Chances are you have heard about the 3.8% surtax that went into effect in 2013 under the Affordable Care Act—but do you know if and when you might need to pay it? While there have been significant changes to the tax code over the past year, the Medicare tax and net investment income tax remain […]
Social Security planning often focuses on filing strategies to help determine when and how to take your benefits. But before you make any decisions, you should also consider the tax implications your Social Security benefits will have on your overall retirement plan. If you have additional sources of income in retirement, there is a chance […]
Leaving a Legacy: Life Insurance vs. Roth IRAs When considering the best way to leave your loved ones an inheritance, it’s important to be aware of the options available to you. While life insurance is a well-known option, Roth IRAs can be effective as well. Both can provide a tax-free legacy, but you should know […]
As a retirement account owner, you’ve probably been warned about the 10% early distribution penalty that applies to taxable distributions made before age 59½. But did you know that if for some reason you need to access your money early, there are exceptions to this rule? Expenses such as medical bills, buying your first home, […]
End-of-Year Checklist With the holiday season upon us, your to-do list might seem endless. In the midst of preparing for all of the festivities, have you taken the time to review your end-of-year financial checklist? Though it may be difficult to find time to squeeze this in, it is important to consider whether there are […]
Did you know there is no minimum age for having an IRA? As long as your child has earned income, you can open an account in their name. Whether they contribute to the IRA with their own money from working or a gift from you, the power of compound interest can help them get a […]
Do you own company stock in your employer-sponsored retirement plan that you’re looking to roll over to an IRA? Before you make any moves, there may be a tax break available to you that could save you a significant amount of money: the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) tax break. Completing an in-kind distribution (as opposed […]
Are you looking to have control over your IRA assets after they’ve been passed along to your beneficiaries? You’ve worked hard to build your nest egg, and you want to ensure that your assets are utilized in the best way possible—but how? A see-through trust is a trust that is treated as the beneficiary of […]
Estate planning is an often overlooked element of financial wellness. It is estimated that over half of Americans – 56% – do NOT have an up-to-date estate plan! National Estate Planning Awareness Week (H. Res. 1499) was adopted on September 27, 2008, to help consumers understand estate planning and its need, along with how best […]