Not All Financial Statements Need to be Retained Indefinitely We all have filing cabinets and boxes of statements and records that we retain … “just in case”. How long does one really need to retain paper statements, such as 401(k) statements, credit card statements, or transaction receipts? Most paper files do not need to be…
Two possibilities. Years ago, retirees exploited loopholes in Social Security’s framework to dramatically increase their lifetime Social Security benefits. Many of the tactics they used are no longer permitted, but there are still a couple of ways to restart those retirement benefits in pursuit of higher monthly income. Once, retirees could hit “reset” on their…
You might be able to take money out of your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 Plan while still working. If you withdraw money out of a workplace retirement plan in your fifties, will you be penalized for it? In most cases, the answer is yes. Distributions taken from a qualified retirement plan before age 59½ usually…
A convenient move that could ward off probate on your accounts. TOD, JTWROS…what do these obscure acronyms signify? They are shorthand for transfer on death and joint tenancy with right of survivorship – two designations that permit automatic transfer of bank or investment accounts from a deceased spouse to a surviving spouse. This…
Steps to see that financial matters remain in good order. When a spouse passes away, the emotion and magnitude of the loss can send our lives reeling. This profound change can also affect our finances. All at once, we have a to-do list before us, and the responsibility of it can make us feel pressured.…
Will you have enough money to make ends meet? You may have heard that people spend less once they are retired. Statistically, that is true. The question is whether a retiree has enough income to meet his or her expenses. Ideally, retirees should be able to live comfortably on 70-85% of their end salaries and…
What could you do (or do differently) in the months ahead? How will your money habits change in 2017? What decisions or behaviors might help your personal finances, your retirement prospects, or your net worth? Each year presents a “clean slate,” so as one year ebbs into another, it is natural to think about what…
If your loved ones have invested, saved or insured themselves to any degree, you may be named as a beneficiary to one or more of their accounts, policies or assets in the event of their deaths. While we all hope “that day” never comes, we do need to know what to do financially if…
What should you focus on as the transition approaches? You can prepare for your retirement transition years before it occurs. In doing so, you can do your best to avoid the kind of financial surprises that tend to upset an unsuspecting new retiree. How much monthly income will you need? Look at your monthly expenses…
The arguments for & against this estate planning decision. Uncommon, or uncommonly wise? Occasionally, a couple or a family will elect to put their home into a revocable living trust, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) or a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). There are advantages and disadvantages to doing this. People make this move for…