Just Married? Financial Chores to Complete when You Tie the Knot

Wedding season may peak in late summer and early fall, according to wedding website TheKnot.com, but new marriages take place all year round. Whether you’re planning a wedding celebration now or later, it’s important to remember the administrative tasks to address when you say, “I do.” Many of these tasks relate to name changes. Some […]

8 Steps Toward Enhanced Financial Security

During uncertain times, you may be concerned about the effects world events will have on your financial affairs. Of course, there are no absolute guarantees of protection, but shoring up your defenses and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive wealth-management plan can help. Here are eight steps you can take now to help strengthen your […]

Roth 401(k) Plans Have New Appeal for Employers

The traditional 401(k) plan is the most popular qualified retirement plan in the United States. As of March 31, 2024, Americans held $7.8 trillion dollars in 401(k) plans (out of a total $11.1 trillion invested in qualified retirement plans), according to the Investment Company Institute. In fact, your organization probably offers a 401(k) plan to […]

Smart Tax Planning Pays Off

If you’re financially successful or expect to become so, taxes are or will become one of your biggest expenses — and most people want to minimize their tax obligations. Roughly two-thirds of Americans say that they pay too much in federal income taxes, according to a poll earlier this year from the University of Chicago […]

Is Your Estate Plan Bulletproof? Techniques to Help Avoid Fighting Later

An inherent problem with wills and other estate planning documents such as trusts is that, when the time comes to put them into action, you won’t be around to explain or interpret them. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use during your lifetime to minimize the risk of a fight over your estate after your […]

IRS Issues New Final Regs on RMDs

The IRS has just released final regulations on required minimum distributions (RMDs) from qualified plans and traditional IRAs. The much-anticipated final regs provide guidance on tax law changes made by the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act (enacted in 2019) and the SECURE 2.0 Act (enacted in 2022). The final rules about […]

Legitimate Ways to Avoid a 10% Penalty Tax on Early IRA Withdrawals

In a pinch, you may need to take some money out of your traditional IRA (or IRAs) before you reach age 59½. The IRS refers to these distributions as “early withdrawals.” While most traditional IRA withdrawals are at least partially taxable, the taxable portion of withdrawals taken before age 59½ will also be hit with […]

Cross “Create an Estate Plan” Off Your To-Do List

If you’re like most Americans, you don’t have an estate plan (according to various sources, adults with estate plans range from 23% to 33% of the population). You may not even know where to start. That’s understandable, because a comprehensive estate plan can involve a variety of legal documents — the complexity depending on your […]

Do You Qualify for the 0% Tax Rate for Capital Gains and Dividends?

Many people currently qualify for a 0% federal income tax rate on net long-term capital gains (LTCGs) and qualified dividends earned in their taxable accounts. Investment assets that may qualify include marketable securities and real estate held outside of tax-favored retirement accounts. Here’s how you might be able to take advantage of this favorable rate […]

Webinar – Feel More Secure About Social Security

Social Security is far more complicated than most people realize. The decisions you make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime. Have you ever wondered when you should apply for Social Security?  Maybe you’re wondering how you can maximize your benefits?  Or whether or […]