Should I Open a Traditional or Roth IRA?
Multiple retirement savings vehicles are available but having options can be overwhelming. Each option comes with different rules leading to a variance of outcomes in the short-term and long-term. It’s not that dissimilar to choosing what to eat.
Understanding RMDs on Inherited IRAs
An inherited IRA from a family member or friend can come with more than just unexpected funds; it may also come with potential major tax liability in the form of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Navigating inherited IRA RMD rules can be complex, but understanding the basics now can he …
IRA Pros and Cons: Is an Individual Retirement Account Right for You?
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your long-term financial plan, an individual retirement account (IRA) can be a valuable addition. Depending on the type, an IRA may offer some distinct tax benefits, such as tax-deductible contributions or access to emergency funds for unplanned medi …
Roth IRA Conversions for High Earners: A Strategic Guide to Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer
Let’s be honest: If you’re a high-income earner, you’ve likely mastered the art of building wealth, but the IRS seems to have mastered the art of taking its cut. Thus, you might look at your growing traditional IRA and 401(k) and see a future of unavoidable required minimu …
Why & How to Use a Roth IRA Conversion in Retirement Planning
With larger traditional IRA account balances and changing tax laws, Roth IRA conversions have emerged as a compelling strategy in retirement planning, offering a range of benefits and opportunities. Converting your tax-deferred retirement plans to a Roth IRA can be a strategic move, particu …
Roth vs. Traditional IRA: How to Decide Which Option Is Best for You
Many of us ignore our retirement accounts for much of our working lives. We look at a pay stub and have a vague sense of the “minuses:” Social Security, insurance, taxes. But the traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available, …
Defined Contribution Plans and IRAs: The Basics
It’s time to go back to the basics. Find answers to your most commonly asked questions on defined contribution plans and IRAs so you can make informed decisions about your retirement plan.
529s, Roth IRAs and Other Strategies for Your College Savings Plan
By Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research I often find college savings at the top of my pile of financial stressors. Unless I find a money tree in my backyard, my oldest child is going to turn 18 well before I retire. We all have different values surrounding the educ …
Five Reasons Your IRA Is Deflating, and What to Do About It
By Craig Lemoine, Ph.D., CFP®, Director of Consumer Investment Research Stocks, bonds and mutual funds have had a rocky start to the year. The S&P 500, a broad measure of the United States stock market, was down 4.6% over the first quarter. Mutual funds holding stocks and bonds have als …
