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Why Should I Put My Home in a Living Trust?
Life is short. And while no one wants to focus on the end, forcing yourself to do so can ultimately makes things a bit easier for your loved ones—not just emotionally, but financially too.
Read MoreHappy Halloween!
October is coming to an end, and that means Halloween will be here before you know it. Are you ready for the holiday? If you have kids, no doubt they are!All Hallows Eve is celebrated in many ways today; they are all enjoyable. So,...
Read MoreG'mar Chatimah Tovah
As the Days of Awe culminate, we are humble and grateful in our atonement, recognizing how human we are and how much better we can be.
Read MoreHave You Enrolled in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Have you enrolled in Medicare, or are you considering it? If so, you should know that anyone who receives Medicare is eligible to receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons to Buy Life Insurance
Life insurance is one of those things that just about everyone needs but far too few people actually have. It’s easy to put off purchasing a policy when you’re young and relatively healthy. But the longer you wait, the...
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Tax Planning Strategies for Business Owners
Political and economic factors suggest a higher tax environment is possible. Understand your options for income, corporate and estate tax planning. Democratic U.S. Senate candidates swept the Georgia run-offs in early January,...
Read MoreFacts About Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored...
Read MoreInsurance solutions later in life
Key Points Life insurance can do more than provide financial support for your beneficiaries. It’s good to revisit life insurance during your 50s and 60s as solutions may be more accessible and less costly than you might think. An...
Read MoreAnnuities can Protect Lifetime Income and Mitigate Retirement Risk
Saving for retirement can be difficult—that's just reality. This may especially be the case when investors have expenses right now that need addressing. Fortunately, there are several different ways that Americans can save for...
Read MoreHow Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?
"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they...
Read MoreFederal Student Loan payments paused due to COVID-19
This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year.But that's not all that's different. The current administration has issued an executive memorandum...
Read MoreRetirement Income: 5 factors to consider
Key Points Key financial decisions can impact your income and taxes at a certain stage of retirement. Strategic planning may extend your retirement income. Your Ameriprise financial advisor can help you consider your options across...
Read MoreHow To Make Financial Comeback
Key Points Most investors (73%) have experienced at least one major financial setback of some kind in their life, according to the Ameriprise Financial Comebacks study. The most common financial setbacks among investors in the past are...
Read MoreThe Last 6 Months
After a six-month sprint through a diabolical obstacle course of new laws, a pandemic, record unemployment, deaths, confusion and complete disruption of everyone’s professional and personal lives, this seems like a good time to...
Read MoreHow Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Here’s How to Find Out
A good rule of thumb is 10 times your salary. But your actual number may be different. How much life insurance you need is like your fingerprint — it’s unique to you. Your employer’s policy may cover your salary for...
Read MoreWorking While Receiving Social Security Benefits
Some people may think they can't work — or shouldn't work — while collecting Social Security benefits. But that's not the case. However, it's important to understand how the retirement earnings test (RET) could affect your benefits.
Read MoreYour Yearly Financial Checklist
A full trip around the sun is always reason to pause and celebrate. It’s also a good time to reflect, to think about where you are, and where you want to be.
Read MoreWomen Overcoming Volatility - Keeping Control of Your Financial Future
According to the report, the percentage of women in SVP and C-suite positions rose from 40% to 49% over the last six years. Despite this progress, women are often still seen as the primary caregivers of children, elderly parents and others
Read MoreWidowhood - The Loss Couples Rarely Plan for—and Should
No one is ever ready emotionally for the death of a spouse. But you can prepare financially for the decision-making and reduced income you may someday face.
Read MoreWhat Is A Living Trust?
A living trust is a legal document that places your assets into a trust for your benefit (you’re the trustee) while you’re alive and then transfers those assets, via your “successor trustee,” to beneficiaries after you die or become disable
Read MoreWhat to Know Before Refinancing Your Home
Just because you can lower your monthly payment doesn’t mean you’ll save money. That’s especially true if you pay closing costs — one-time fees due when you take out a loan — when you refinance.
Read MoreWhat Happens if You Die Without a Will?
It’s shocking to me that people will spend more time and money investigating and paying for the right summer camp for a child than putting together a plan that can impact that child’s well-being for the rest of his or her life.
Read MoreWhat Football Teaches Us About Financial Planning
There’s never been a great coach worth a damn who didn’t believe in planning. Coaches will stay in the office late at night planning. Heck, they’ll stay in the office all night if they think it will give them an edge.
Read MoreWhat Are The Core Components of A Financial Plan?
More advanced plans can model certain capital gains strategies, including tax-loss harvesting, which helps to offset investment gains and preserve more of your principal.
Read MoreWhat Americans Over Age 50 Should Know About Divorce And Their Finances
Statistically, of course, older couples who have passed their peak earning years will have more assets (and more savings) than younger couples, so deciding how to divide them will be crucial.
Read MoreUsing An Annuity to Help Pay For College
Saving and paying for college can be a challenging goal and you may be among the many people who worry about the financial pressure that funding higher education can bring.
Read MoreUse These Four Questions As A Guide To Help Plan Ahead For Future Medical and Caregiving Needs
Most people don't want to think about the health-related what-ifs that come with aging, let alone talk about them—especially with family. Nonetheless, that conversation is critical to have.
Read MoreTracking Down a Lost Retirement Account
The next time you switch jobs, be sure to have a plan for your retirement funds so you don’t lose track of them. After all, when you’re saving for a decades-long retirement, every dollar counts.
Read MoreIs It Time For A 401(K) Review?
Deferrals. What is the average deferral rate among plan participants? Is it higher for the highest-earning employees? While this tendency is common, you want all plan participants to contribute to their accounts at a decent level.
Read MoreThere's Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2021
You can contribute to a Roth IRA if your MAGI is within certain limits. For 2021, if you file your federal tax return as single or head of household, you can make a full Roth contribution if your income is $125,000 or less.
Read MoreThe Emotional Side of Long-Term Care
Yes, Medicaid will begin to cover your long-term care expenses, but only if you are in a nursing home and only after you have spent your assets down to $2,000. Medicaid can also dictate which nursing home you will go to.
Read MoreThe Working Woman’s Retirement Plan Checklist
What women need to know:Have you earned a retirement benefit(s) at any of your jobs?Do you know how much your benefit(s) will be?Do you know what happens to your benefit if you change jobs?Do you know what happens to your benefit if...
Read MoreThe 5-Year Forever Clock
In an extreme example of the 5-Year Forever Clock, James is 43 years old. He opens his very first Roth IRA with a $5,000 contribution. Two years later, when James is 45, the account is worth $6,000 and James is in financial straits.
Read MoreTeaching Kids About Money
Teaching kids how to work hard and save money is challenging for many parents. It certainly was for me. My wife and I were never quite sure we were getting through, but we kept trying. Somehow something must have worked.
Read MoreStress Test Your Financial Plans Like a Billionaire
It’s not unusual for the Super Rich (those with a net worth of $500 million or more) to have family offices and a legion of professional advisors to help them create and implement financial plans.
Read MoreStarting The Retirement Income Conversation
The first step in developing a successful income plan for retirement is understanding your options. Here are points you should discuss with your financial professional to make sure you’re on track for the retirement you want.
Read MoreShould I Exchange My Annuity?
One of the primary benefits of fixed-indexed annuities is tax deferral. Much like an IRA, the money you place in a fixed-indexed annuity grows tax-free as long as it stays in the fixed-indexed annuity.
Read MorePlanning to Quit Your Job? What to Know Before You Go
Because hiring and training new workers can be time-consuming and costly, some employers may be more willing to make concessions to keep the employees they already have.
Read MorePlanning Gives You Control
Some pundits claim that investors can only survive the overvalued U.S. equity markets as selective stock pickers, but this kind of advice always seems to be offered in the midst of market volatility.
Read MorePersonal Planner
"How can I plan?" asked Mary. "We just sold our home and bought a retirement condo. Our older child just moved across the country and our younger child will be getting married later this year. With so much change, how can we make plans?"
Read MoreRaising Children Late in Life -What You Should Know
Regardless of how older moms and dads come into parenting, they all want to create a stable financial life for their little ones while negotiating the life changes that come with age. Here are some ways to help juggle both those goals.
Read MoreIs Whole Life Insurance a Good Investment?
In the most literal sense, whole life insurance is not an investment — it’s life insurance. But it also accumulates cash value that’s tax-advantaged, guaranteed to grow and never declines in value.
Read MoreIntroduction to Estate Planning
Estate Planning is an essential component to your overall financial plan. It allows you to gain more control over aspects of your life both during your lifetime and after your death.
Read MoreHow Whole Life Insurance Can Help With Multiple Financial Goals
As you go through life, you’re likely to have many financial goals: saving for retirement, paying for your child’s education or wedding, or having enough for emergencies.
Read MoreHow to Use Permanent Life Insurance in Retirement
If you want guaranteed income in retirement and don’t have a need for your life insurance anymore, you can do something known as a 1035 exchange for an annuity.
Read MoreHow To Tell When You Need A Financial Planner (For Women)
Perhaps you are facing financial challenges but have never worked with a financial planner. Maybe you are asking yourself whether you need help with your finances, which could be a sign you do.
Read MoreHow To Spend, Save, and Invest An Inheritance
Inheriting money is a mixed blessing. It likely means that you lost a loved one while also experiencing the gift of a financial legacy. But when you’re about to receive an inheritance, you may be unsure as to what to do with it.
Read MoreHow to Manage Your Boomerang Children
If you and your spouse disagree on whether to let your child move home, Abramson says you may need a third party to help you sort it out. She says the decision can be particularly tough if you are remarried.
Read MoreHow To Keep Your Divorce From Ruining Your Finances
Update your will and any trusts to designate who you want to inherit your assets, now that what you own and your wishes are different than they had been in the past.
Read MoreHow to Give Money to Your Kids
Roth IRAs face some significant restrictions, however. The first is that your child must have earned income. The second restriction is that Roths have annual contribution limits.
Read MoreHow to Determine Your Financial Planning Goals
Most experts recommend keeping an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months of living expenses. Some even say your emergency fund should be enough to last a year.
Read MoreHow To Create A Shared Financial Vision With Your Partner
Open communication is vital when you and your partner talk about current and future financial goals. Your financial advisor is a neutral guide who can help you work together to bring your shared vision to life.
Read MoreHow Financial Planning Is Different When You Don’t Have Kids
Kids or no kids, people are living longer, which makes retirement planning a priority for everyone. This means you’ll have to think about how to make your retirement income last.
Read MoreHome-Sweet-Home Equity
Even if you still make mortgage payments, the equity in your home is a valuable asset. And current low interest rates might give you an opportunity to pay off your home more quickly. Here are some ideas to consider.
Read MoreGetting the Right Financial Planner
The powerful financial planning experience I am talking about starts with the right kind of financial planner. Not all financial plans are equal and neither are financial planners.
Read MoreGiving While Living
With an estimated $3.2 trillion expected to be passed down to inheritors in the U.S. over the next generation, the question of how and when to transfer assets is one that many families will have to grapple with.
Read MoreGive Yourself A Year-End Financial Checkup
Even if you have a hands-off approach to your finances most of the year, taking a few key steps at year’s end can make a big difference in your finances short-term and get you on track for a stronger financial future.
Read MoreFour Financial Tips For The Sandwich Generation
Almost half of adult Americans in their 40s and 50s are part of the sandwich generation — meaning they have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a child under 18 or financially supporting a grown child.
Read MoreHere Are the Budgeting Basics Your Kids Should Know (Part 1)
Get other family members in on the goal of saving for college by asking them to contribute to your kid’s 529 college savings plan in lieu of gifts for holidays or birthdays.
Read MoreFive Financial Planning Tips for Women in 2022
January is the time for resetting, redefining and redesigning our lives. Enjoy a strong start to the new decade with these five financial planning tips for women.
Read MoreFinancial Steps to Take When You Lose A Loved One
But how do you know what you’re supposed to do? It can feel very overwhelming. Here’s a list of common steps to help reduce stress during this time.
Read MoreFinancial Mistakes Women Make During The Divorce Process
Even potentially profitable investments, such as a stake in a business or limited partnership, must be weighed against liquid assets you can use now to establish long-term security.
Read MoreFinancial Concerns and Advice for Sandwich Generation Women
If health care is a potential concern, consider contributing the maximum amount to a health savings account. Your financial advisor can discuss the strategy and benefits with you.
Read MoreEstate Planning For Young Families - 5 Questions Parents Need To Answer
It’s a tough conversation for any parent to have: Do you know what would happen to your kids if you were to pass away? Who would be their primary caretaker? Would they have enough money for necessities, let alone college?
Read MoreEstate Planning For Married Couples With IRAs And 401(K)S
In states that impose a separate estate or other transfer tax, there may be a sixth reason if state law doesn’t afford a portability election similar to federal law.
Read MoreEstate Planning 101: Planning, Preparation And Process
As a financial advisor, I work with my clients in all phases of their lives – estate planning, retirement, inheritance, sale of business, death of a spouse, and divorce.
Read MoreDocumenting Your Wishes For Online Accounts Can Ease Heartache For Loved Ones
One of the more difficult realities of estate planning is recognizing that while you can provide for your family after you’re gone, your presence will be missed
Read MoreDesignating Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries you select for your retirement accounts can have a significant impact on the financial future of your family and/or other heirs.
Read MoreDesignating Beneficiaries For Retirement Accounts, Part I Introduction
A beneficiary designation form is a simple and accessible tool that allows donors to make testamentary charitable gifts and streamline the administration of their estates.
Read MoreComfort Planning: Tips On How To Prevent Strangers From Taking Over If You're Incapacitated
What do these three stories have in common? At some point, others had to make decisions on behalf of the person who did not have comfort planning in place.
Read MoreChild Care Costs - Whether Day Care Or A Nanny Is Right For Your Child
Deciding who will care for your child while you work can be overwhelming. If you don’t have family members to help, you’re likely deciding between a day care center, an in-home day care or a nanny.
Read MoreCan I Leave Money To My Kids But Not Their Spouses?
Prenuptial agreements don’t carry the same type of stigma they may have had in the past. In fact, more and more young people are signing prenuptial agreements.
Read MoreBaseball Lessons That Might Help Change Up Your Finances
Baseball stadiums are filled with optimists. Fans start each new season with the hope that even if last year ended badly, this year could finally be the year.
Read MoreBe Sure Your IRA Beneficiaries Are Designated Beneficiaries
Even worse, charities and estates as non-humans have no life expectancy. Thus, if either one was also named on the form, the human beneficiaries, such as Jack Jr. and Jack III, would not be entitled to a stretch at all.
Read MoreAre You Ready For Life's Big Changes?
Marriage. Divorce. Remarriage. Retirement. Nothing ever stays the same. Here are three strategies to help you navigate life’s major, often scary and unexpected, turning points.
Read MoreA Thoughtful Gift: Buying Life Insurance For Children Or Grandchildren
Whole life insurance provides death benefit protection, creates a living legacy that will accumulate cash value with each passing year, and may help your child or grandchild get a head start on their financial future.
Read MoreA Wish Is Just A Wish Without A Will: The Boar's Head Family Beef
Boar’s Head brings to mind juicy cold cut meats, but according to the The New York Times, there’s now a different type of beef sizzling between the heirs of the NYC company.
Read MoreA Guide For Assisting Aging Parents With Estate, Financial And Long Term Care Planning
Having a team of advisors that you really trust is important when it comes to the needs of your aging parents'. Here are a few different types of advisors you'll want to consider:
Read More9 Areas Where Financial Planning Is Important
There’s a reason why world-class athletes work with coaches who push them to constantly improve their game. When it comes to financial planning, everyone can benefit from having a coach working with them, too.
Read More61-Year-Old Self-Made Millionaire: 4 Things I Regret Wasting Money And Time On In My 20s
I’ve built a multimillion-dollar business and am the CEO of seven privately held companies. But there’s always room for improvement — even at age 61. In order to do that, it’s important to acknowledge past failures and learn from them.
Read More8 Money Tips Financial Planners Always Give To Couples
In a relationship, one person might be more interested in managing finances than the other. But CFP Michael Hackler of Horizon Financial Group says it's important to maintain a team mindset and share financial responsibilities.
Read More6 Tips For Managing Your Investments Through Divorce
If you receive assets from your spouse’s retirement plan and want to cash out the assets by taking a distribution, here is what you need to know about distribution penalties:
Read More6 FAQs About Social Security
Social Security income is an important discussion to have with your financial advisor before you stop working. Below are commonly asked questions and answers to help you prepare for the conversation.
Read More5 Ways To Maximize Your Social Security Benefit
According to the Center for Retirement Research, roughly 45 percent of Americans begin claiming Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age, permanently — and significantly — reducing the amount they receive every month.
Read More5 Smart Actions For The New Year
The new year is a great time to reflect, revisit priorities and take actions — big and small — to help you stay on track to reach your financial goals. Here are five smart actions to consider.
Read More5 People Who Definitely Need To See A Financial Planner
Financial advisers and planners can get a bad rap. When it comes to investing and planning for retirement, you don't have to look long to find a flood of bloggers telling you that "you can just do it yourself."
Read More5 Fixed Indexed Annuity Myths Busted!
To determine if a fixed indexed annuity is right for you, it’s important to have full knowledge of how they work and how they may fit into your overall retirement plan.
Read More4 Steps Women Can Take To Help Prepare For Retirement
Many men and women may approach money management and financial wellness differently and this difference often extends to planning for retirement.
Read More5 Financial Steps You Should Take Before The End Of The Year
While you should be tax planning throughout the year, sometimes you don’t know exactly how much you’re going to earn or you get busy and forget to make the contributions you intended on making.
Read More4 Habits Of Happy Retirees
Discover four shared traits of happy retirees and how to make them your own.
Read More32 Of The Best Value Propositions (Plus How To Write Your Own)
Do you want more customers to choose you over your competition? Smart marketers use a compelling value proposition to show prospects why their company is better than the competition.
Read More3 Smart Actions For The New Year
If the new year has you reflecting on goals and what’s ahead, it’s a good time to also review your financial priorities. Here are three areas to consider:
Read MoreSaving For Early Retirement Is Hard Work, But These Habits Can Make It A Little Easier!
If you've got your mind set on early retirement, it won't be easy. Retirement is becoming more expensive, and Americans are living longer.
Read More11 Tips For Separating Your Finances When Navigating Divorce
If you ultimately decide to seek a divorce, the following financial planning tips can help you achieve a reasonable financial settlement to establish a strong foundation for your new life:
Read More10 Pieces Of Advice Financial Planners Give To New Parents Who Don't Know Where To Start
Becoming a parent comes with a lot of responsibilities, and financial obligations are no exception — from budgeting for everyday needs to forward-thinking about investing in your child's future.
Read More10 Ways To Talk To Your Aging Parents About Their Finances
Fortunately, talking to your parents about their finances isn't as difficult as it might seem. That's because there are several ways to start the conversation.
Read More10 Financial Planning And Tax Strategies To Prepare For 2022
For 2022, you can contribute up to $3,650 for individual coverage and up to $7,300 for family coverage into an HSA. Remember that an HSA is not a “use or lose it” benefit.
Read More10 Beneficiary Designation Tips
When you first set up your estate plan, go over all the designations you previously made and align them with your plan. After that, you should review and update them regularly—once a year would be ideal.
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits May Be Cut By 2034
The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt from coast to coast. And, unfortunately for many pre-retirees, it could potentially impact Social Security benefits as well.
Read MoreInflation Math for Today’s Retiree
The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money was initially borrowed.
Read MoreTo Newly Eligible Medicare Participants
You may have considered all these strategies to some degree already. This letter is just a reminder that you are now Medicare-eligible, so these choices may soon need to become considerations.
Read MoreApply for Medicare Part D or Advantage Plan
Have you enrolled in Medicare, or are you considering it? If so, you should know that anyone who receives Medicare is eligible to receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Read MoreConsiderations During Medicare’s Open Enrollment
How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.
Read MoreLife Insurance at an Early Age
Perhaps you’ve heard the maxim, “Preparation is the key to success.” But when it comes to life insurance, knowing when to prepare is almost more important than the preparation, itself.
Read MoreDisability Insurance Prospecting
Will the government take care of you? Many disabled people discover that they don’t qualify for state assistance. Others find that the amount or length of coverage available is not sufficient to support them.
Read MoreWomen and Financial Strategies
Although more women are providing for their families, when it comes to preparing for retirement, they may be leaving their future to chance.
Read MoreHow Women Can Prepare For Retirement
When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension.
Read MoreHelpful Retirement Strategies for Women
According to one report, women contribute 30% less to their retirement accounts than men.
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions.
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social Security
The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you?
Read MoreSocial Security: The Elephant in the Room
The Social Security system has undergone periodic scares over the years that have inevitably led many people to wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed.
Read MoreSocial Security: Maximizing Benefits
Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status.
Read MoreSocial Security: The 64,000 Dollar Question
At first blush, the decision may seem a bit clear-cut: Simply calculate the lifetime value of the early benefit amount versus the lifetime value of the higher benefit, based on some assumed life expectancy.
Read MoreSocial Security: Five Facts You Need to Know
Social Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.
Read MoreHow Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?
"Full retirement age" is the age at which individuals become eligible to receive 100% of their Social Security benefits. Individuals born in 1960 or later can receive 100% of their benefits at age 67.
Read More9 Facts About Social Security
Social Security's been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you.
Read MoreYour Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement
During your accumulation years, you may have categorized your risk as “conservative,” “moderate,” or “aggressive” and that guided how your portfolio was built.
Read MoreWhere Will Your Retirement Money Come From?
For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources:Social SecuritySocial Security is the government-administered retirement income program. Workers become eligible...
Read MoreRetirement Seen Through Your Eyes
How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider.
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement
Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans?
Read MoreThe Sequence of Returns
The BlackRock study assumes that the three hypothetical investors evaluated their financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of declining and rising prices.
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls
Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too.
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement Accounts
An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer.
Read MoreWhat to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy
Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies.
Read MorePreparing for the Expected
The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the unique challenges that come with aging.
Read MoreInsurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees
The preservation of your assets may not be solely a function of your investment strategy, but may include a comprehensive insurance approach to protect you against an array of financial risks, most especially health care.
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50Important Birthdays Over 50
Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.
Read MoreImmediate vs. Deferred Annuities
Despite not being as well known as some other retirement tools, annuities account for 6% of all assets earmarked for retirement. With about $2.6 trillion in assets, annuities hold more funds than Roth IRAs.
Read MoreHow Retirement Spending Changes With Time
New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate.
Read MoreHealthcare Costs in Retirement
In a 2022 survey, 35% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement.
Read MoreEight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.
Read MoreDoes Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit.
Read MoreInflation & Your Money
Inflation is defined as an upward movement in the average level of prices. Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a report called the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to track these fluctuations.
Read MoreYour Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
One survey found that nearly 25% of Americans have no emergency savings. Another survey found that 40% of Americans said they wouldn't be able to comfortably handle an unexpected $1,000 expense.
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA
For individuals covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction for a traditional IRA in 2022 is phased out for incomes between $109,000 and $129,000 for married couples filing jointly, and between $68,000 and $78,000 for single filers.
Read MoreThe Cost of Procrastination
Some of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.
Read MoreThe Business Cycle
An upswing, or recovery, occurs when the economic indicators improve over time. A recession occurs when the same indicators go through a contraction. A particularly long or severe recession is referred to as a depression.
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When stock prices are trending lower, some investors can second-guess their risk tolerance. But periods of market volatility can be the worst times to consider portfolio decisions.
Read MoreIRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty
Yet, policymakers also recognize that life can present more pressing circumstances that require access to these savings.
Read MoreFive Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible.
Read MoreCountdown to College
As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity.
Read MoreChoices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer
One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
One of the worst decisions may be the failure to enroll, although more and more companies are automatically enrolling workers into their retirement plans.
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement.
Read More9 Facts About Retirement
Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor.
Read MoreWhy Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy
Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.
Read MoreWays to Supplement Your Medicare Coverage
Retiree insurance: Some employers provide health insurance to retirees and their spouses to fill in the gaps of Medicare coverage. Retiree insurance always pays secondary to Medicare.
Read MoreThe Basics of Medicare
If you want Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) with Original Medicare, in most cases you will need to actively choose and join a stand-alone Medicare private drug plan (PDP).
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of Medicare
Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions.
Read MorePrescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D)
Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage.
Read MoreQualifying For Medicare Under Age 65
You may qualify for Medicare due to a disability if you have been receiving SSDI checks for more than 24 months, also known as the two-year waiting period.
Read MoreMedicare At 65+
How much you have to pay for your Medicare coverage depends on your work history (i.e. if and how long you have paid Medicare taxes). Everyone owes a monthly premium for their medical insurance (Part B).
Read MoreMedicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
Medicare Advantage Plans must offer, at minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare (those covered under Parts A and B) but can do so with different rules, costs, and coverage restrictions.
Read MoreMedicare Advantage 101
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare program, and can provide you with additional health insurance coverage.
Read MoreIs Term Life Insurance for You?
Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Here’s how it works:
Read MoreCan Group, Private Disability Policies Work Together?
Loss of income for such a duration has the potential to cause significant financial hardship. And while Social Security Disability Insurance may help, it's critical to understand that about two-thirds of initial applications are denied and
Read MoreA Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important estate strategy tool that may accomplish a number of estate objectives; however, it may not be appropriate for every individual.
Read MoreWhen Life Insurance Becomes Taxable
According to the most recent estimates from the US Census Bureau, the population of people over the age of 55 grew twenty times faster than the population of people younger than 55 between 2010 and 2020. The fastest growing age group was pe
Read MoreUniversal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance is permanent life insurance — that is, it remains in force for your whole life. But universal life insurance has an important difference from other types of permanent insurance: it provides a flexible premium.
Read MoreUnderstanding Extended Care
Addressing the potential risks of extended term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy.
Read MoreTerm vs. Permanent Life Insurance
According to industry experts, most people don't have enough life insurance. LIMRA, which keeps close tabs on the industry, recently reported that average coverage equals $163,000, which is equivalent to approximately 3.5 years in terms of
Read MoreInsurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children
A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations—both present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared.
Read MoreDisability and Your Finances
Rather than depending on a government program to protect their income in the event of a disability, many individuals prefer to protect themselves with personal disability insurance.
Read MoreConsider Keeping Your Life Insurance When You Retire
Do you need a life insurance policy in retirement? One school of thought questions this decision. Perhaps your kids have grown, and the need to help protect the household against the loss of an income-earner has passed.
Read MoreAssess Life Insurance Needs
If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.
Read MoreBreaking Down the Parts of Medicare
Under Original Medicare, the government pays directly for the health care services you receive. You can see any doctor and hospital that takes Medicare (and most do) anywhere in the country.
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