Did you know that your monthly Medicare cost adjusts based on your income? While most retirees may know this, many pre-retirees do not. It is important for those who are not receiving Medicare benefits yet to understand the rules so that financial planning decisions can be made ahead of time to reduce or avoid the impact of this additional expense.
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The current tax code is set to expire in 2026. The article shows what has happened with tax rates since 2016 and what is scheduled to happen going forward until 2030. There are some notable changes beginning in 2026.
Read MoreIn 2020, the SECURE Act changed the distribution requirements for non-spousal beneficiaries of IRAs. The new rules are fairly complicated. We will review the rules and discuss the options and opportunities to optimize the tax impact of these inherited IRA distributions.
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We have received a number of inquiries from clients recently about Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs). As with most types of “financial solutions,” the attractiveness of QLACs is in the eye of the beholder. Let’s take a look under the hood!
Read MoreThe SECURE Act 2.0 altered the onset of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from age 72 to age 73. However, the law made no change to the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) rules. So, while a RMD is not required until age 73, a taxpayer over age 70 ½ is allowed to distribute directly from their IRA to their favorite charity and avoid taxation.
Read MoreWith the passage of the SECURE Act, distribution requirements for beneficiaries changed dramatically. Now, non-spousal beneficiaries are required to distribute the entire balance of an inherited IRA within 10 years! This could present an enormous tax burden for those beneficiaries.
Read MoreThere is no doubt that pensions are an extremely important asset and making decisions regarding these plans can be daunting and stressful. This is especially true since pension decisions are irrevocable! This article addresses common questions that should be considered when making decisions about your pension.
Read MoreDoes the world feel out of control? There is so much uncertainty in the world and most investors feel powerless when it comes to investing and accumulating assets for long-term financial goals. And it is no wonder: some of the financial, economic and political challenges we are currently experiencing are on a global scale and unprecedented.
Read MoreAsset "location" - which types of investments should be held in which accounts -is different based on your stage in life. An accumulator and a retiree should have a different investment strategy.
Read MoreRoth IRAs are great savings mechanisms and can be used effectively for retirement and education planning. One of the less publicized advantages to Roth IRAs is that they can be a great estate planning technique when someone wants to pass along as much as possible to their heirs.
Read MoreOn the surface, it would seem that the decision to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits is a straight-forward one – take the money as soon as possible. However, for many people, taking their Social Security retirement benefit as soon as they become eligible may not be the best alternative.
Read MoreLet’s face it, seniors today are healthier, more active and are likely to have longer lives. So what are the financial implications for retirees who will likely live well into their 90s and possibly their 100s?
Read MoreDuring retirement, is it best to take distributions from IRAs, Roth IRAs or personal brokerage or savings accounts? The decision of "Which account?" is an important one with many factors to consider.
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