good deal in the long run. If you’re considering a backdoor Roth IRA or other strategies to save on taxes, consider talking it over with a financial advisor. For example, perhaps… read more…
- This Is My First Year Taking RMDs. What Should I Do With the Money If I Don’t Need It Yet?
Anyone with a 401(k), traditional IRA or similar tax-deferred retirement account eventually is going to face the requirement to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their accounts. The IRS has allowed you to have what can be decades of tax-free growth in the account, along with years of tax deductions, so they eventually requiring… read more…
- How to Save Money on a Tight Budget in Retirement
Retirement is a time to enjoy what you love most, from family and friends to traveling and gardening. However, affording your desired lifestyle isn’t automatic, even if you have a healthy retirement account and consistent Social Security checks. When you retire, you end up with a fixed income. Here are eight common ways you can… read more…
- What Is a Conduit IRA?
A conduit IRA is a strategic financial instrument that provides a bridge for individuals transitioning between jobs, freelance work, or other employment changes. This specialized investment account allows for the transfer of funds from qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, safeguarding individuals from potential tax repercussions associated with delayed reinvestment. By offering a… read more…
- I’m 68 With $950k in an IRA. How Do I Make Sure It Lasts My Whole Life?
Longevity risk is at the heart of retirement planning. You wind down work and income, counting on savings to carry you through the rest of your life. But with careful saving and money management, it might be possible to make this money last. For example, say that you recently reached retirement age at 68 and have… read more…
- What Are the Exceptions to the IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty?
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are tax-advantaged savings vehicles designed to help Americans save money for retirement. While there are tax benefits associated with IRAs, withdrawing money before age 59 ½ can trigger income taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. However, the IRS makes several exceptions to this rule. If you need to withdraw money… read more…
- We’re in Our Late 50s With $1.6 Million in Our 401(k)s. Should We Switch to Roth Contributions?
A Roth IRA offers significant benefits for retirees. As an after-tax account, distributions from Roth IRAs are typically tax-free. This can save you a lot of money in retirement, but at the cost of up-front tax payments while you’re saving. You will spend more to build your portfolio today, but will save money later. A… read more…
- How an ESOP to IRA Rollover Works
An ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) is a qualified retirement plan that allows employees to become partial owners of the company they work for by acquiring shares of its stock. If you own an ESOP, you may be thinking about transferring it to an IRA, especially if you’re looking for greater flexibility, diversification, or to… read more…
- How Much Money Most People Have Saved By Age 60
According to The Federal Reserve, the median retirement account savings for households between ages 55 and 64 is roughly $185,000. While this is a considerable amount of money, it’s probably not enough to secure a comfortable retirement for most people. A standard household making the median income will likely want between $415,000 and $825,000 in assets… read more…
- I Have $850,000 in an IRA and Would Receive $2,800 Monthly from Social Security. Can I Retire at 65?
For many retirees, prudent withdrawals from a wisely invested portfolio combined with Social Security benefits can provide a consistent income to support their spending needs. But what if you had $850,000 in an IRA and $2,800 in monthly Social Security benefits: would that be enough to retire at 65? To answer this question, you’d have… read more…
- I’m Going to Get $3,000 Per Month From Social Security. How Can I Reduce My Taxes?
When determining your income taxes in retirement and on your Social Security benefits, the IRS uses your “combined income” and filing status as the two main markers. At $36,000 a year from Social Security, none of your benefits would be taxable, since only half of your benefits are calculated into combined income. However most, if… read more…
- FIRE Blogs and Websites You Need to Know
The Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement has been gaining steam in recent years as more Americans look for ways to take control of their money and retire well before the traditional retirement age. With FIRE, the goal is to aggressively save and invest enough to be able to quit your regular job and maintain… read more…
- Retirement Strategies for Small Business Owners
Whether you just launched your small business or have been running your own shop for years, it’s no secret that the hard work never ends. This holds true for retirement planning as well, and doing so with time is crucial for success. Fortunately, there are different tax-advantaged options available, including retirement vehicles that you can… read more…
- I’m Selling My House and Netting $800k. Can I Avoid Taxes While Downsizing for Retirement?
When you sell a primary residence, the IRS allows you to exclude from your capital gains taxes the first $250,000 of profits if you file single or $500,000 of profits if you file jointly. You must include any surplus of those amounts in your taxable capital gains for the year, though. So, what if you… read more…
- The Cost of Living in a Retirement Community in Every State
Retirement living communities aim to fit needs of people age 55 and older, with amenities such as housekeeping, maintenance, organized activities and transportation to shopping, entertainment and medical appointments. Meals may also be included. Independent living communities are the most affordable level of senior housing options, but generally exclude nursing, custodial care, help with medications… read more…
- I’m 62 With $1 Million in a 401(k). Should I Convert $100,000 Per Year to a Roth IRA to Avoid RMDs?
Retirees with significant assets often have to plan around required minimum distributions (RMDs). If you already have sufficient income and don’t need the money in a pre-tax portfolio, annual RMDs can cost you significantly in otherwise-unnecessary taxes. For example, say that you have $1 million in a 401(k). The IRS could require you to withdraw… read more…
- We Are 65 With $1.9 Million in a 401(k) and IRA, and $5,200 Monthly From Social Security. What’s Our Retirement Budget?
To really build a complete retirement budget as a couple, you’ll need to take into account both potential income sources and realistic expenses. While it’s possible to come up with an estimated income or range of incomes from these figures, the expense side of the budget is equally important and potentially much more variable. Other… read more…