Social Security benefits are a major source of retirement income for most people. Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on the number of years you’ve been working and the amount you’ve earned. When you begin taking Social Security benefits also greatly affects the size of your benefit. How do you qualify for retirement benefits? […]
There’s no denying the benefits of a college education: the ability to compete in today’s job market, increased earning power, and expanded horizons. But these advantages come at a price. And yet, year after year, thousands of students graduate from college. So how do they do it? Many families finance a college education with help […]
At least on the surface, the fourth quarter of 2024 seemed to echo many of the same capital market trends that had dominated the first three quarters of the year. However, a look under the surface reveals a less homogeneous story, particularly over the last few weeks of the quarter and year. The quarter witnessed […]
In most cases, taking money out of a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan prior to age 59½ while you’re still working will result in income taxes and a 10% early-distribution penalty. However, you may be able to access your plan money in an emergency — in some cases, without paying the penalty — through […]
Although most of us recognize the importance of sound retirement planning, few of us embrace the nitty-gritty work involved. With thousands of investment possibilities, complex rules governing retirement plans, and so on, most people don’t even know where to begin. Here are some suggestions to help you get started. First, set lifestyle goals for your […]
If you’re asking this question, you probably have a 401(k) or other retirement plan through a former employer. The short answer is yes — most retirement plans allow you to roll your plan funds over into an IRA after you’ve left your employer’s service. However, there is more than one way to do a rollover, […]
A couple of federal personal tax credits are available for the installation of certain energy efficient or clean energy property in your home. Expenditures must be for items that meet various energy efficiency standards (e.g., Energy Star). The energy efficient home improvement credit is available for qualifying expenditures incurred for an existing home or for […]
The answer depends first on your financial objectives and then on other factors that will influence those objectives. Trusts are frequently used to minimize estate taxes, get professional management of assets, and control funds while providing for minor children. If these features correspond with your overall financial strategy, a trust can be an efficient way […]
If you are 50 or older, or you will reach age 50 by the end of the year, you may be able to make contributions to your IRA or employer sponsored retirement plan above the normal contribution limit. Catch-up contributions are designed to help you make up any retirement savings shortfall by bumping up the […]
This month’s topic was inspired by a recent “ah-ha” moment I had while reviewing my phone service plan and that of my parents. What started as a simple check on their plan led me to dig into their other monthly expenses, like cable and wireless bills. As I uncovered several overlooked costs, I realized just […]
