Have you ever wondered if that “safe” annuity investment could actually drain your life savings? Many folks approaching retirement get attracted to annuities because of their promises of guaranteed income and security But the big question remains – can you lose all your money in an annuity? The short answer is: it depends on the … Read more
Many people continue to work in retirement. Their reasons vary. Some may need to earn additional income to support their retirement lifestyle. Some enjoy the social aspect of working and the work they do. Others are asked to take positions on a temporary basis to fill vacancies. If you plan to collect Social Security, what … Read more
Being named as an executor of someone’s will is both an honor and a significant responsibility One question that frequently comes up is “What percent does an executor of a will get paid?” If you’re wondering about executor compensation – whether you’re planning your own will or you’ve been named as someone’s executor – you’ve … Read more
Tax rules can help you save money for retirement, but there are certain strings attached when youve put your money in pre-tax accounts. Thats especially true if you retire at a relatively young age and want to take distributions. For instance, if you need cash from your retirement savings before you turn 59½, you may … Read more
Making a will is the best way to make sure your wishes are carried out after you die. As a part of putting your plan together, you’ll have to designate beneficiaries. One common hurdle is understanding the difference between a primary and contingent beneficiary. Knowing this distinction can make your estate plan more comprehensive and … Read more
Are you wondering if your Roth IRA investments will get hit with capital gains tax? Good news – they won’t! One of the biggest perks of having a Roth IRA is avoiding capital gains tax completely. But there’s a lot more to understand about how these retirement accounts work tax-wise. As someone who’s spent years … Read more
Thinking about undoing that Roth conversion you made? You’re not alone Many investors find themselves wondering if they can reverse their Roth conversion decision, especially when market conditions change or tax situations shift unexpectedly. Let me walk you through what’s possible today and what’s changed over the years The Short Answer: Not Anymore (Mostly) I’ve … Read more
Let’s face it – deciding between retirement systems can be confusing as heck, especially when both have their own unique advantages. As someone who’s spent years advising federal employees, I’ve seen firsthand how the right choice between Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) can dramatically impact your golden years. But … Read more
Among the many other things on your to do list for retirement, you must notify your employer. Often, they require you to submit an official retirement letter of resignation. A retirement letter of resignation is more than just a formality. It sets in motion a process for handling changes in pay, insurance, and your retirement … Read more
As a stay-at-home parent, you might think saving for retirement isn’t an option for you. But there is good news: you can still save for retirement even though you are not the main breadwinner. This is possible with two magic words: spouse IRA. Are you a stay-at-home mom wondering if you can still build your … Read more