Does Social Security still have a minimum benefit?
To qualify for this feature, clients should have reported a minimum amount for at least 11 years.
Social Security
When not to roll a 401(k) into an IRA
For many workers, moving assets from old 401(k)s into a traditional IRA may not be a smart move. One reason: IRAs often don’t offer stable value or guaranteed fund investment options as do most 401(k)s.
Time is running out to fix this IRA mistake and avoid a 50% penalty
If the client makes a mistake, they are advised to take the RMD as soon as they discover it so they can ask the IRS for a waiver of the penalty.
Make the most of the new military retirement plan
Those who signed up in the past year will get a smaller pension than they would under the old system, but they can expect additional benefits from the tax-advantaged Thrift Savings Plan.
Caring for kids and elders, middle-aged Americans fall short on retirement savings
The sandwich generation is struggling to save for its own needs, and when you add in family demands, it paints a "grim picture," an expert says.
Social Security’s earnings test is too complicated — and it discourages work
Although the test is complicated and misunderstood, eliminating it could “do more harm than good,” according to an expert.
Do tax law changes affect IRA deductibility?
Although more taxpayers are expected to use the standard deduction, they can still claim the tax deduction for IRA contributions.
Why full retirement age is so important for Social Security
Retirees who opt to file at a much later date can earn delayed retirement credits that could boost their benefits by as much as 32%.
Social Security proposal retains — and even enhances — benefits
It would raise enough new revenue to more than restore long-term balance of the program.
The most likely cause of financial ruin — and few prepare for it
Even middle-class households who have health insurance are at risk, as a researcher points out that they are the ones who filed for the most bankruptcies.
Forget the 401(k). Let’s invent a new retirement plan
Lawmakers and policymakers should make retirement savings plans universally available if they want to help Americans secure their golden years.
Social Security scams are a growing threat to retirees
One tip for seniors: They should register their My Social Security account as early as they can before other people can create the account.
Where-to woes of retirement: The pros and cons of retirement housing options
About 77% of people 50 and older want to stay where they are as long as possible, according to a survey. But clients who want to — or have to — move, have a number of options each with pros and cons.
Is this expense killing your retirement budget?
Retirees often underestimate the cost of the second-largest expense for people 65 and older.
7 things retirees need to know about their 2018 tax return
Seniors are more likely to opt for the standard deduction, which increased under the new tax law, but those who want to maximize their deductions have several considerations.
Can the government help you save for retirement?
Lawmakers this year are expected to pursue measures that will help Americans enhance their retirement prospects.
These non-essential costs are probably getting in the way of your financial goals
Millennials lag behind in terms of credit card debt and retirement savings, but they spend the most on vacation, dining out and other unnecessary expenses, according to a new study.
When taking Social Security at 62 could be wise
Conventional wisdom says to postpone filing for benefits until full retirement age or, even better, until your 70th birthday. Are there some cases when that doesn't apply?
3 approaches to setting a withdrawal rate
One approach to determine a retirement withdrawal rate is to set a fixed percentage of their portfolio every year, says an expert. But there are other strategies, as well.
The money in your 401(k) and IRA accounts doesn’t belong entirely to you
Compared to lower earners, clients with moderate and higher incomes will owe more taxes on the distributions from tax-deferred accounts after they retire.
