- Is My Spouse Entitled to My Pension in a Divorce?
A divorce is an unfortunate time in anyone’s life, as it signifies the end of a likely long-term relationship and marriage. However, it’s important to understand the financial ramifications of a divorce as you’re going through one. So if you’re… read more…
- 3 Steps to Building Wealth in Your 50s
For many people, turning 50 signals a shift in the way they approach their finances. If you have kids, they’re probably preparing to leave the nest and you may just be hitting your stride in terms of your earning power.… read more…
- What’s the Difference Between 401(a) and 403(b) Plans?
If you work for a public school or some kind of non-profit organization, you may have access to a 401(a) or a 403(b) plan. Both are retirement savings vehicles that offer major tax breaks. However, they are structured a bit… read more…
- Who Should Make After-Tax 401(k) Contributions?
Your employer may allow you to make after-tax 401(k) contributions. These are not tax-deductible like your regular 401(k) contributions, but you can make after-tax deferrals beyond the annual 401(k) contribution limit. Plus, the earnings from these extra contributions grow tax-free.… read more…
- 401(a) vs. 401(k): What’s the Difference?
Interested in investing in your retirement? You know you should be socking money away for your golden years, but you need to understand the savings vehicle your employer offers. The 401(k) plan, which for-profit employers offer, is a popular way… read more…
- Is $1.5 Million Enough to Retire at 65?
Reaching $1.5 million in retirement savings is doable. While this is a lot of money, it’s well within reach for most incomes. As long as you start saving early – ideally in your 20’s – and take advantage of market returns,… read more…
- Can I Retire With $1 Million at 55?
$1 million doesn’t go nearly as far in retirement as it once did. In fact, a recent survey found that investors believe they’ll need at least $3 million to retire comfortably. But retiring with $1 million is still possible, even… read more…
- Want to Leave Assets to Your Heirs? Consider Using a Taxable Account to Pay for a Roth Conversion
A Roth conversion is one of the many tools in the financial toolbox to reduce taxes in retirement and maximize income. But not all retirees or those planning their retirement consider converting their savings into Roth assets, mainly because it… read more…
- At What Age Do RMDs Stop?
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amount that you must withdraw from certain tax-advantaged retirement accounts. They begin at age 72 or 73, depending on your circumstances and continue indefinitely. There is, unfortunately, no age when RMDs stop. You… read more…
- 401(k) Plans for Small Business Owners
Small business owners can boost employee recruitment and retention and help themselves and their workers save for retirement by establishing a 401(k) plan. These plans can only be set up by employers, and offer valuable tax benefits including tax-free growth… read more…
- Can You Lose a Vested Pension?
Once a pension has vested, you should be entitled to keep those funds, even if you’re fired. However, you aren’t always entitled to all the money in your pension fund. In some cases, you might lose some, or even all,… read more…
- What Is a 401(k) True-Up?
A 401(k) true-up is an end-of-year calculation that some employers use to make sure that they have contributed everything they owe to an employee’s retirement plan. True ups occur in retirement plans with matching contribution benefits. If your employer offers… read more…
- Is $2 Million Enough to Retire at 65?
Although 65 is a conventional retirement age, reaching this point with $2 million is quite a feat. This sum can generate investment and interest income to support you well in the decades to come. However, saving this amount takes effort.… read more…
- Is $3 Million Enough to Retire at 50?
Early retirement is a great goal for many. But to be able to retire early and comfortably, you’re going to need a nest egg. How much you need depends on how you answer a few questions: What’s your average cost… read more…
- Roth IRA RMD Rules for 2024 and 2025
You might be familiar with Roth IRAs or you might even have one yourself. But while Roth IRAs can be simple and highly flexible retirement vehicles for the original owners, people who inherit IRAs deal with more limited options. While… read more…
- Is $5 Million Enough to Retire on at 50?
Retiring at 50 is a lofty goal that gives you plenty of time to pursue all the projects you couldn’t get to in your career and make memories with friends and family. However, leaving the workforce 12 years before you… read more…
- Is $4 Million Enough to Retire on at 50?
Achieving the goal of retiring at 50 allows ample time to pursue the passions put aside during your career and create cherished memories with loved ones. Nevertheless, leaving the workforce 12 years before qualifying for Social Security presents a significant… read more…
- How to Save for Retirement at 40
Everyone has a different journey when it comes to saving for retirement. Some start early with a job that offers 401(k) matching right out of school. Others get a later start. If that’s you and you’re just starting to save… read more…
- 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025
Contributing to your 401(k) is a great way to prepare for retirement, allowing for tax-deferred growth and, in some cases, employer matching contributions. If you really want to boost your savings, you might even contribute the maximum to the account. For… read more…
- How to Buy Stocks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing provides a great opportunity to grow your money for future goals, like retirement. But getting into the stock market isn’t a one-and-done deal. It requires research and upkeep to make sure your investments continue to perform well. Investing in… read more…
- How to Handle Excess IRA Contributions
Maxing out your individual retirement account (IRA) each year is a smart move when you’re focused on growing your retirement fund. But contributing too much money can result in a tax penalty of 6%. Many taxpayers work with a financial advisor… read more…
- Inheritance Rules for Traditional and Roth IRAs
Inheriting an IRA, whether a traditional or Roth account, comes with certain responsibilities. The rules for an inherited IRA depend on the specifics of your situation, as well as the deceased’s age and other circumstances. Unfortunately, you might have to… read more…
- What Is a Nest Egg for Retirement?
A “nest egg” generally refers to retirement savings that you typically don’t touch until you retire. It’s the money you save for the future so that you have something to fall back on when you retire. Oftentimes, growing your nest… read more…
- IRA Rollover vs. IRA Conversion
Do you have money in a 401(k) from a previous job or an old IRA? Performing an IRA rollover or conversion can be smart depending on your situation. You might also opt for an IRA transfer, where you move money… read more…
- Need Help With Your Asset Allocation in Retirement? Use This Bucket Approach From Morningstar
Thanks to target date funds and some simple rules of thumb, picking a mix of stocks, bonds and cash is pretty straightforward while you’re still saving for retirement. According to conventional wisdom, the further out from retirement you are, the… read more…