Roth IRAs and 401(k)s are wonderful savings vehicles. Although you cannot claim a tax deduction for them, their earnings are untaxed and there is no income tax due when withdrawn in retirement, providing some requirements are met. Whenever possible, we recommend some portion of savings be devoted to Roth accounts. Ideally, entering retirement, one would […]
This month’s post is a short, but potentially important follow up note on Social Security benefits. Last November, I wrote to make sure my readers were aware of the fact that Social Security “file and suspend” strategies were being significantly altered. Essentially they were eliminated for the vast majority of future Social Security recipients. However, […]
At this time of year, I usually like to write to everyone about charitable giving and thankfulness for the blessings that have come our way in 2015. However, if you haven’t already heard, I need to communicate the impact of a recent Congressional budget deal on Social Security claiming strategies. I’ll briefly discuss giving, but […]
This month’s post is a bit more philosophical than usual. Often I provide market reviews, the latest on Washington’s background chatter on things financial, Federal Reserve policy, etc. In other works, hard information you can put to use. But equally important to information is the mindset we bring to money. Some people can have all […]
We have historically recommended that clients do trustee-to-trustee transfers when transferring assets from 401(k) to IRAs. But a recent ruling gives you yet another reason to avoid taking a check and along with it, the responsibility of making the rollover within a short window of time to avoid penalties. Please see http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/04/06/irs-ira-rule-change-rollover/7317035/ for a summary. […]
Recent events at Pimco illustrate how things can change even at the best of firms. We discuss how this illustrates the monitoring required if you use active managers, the limitations of many 401(k) plans, and how it relates to our philosophy on using mostly passive investment in client portfolios. This month’s post covers: Background on […]
The Basics for Those New to Universal Health Coverage Although the Act was approved back in 2010, there has been little specific information on what this might mean in concrete terms until very recently. The Act goes into effect very soon—October 1 is the target date for new health care exchanges, and we will all […]