Money

Aged 60 to 63 With a 401(k)? Here’s How New Contribution Rules Could Impact Your Retirement Savings
The IRS now allows a narrow, specific window for accelerated catch-up contributions. Between the ages of 60 and 63, you can make additional catch-up contributions to tax advantaged retirement accounts. Per the SECURE 2.0...

Average Itemized Deductions in Some States Reach Over $50k. Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Tax Return?
Should you itemize your taxes? Most taxpayers take the standard each year. The Tax Policy Center estimates that only about 10% of households itemize their taxes. This is in large part because the standard deduction is...

Ask an Advisor: Will the $500k in My Retirement Account Be Taxed When My Heirs Inherit it?
I have about $500,000 in a 403(b) account. I am writing my will and I do not know whether the money in my 403(b) will be subject to taxes when it is distributed to those I list in my will. Or, will the money just pass...

I’m Going to Earn $3,400 per Month in Social Security. How Can I Reduce My Taxes on It?
Many people don’t owe federal income taxes on their Social Security retirement benefits. However, with $3,400 in monthly benefits, you could be one of the many people who do have to pay taxes on this income. From zero to...

I’m Starting IRA Withdrawals at Age 65. Will They Count Toward My RMDs Later?
Withdrawals from an IRA that start before required minimum distributions (RMDs) are due can reduce the amount of your future RMDs, although not on a dollar-by-dollar basis. RMDs are calculated based on the balance in your...

I Have $1.4 Million Invested with My Advisor Who Charges a 1% Fee. Am I Paying Too Much?
The fee your advisor charges is based on the services you’re receiving, the individual advisor’s fee structure and other factors, including the amount of money you have to invest. With $1.4 million invested, many...

I’m 61 With $890k in My IRA. Should I Convert 10% per Year to Avoid Taxes and RMDs in Retirement?
When should you use a Roth IRA to manage your taxes? As you hit your 60s, it’s common to shift retirement planning from general wealth accumulation to practical details like taxes and required minimum distributions (RMDs)....

Ask an Advisor: We Sold an Investment and Our Medicare Part B Premiums Shot Up to $592. Can We Avoid This Increase?
I sold an investment property which made my income very high for that year. Medicare Part B premiums increased to $591.90 for both me and my wife. Is there any way to avoid that increase? Our Part D premiums increased as...

DLC Lottery-Funded Chair Exercise Programme Brings Joy to Care Home Residents
Diverse Little Colours: Bringing Joy to Care Home Residents Through Chair-Based Exercise As we age, staying active becomes increasingly important for maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and social connections....

I’m 65 With $1.1 Million in My 401(k) and IRA and a $2,800 Social Security Check. What’s My Retirement Budget?
A retirement budget has two major parts: income and expenses. Income can come from many sources, including Social Security or pension retirement benefits, annuity payments, investment interest and retirement account...

I’m 52 With $1.4 Million in My 401(k). Would Catch-Up Contributions Be Worth It?
Catch-up contributions are usually worth it, in the sense that it’s always a good idea to boost your retirement savings. If you can increase your savings, it’s generally wise to do so. The question for many households over...

Will I Be Getting a $5,000 DOGE Tax Refund? Does It Make Sense to Wait to File My Taxes?
Are you due for a DOGE tax refund? Not yet. On Thursday, the Trump Administration made news when President Donald Trump and Elon Musk publicly discussed the idea of a tax break funded by cuts to government spending. The...

Ask an Advisor: I’m 54 and Inherited a $100k Annuity from My Mom. Should I Take the Lump Sum or Monthly Payments?
I inherited a non-qualified annuity from my mom. I am on SSDI and I receive $1,800 per month. The annuity is worth $100,000. I am trying to decide whether to take monthly payments for the rest of my life, which should be...