- Will Converting $100k to a Roth IRA Affect My Medicare Premiums?
Converting money from a tax-deferred retirement account to a Roth IRA can cause Medicare premiums for Part B and Part D to increase – in some cases dramatically – because Medicare premiums are tied to income brackets. When retirement funds are transferred to a Roth account, the converted amount is treated as income. If the… read more…
- Should I Take a $500,000 Lump Sum or $3,500 Monthly Payments for My Pension?
Deciding between a $500,000 lump sum or $3,500 monthly annuity payments for your pension isn’t straightforward and involves weighing several personal factors. You need to consider how long you might live, which impacts how much total money you’ll get from monthly payments, alongside your retirement age to see how long your funds need to last.… read more…
- How to Avoid Lifestyle Creep When Working and in Retirement
Lifestyle creep happens when your spending increases gradually as your income grows. It’s important to recognize the difference between necessary expenses and discretionary spending when you’re working or saving for retirement. Tracking your budget closely and setting financial goals are common strategies used to curb lifestyle creep. Regularly consulting a financial advisor and accounting for… read more…
- I’m 62 With $1.6 Million in an IRA and a $2,800 per Month Social Security. What’s My Retirement Budget?
A budget by definition includes both income and expenses. The two halves of a budget are interdependent, so that if expenses go up, income must also rise. Otherwise, the budget won’t balance. Someone ready to retire at 62 with $1.6 million in an IRA and $2,800 in monthly Social Security benefits could start with an… read more…
- Is It Wise to Convert 15% of My 401(k) Into a Roth IRA Each Year to Avoid Taxes and RMDs?
Converting retirement funds from a 401(k) into a Roth IRA offers the opportunity for tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement, while also avoiding Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. However, Roth conversion requires paying a significant tax bill up front. Often, this initial tax bill can be partially mitigated by gradually converting the 401(k) over… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a deferred compensation program that allows public-sector employees to set aside a portion of their income to be paid out at a later date, typically during retirement. Contributions are often made pre-tax, which can lower current taxable income and provide potential tax benefits. Teachers, government workers, and other public employees can use… read more…
- Roth IRA Rules for Living Abroad
Americans living abroad can still benefit from a Roth IRA for retirement savings, just like those in the U.S., but there are some extra considerations. Both expatriates and U.S.-based savers need earned income to contribute, but foreign income exclusions may affect eligibility for those living overseas. Expatriates should also be aware of how foreign tax… read more…
- What Is the Retirement Age in Ohio?
In Ohio, the retirement age follows federal guidelines, typically ranging from 65 to 67 based on the year of birth for non-government employees. Teachers and state workers may have different retirement age requirements due to their specific pension plans. A financial advisor can help you with your retirement plan options and create a personalized strategy… read more…
- How a Deferred Compensation Plan Works in Missouri
A deferred compensation plan allows eligible employees to set aside part of their salary into an account that grows tax-free until retirement. Many public employees in Missouri can use these plans, often called 457(b) plans, to supplement pensions or Social Security. A financial advisor can help you answer questions about Missouri’s deferred compensation plan, and… read more…
- Can You Use Your HSA for a Gym Membership?
Health savings accounts (HSAs) allow individuals with high-deductible health plans to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. Some may consider using HSA funds for non-traditional expenses like gym memberships. While gym memberships can improve health, only qualified medical expenses are covered. Here’s what you need to know. A financial advisor can help you assess… read more…
- How to Choose the Right Account for Your Retirement Savings
Choosing the best retirement savings option starts with finding an account that fits your goals. Some accounts offer upfront tax benefits, while others provide tax-free growth. The right choice for your finances will depend on factors like your income, retirement lifestyle goals and withdrawal flexibility. A financial advisor can help you select an account for… read more…
- 6 Reasons You Should Use a Health Savings Account (HSA)
A health savings account (HSA) offers a tax-advantaged way to save for healthcare expenses while providing flexibility and control over how you manage your medical costs. The benefits of a health savings account include tax-free contributions, tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses. An HSA combines the benefits of a savings account with the… read more…
- Retirement Withdrawal Strategies That Can Stretch Your Savings
Choosing the right retirement withdrawal strategy can stretch your savings throughout your retirement years. Effective withdrawal strategies provide a structured way to balance your income needs while preserving your retirement savings. A financial advisor can work with you to create a strategy for your retirement plan. Why It’s Important to Choose a Retirement Withdrawal Strategy… read more…
- What Is the Retirement Age in New York?
In the Empire State, the retirement age can vary depending on several factors, including the type of employment and the retirement system one is part of. For most individuals, the standard retirement age aligns with the federal guidelines set by the Social Security Administration, which is gradually increasing to 67 for those born in 1960… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in Florida
Deferred compensation allows Florida employees to set part of their earnings aside for future uses. This strategy could help you manage taxes or plan retirement, as it delays a portion of your income, which can include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives. And in Florida’s tax-friendly environment, where there is no state income tax, deferred… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in Kentucky
The Kentucky deferred compensation (KDC) plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income for a later date or retirement. State employees, including public school teachers, can participate in 401(k), 457 and IRA plans, which offer tax benefits by delaying income taxes on contributions until withdrawal. Participants can select from a range of investment… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in Nevada
Deferred compensation is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to set aside a portion of their income to be paid out at a future date, which is typically during retirement. The Nevada deferred compensation program is designed to help public employees save for retirement by deferring a portion of their salary into investment accounts… read more…
- What Is the Retirement Age in Illinois?
Public employees in Illinois are part of a structured retirement system that determines when they can start receiving pension benefits. The state offers several pension systems, including those for teachers, state employees and police officers, each with its own eligibility requirements. For example, members of the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and State Employees’ Retirement… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in Wisconsin
Deferred compensation plans allow employees to set aside part of their income to be paid later, often during retirement when they may be in a lower tax bracket. They are commonly used in Wisconsin by public sector workers. Though these plans are also available to private sector employees. A financial advisor can help you compare… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in Ohio
In Ohio, state and local government employees may have access to the Ohio Deferred Compensation program, a voluntary supplemental retirement plan. This program operates alongside other retirement benefits, such as pensions. Participants can choose from various investment options and decide how much they want to contribute, up to certain limits set by the Internal Revenue… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works for Retirement
Deferred compensation allows individuals to delay receiving part of their income until a future date, often during retirement. This strategy is appealing for retirement savings and tax management, as the income is typically taxed at a lower rate when withdrawn. There are two types: qualified deferred compensation plans and non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans, each… read more…
- What Is the Retirement Age in Florida?
The retirement age in Florida, specifically for those enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) for public-sector workers, depends on the employee’s age and years of service. Early retirement is possible, but it comes with a reduction in benefits. For most members of the FRS Pension Plan, the normal retirement age is 62 or 65,… read more…
- How to Create a Financial Plan for Retirement
Creating a financial plan for retirement involves preparing for two stages of life: the saving/accumulation stage, and the retirement spending stage. You need a plan that will allow you to build wealth over your working life so that you have enough on hand to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also need a plan… read more…
- How Deferred Compensation Works in New York City
Deferred compensation in New York City offers public employees an opportunity to plan for their financial future. The New York City Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary program that allows city employees to set aside a portion of their salary for retirement, thereby reducing their taxable income in the present. Participants can choose between a… read more…
- How a 409a Deferred Compensation Plan Works
A 409a deferred compensation plan is a non-qualified arrangement that allows employees to defer a portion of their income to a future date. This plan is often used by high-income earners to reduce taxable income in the short term. Unlike qualified plans such as 401(k)s, 409a plans have flexible contribution limits and payout schedules but… read more…