Protect Assets, Create Income, Retire Happy
Find out what
you can do to ensure a comfortable
transition to your post-work years.
Choosing The Right Retirement Destination
Retire in a
place that fits your plans for post-work
living.
Retirement: The One Thing Couples Shouldn't
Do Together
Staggering
retirement can have both financial and
emotional benefits for married couples.
Boomer Bankruptcy Strains Retirement
Having to
file for bankruptcy adds risk and steals the
luster from your golden years.
Retirement Funds To Fund Startups
Retired
entrepreneurs who have "played it safe" and
retirees who want to stretch their dollars
are looking to invest here.
Bear Spray For Your 401(k)
You can
defend your retirement savings from the
ravages of a bear market. We'll show you
how.
The 4-1-1 On 401(k)s
This plan has
become one of the most popular retirement
options. Find out why.
You CAN Retire In A Recession
Just because
you receive your gold watch during a
recession, doesn't mean you can't retire on
time.
11
Things You May Not Know About Your IRA
These
little-known features will help you get the
most out of your retirement savings.
4
Unusual Ways To Boost Social Security
Benefits
Find out how
to work the system to get the highest total
benefits the law allows.
In
Retirement, Snowbirds Leave Cold Weather
Behind
Rather than
shivering away their golden years, retirees
can fly south to winter in sunny locales.
Should You Put Your Faith In A Trust?
Many
institutions want a piece of your portfolio,
but trusts can provide a one-stop shop.
Top 10 Investments For Baby Boomers
As you
approach retirement, the choices you make
can affect your lifestyle for years to come.
Variable Annuities With Living Benefits:
Worth The Fees?
Added
features can make a variable annuity
suitable for certain investors. Find out if
it could work for you.
House Your Retirement With Self-Directed
Real Estate IRAs
Investors are
now able to invest directly in real
property, mortgages and other assets.
Estate Planning For Canadians
Trusts,
wills, taxes and rules differ by country.
Find out what you need to know about estate
plans in Canada.
Leaving Inheritance To Children Easier Said
Than Done
Consider your
own retirement needs when deciding whether
to leave an inheritance.
401(k) Debit Cards: Taking A Swipe At Your
Retirement Savings
This is just
another more convenient way to borrow from
your plan. But at what cost?
10
Steps To Retire A Millionaire
Making this
dream come true takes work, but it's well
worth the effort.
Three Life Events That Can Ruin Retirement
Plans
Death,
divorce and loss of income can leave
retirees reeling. Learn how to prepare.
Thrift Savings Plan Helps Federal Workers
Retire
The TSP is
key component of retirement savings for U.S.
government workers and members of uniformed
services.
Update Your Variable Annuity With Section
1035
Thanks to a
special tax code clause, you can surrender a
variable annuity without paying income tax.
How To Cure An Ailing 401(k)
High-cost,
outdated plans can prevent your retirement
portfolio from thriving.
Can You Retire On $1 Million?
Find out why
this magic number has lost some of its
luster as a retirement savings target.
Unexpected Bumps That Can Derail Retirement
These common
risks can sideline your post-work plans and
prevent you from riding out your assets.
Roth Feature Boosts Benefits For 401(k) And
403(b) Plans
Roth accounts
tend to beat Traditional plans over the long
term by providing tax savings.
Is
Your Defined-Benefit Pension Plan Safe?
Your plan may
not last in a rocky market. Find out whether
your savings will be affected.
Must-Know Rules For Converting A 401(k) To A
Roth
In 2008, the
IRS spelled out the details for converting
employer-plan funds directly to Roth IRAs.
Top 6 Myths About Social Security Benefits
Misinformation on retirement benefits is
common. We'll set the record straight.
Five Tax(ing) Retirement Mistakes
Don't let
these simple errors take the luster off your
golden years.
Letter Of Instruction - Don't Leave Life
Without It
This simple
document can take the guesswork and headache
out of settling your estate.
Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
The plan's
cost of living adjustments can provide
protection against inflation.
Systematic Withdrawal Of Retirement Income
You've
accumulated the wealth you need to retire,
but how will you distribute it? We'll lay
out some options.
Not All Retirement Accounts Should Be
Tax-Deferred
It may be
better to leave your assets exposed to the
tax man when you're saving to retire.
Ten Common Questions About Social Security
Find out
everything you need to know about this
program and whether it will benefit you.
For IRAs, Time Is Money
Don't
procrastinate. The timing of your
contributions can mean thousands more in
savings.
Should You Convert Your IRA?
Discover the
factors you must weigh to make this
decision.
Playing Retirement Catch-Up
It's not too
late, but if you want to retire comfortable,
you'll have to be aggressive.
Overcome The Retirement "Gender Gap"
Learn why
many women's post-work saving plans fall
behind and what they can do to catch up.
No
Need To Rush End-Of-Career Retirement
Planning
Your
retirement is fast approaching, but your
retirement plan needn't change as quickly.
Pursuing Alpha In A Well-Diversified IRA
This strategy
is not as complex as some investment gurus
would like you to believe.
Tax-Saving Advice For IRA Holders
Be informed
about benefits and deductions that may apply
to you and avoid costly mistakes on your
return.
How After-Tax Rollovers Affect Your IRA
Consolidating
retirement assets? Make sure you account for
pre-tax and after-tax assets separately.
New Retirement Plan Limits For 2008
New changes
to the law can have a huge impact on your
nest egg.
The Simple Tax Math Of Roth Conversions
Roth
conversions will be available to affluent
taxpayers in 2010. Will you benefit?
Roth Or Traditional IRA...Which Is The
Better Choice?
To answer
this question, you need to consider several
of the factors we outline here.
Taking Penalty-Free Withdrawals From Your
IRA
If you need
to take early distributions, learn under
which circumstances you won't suffer
expensive consequences.
Are You Buying Annuities Or Mutual Funds?
Investing a
client's money in variable annuties is
becoming a target for criticism.
Which Retirement Plan Is Best?
We'll show
you how to choose between Roth IRAs,
Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s.
Making Spousal IRA Contributions
Eligibility
requirements, contribution limits and tax
deductions all change with one little ring.
Is
Your 401(k) On Track?
Small
adjustments can have a significant impact on
your returns. Learn what to watch for.
Bankruptcy Protection For Your Accounts
Will the plan
assets you've worked hard for be safe if you
experience a personal financial crisis?
Top 7 Estate Planning Mistakes
Many people
try to avoid this process altogether, making
things difficult for heirs.
High-Risk Retirement Portfolio Not Always
Taboo
Find out how
much risk your portfolio can take and
whether your money will last.
Maxing Out Your RRSP (Canadian)
Increasing
your savings will provide tax benefits - and
peace of mind.
Income Relating: A New Concept In Medicare
You can
retire, but you can never retire from income
tax planning.
Retirement Living: Renting Vs. Home
Ownership
Here are
three simple questions you should consider
when weighing this decision.
Six Ways To Lose Your Estate
Find out why
you shouldn't put off putting your affairs
in order.
Ethical Wills Share Final Thoughts With
Heirs
This document
allows a testator, the person making the
will, to leave a personal legacy.
Five Retirement-Wrecking Moves
These common
mistakes can sabotage your nest egg and your
plans for retiring.
Weave Your Own Retirement Safety Net
Build savings
to support yourself in case pension plans
and Social Security fall through.
Journey Through The 6 Stages Of Retirement
Financial
planning is important, but emotional
planning is the key to retiree bliss.
Get A Step Up With Credit Shelter Trusts
Don't let
unexpected taxes eat away at your
inheritance or burden your heirs.
Money Can't Buy Retirement Bliss
Emotional
snags can ruin your future happiness. Learn
how you can avoid them.
Five Retirement Questions Everyone Must
Answer
Find out what
information you need to guide your planning
and achieve your goals.
Boomers: Twisting The Retirement Mindset
This
generation must take a whole new approach to
post-work planning.
Are You Saving Too Much?
"Spend now!
Don't worry about retirement," say some
experts. Could they possibly be right?
Plan To Retire Rich
Don't just
hope for the best - develop a course of
action to achieve your goals.
Pension Plans: Pain Or Pleasure?
Employees
have a love/hate relationship with this
retirement option.
ETFs For Your 401(k)?
This
investment's popularity is on the rise, but
will it grow your retirement savings?
Immediate Annuities: More Income and Lower
Taxes
These
instruments may shed their bad rap to bring
you a hefty tax break.
Life After Retirement
Here are some
personal finance tips for those who want to
live well after work ends.
Enjoy Life Now And Still Save For Later
Find out how
to balance living well today and retiring
well tomorrow.
A
Pre-Retirement Checkup
Are you on
track to post-work bliss? We'll tell you how
to find out.
Stretch Your Retirement Budget
Living
comfortably can be easy if you follow a
simple plan.
Common Concerns For Retirees
Find out how
to take action against some of the biggest
financial post-work worries.
The Pros And Cons Of Life-Cycle Funds
These
accounts will take charge of your retirement
savings, but should you let them?
Retirement Saving Tips For 65-Year-Olds And
Over
Find out how
to save smarter after 65.
Build A Wall Around Your Assets
Learn how to
protect your money from lawsuits, creditors
and other judgment proceedings.
How IRA Contributions Affect Your Taxes
Learn how to
work with the tax man to avoid getting
gouged when you convert your plans.
Retirement Savings Tips For 55- To
64-Year-Olds
Find ways to
save money and increase your nest egg for
the fast-approaching golden years.
A
Great Time To Add Roths To Your Retirement
Planning
Learn how to
decide between a 401(k), 403(b) or Roth to
help you build your nest egg.
Retirement Savings Tips For 45- To
54-Year-Olds
Catch-up
contributions can help you increase your
nest egg.
A
Year-End Retirement Planning Checklist
Make sure all
your loose ends are tied with these simple
reminders and tips for your plans.
Transfer Retirement Savings When You Change
Jobs
Half of
Americans lose their nest eggs when they
switch careers. Learn why you should avoid
this trap.
TIPRA Helps Convert Your Plans And Save More
Learn how to
keep more of your money out of the tax man's
pocket come retirement.
Retirement Savings Tips For 35- To
44-Year-Olds
Learn how the
"sandwich generation" can save for
retirement while taking care of their kids
and parents.
Bursting Boomers' Inheritance Dreams
Waiting for a
big payload from an aging relative? The
chance of cashing in is lower than you
think.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Rescues Plans
Find out how
this "retirement lifeguard" can save
drowning plans.
Retire In Style
Set your
sights on the golden years and get there
sooner.
Common IRA Rollover Mistakes
Avoid paying
excess taxes by learning some simple
transfer rules.
Savings Plans For Minors
It's never
too early to save for the future - learn how
your children can get started.
Personal Pensions: Repackaging The Annuity
Discover an
investment that can provide a stable income
once you've left the work force.
Retiring Early: How Long Should You Wait?
Maximize your
Social Security benefits by choosing when
you retire.
IRAs: Legislative And Other Updates
Find out
what's new in the world of IRAs and how you
can get more bang for your buck.
Ten Tips For Achieving Financial Security
Follow this
sound advice and plan for a comfortable
future.
The Pros And Cons Of Alternative Investments
If you stray
off the beaten path when investing your IRA
assets, you'll find new potential pitfalls
and rewards.
IRA Assets And Alternative Investments
Interested in
non-traditional investing? Make sure you
follow the rules to avoid prohibited
transactions.
Time To Rethink Your Post-Work Needs
Don't rely on
popular wisdom. Get the facts and plan for a
comfortable future.
Introduction To Social Security
You've
probably contributed to this fund, but will
you reap the benefits? Find out here.
The Tax Benefits Of Having A Spouse
Check out the
perks designed to promote and preserve your
post-work savings - if you're married, that
is.
Five Ways To Lose Your Nest Egg
We look at
common mistakes that can put your savings at
risk and provide ways to avoid them.
A
Closer Look At The Roth 401(k)
Learn about
the benefits and drawbacks of this new
investment account and see if it's right for
you.
Saving Money With A Private Annuity Trust
Learn about a
strategy that could help you reduce taxes,
diversify your portfolio and generate
income.
Avoiding Too Much Tax On Your Distributions
IRA assets
can't be taxed twice - find out how to avoid
paying the second time around.
Strategic Ways To Distribute Your RMD
We give you
some tips on preserving your nest egg in the
face of unavoidable withdrawals.
Should You Take A Loan From Your Plan?
Before you
borrow from your retirement account, make
sure you understand the implications.
Preparing To Tap Your Income Stream
You need to
plan ahead to ensure a long and happy future
away from the daily grind.
Tax Relief For Katrina Victims
Find out if
you qualify for the assistance offered to
hurricane survivors by the U.S. government.
An
Overview Of After-Tax Balance Rules
Accumulating
post-tax assets can work to your advantage.
Find out how.
Lump Sum Versus Regular Pension Payments
If you're
about to retire, you may be facing this
dilemma soon. Find out what your options
are.
Inflation-Protected Annuities: Part Of A
Solid Financial Plan
If you worry
about inflation and longevity risks, this
may be the investment for you.
Tax-Law Changes: Involuntary Cash-Out and
Roth 401(k) and 403(b)
Stay
up-to-date on regulation amendments to avoid
penalties as well as take advantage of new
opportunities.
Rolling Over Company Stock: A Decision To
Think Twice About
It may be
more beneficial for you to pay tax now than
deferring it to an IRA. We show you how and
why.
Fundamentals Of A Successful Savings Program
Find out what
you need and how to get it with these tools
and investing techniques.
Keeping Track Of Your Assets
Maintain
records of your pension benefits or risk
losing them.
Settling Wrap Fees
Discover the
tremendous advantage of paying these out of
pocket rather than from your account.
Determining Your Post-Work Income
Setting a
target amount is the first step. We show you
how to calculate your goal and how to reach
it.
Changes In Cash-Out Rules For Qualified
Plans
Business
owners need to take note of how they handle
qualified-plan distributions to former
employees.
Exceptions To The 60-Day Rollover Rule
A
non-qualified distribution might still be
tax and/or penalty free under certain
conditions. Here we explain what they are.
Are You an Active Participant?
We help you
answer this important question, which
determines whether you can deduct your IRA
contributions.
Moving Plan Assets: How to Avoid Mistakes
Sometimes
things go wrong in a simple transfer of
funds. Learn how to make sure it doesn't.
Deducting Losses on Your IRA Investments
Find out what
requirements must be met and how it is done.
Missed Your RMD Deadline? What To Do
If you fail
to take the required minimum distribution
from your retirement account, you need to
take proper steps.
Delay In Saving Raises Payments Later On
The effects
of compounding make it cheaper over the long
term to save for retirement.
Avoiding RMD Pitfalls
If you don't
calculate your required minimum
distributions accurately, you might have to
pay an excise tax.
Year-End Housekeeping Tips for Your
Retirement Plans
To avoid
penalties or missed opportunities, make sure
you know which transactions must be
completed by December 31st.
Making Salary Deferral Contributions - Part
2
If you see
barriers stopping you from participating in
your employer-sponsored retirement plan,
there may be some easy solutions.
IRS Modifies Separate Accounting Rules
If you are a
younger multiple beneficiary, make sure you
take advantage of the change to RMD
regulations.
Problematic Beneficiary Designations - Part
2
Designating a
trust as your IRA beneficiary can be
beneficial, but it requires proper planning
to avoid problems.
Problematic Beneficiary Designations - Part
1
Make sure
your beneficiary designations not only
reflect your intentions but also meet the
requirements to be effective.
Choosing The Right Type Of 529 Plan
Before you
fund one of these education-savings
vehicles, be sure you know their
differences.
Stretch Your IRA
Find out how
your beneficiaries can enjoy tax-deferred
growth for as long as possible.
SIMPLE IRA Vs SIMPLE 401(k) Plans
See the
differences that may cause an employer to
choose one plan over the other.
Introduction To SIMPLE 401(k) Plans
Learn about
the features and benefits of the plan that
is a cross between a SIMPLE IRA and a
traditional 401(k) plan.
IRA/ESA Mid-Year Statements
Learn how to
read and verify 5498 and 5498-ESA reporting
your retirement-account contributions.
The Saver's Tax Credit: An Added Incentive
to Fund Your Plan
Here's
another reason to put money toward your
retirement nest egg.
Retirement Plan Tax Forms You May Need to
File - Part 2
If you have a
Roth IRA, you are responsible for keeping
track of your pre-tax versus after-tax
assets.
Establishing An SEP IRA
Setting up
this simple plan may be right for your
business.
Tax Credit For Plan Expenses Incurred By
Small Businesses
Determine
whether your business is eligible to claim a
tax credit for establishing a retirement
plan.
IRA Year-End Statements
Make sure you
understand what these are telling you.
Year-End Reminders
If you don't
know what must be done before the finish of
the tax year, you may miss opportunities or
even pay penalties.
Recharacterizing Your IRA Contribution or
Roth Conversion
Learn reasons
for making this transaction and the
calculation of any earnings or losses.
The Importance Of Sept 30 For Multiple
Beneficiaries
Unless
certain action is taken by this date,
distribution rules can put the youngest
inheritor at a disadvantage.
Did Your Roth IRA Conversion Pass or Fail?
If you are
moving assets from a Traditional IRA to a
Roth IRA, you need to know the associated
tax rules.
Avoiding IRS Penalties On Your IRA Assets
The best way
to do this is to know what transactions can
cause expensive consequences.
Consequences Suffered by Non-Conforming IRAs
To avoid
jeopardizing your IRA assets, find out what
transactions are prohibited.
Qualified Plan Loans: Guidelines to
Operations
Thinking of
adding a loan feature to your company's
plan? Here's what you need to know.
Borrowing From Your Plan
Left with no
alternative but to take money out from your
retirement savings? Here are some
guidelines.
Benefits for Members of the Armed Forces
If your plans
have been affected by your time in the
combat zone, fear not!
Getting A Divorce? Understand the Rules Of
Dividing Plan Assets
Learn how
different rules of asset handling apply to
various retirement plans.
Update Your Beneficiaries
Life changes
make it time to rewrite your plan's
designations.
Tax Treatment Of Roth IRA Distributions
Learn the
requirements for withdrawing funds tax and
penalty free.
Don't Forget The Kids: Save For Their
Education And Retirement
Retirement
and education financing are the two most
important planning items for taxpayers.
Traditional IRA Deductibility Limits
Find out
where you can take a tax deduction on the
contributions you make.
Increased Savings Opportunities
Find out how
the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2001 gave taxpayers
greater ability to prepare for the future.
'Tis
The Season For Required Minimum
Distributions
Make your RMD
deadlines and save more of your nest egg.
Rules Regarding Substantially Equal Periodic
Payment (SEPP)
Learn an
exception to the early-withdrawal penalty.
Plans The Small-Business Owner Can Establish
Don't
hesitate to adopt a smart plan for you and
your employees.
Supplementing Your Retirement Income With
IRAs
According to
the Trustees of the Social Security Fund,
the fund will be depleted by 2034. Are you
ready?
Passing the Buck: The Hidden Costs of
Annuities
These may
look like good retirement vehicles, but
beware of fees buried in the fine print.
What Enron Taught Us About Retirement Plans
Past
mismanagement of employer stock-ownership
plans can help you learn what to avoid
today.
