There are advantages and disadvantages to using a trust as an estate planning tool. Depending on your goals, the use of a trust can be an effective way to achieve your estate planning objectives. Trusts are usually categorized in one of two ways: 1. Inter Vivos Trust (Living Trust) An inter vivos, or living, trust…
You may find that you have accumulated a number of workplace retirement accounts over the years. Consider consolidating these assets into a single rollover IRA to simplify your life and help you take better control of your financial future. Thanks to favorable tax laws, your retirement plan assets can be as mobile as you are.…
As you retire, how do you want to move forward with your life? The biggest retirement questions are not necessarily financial. They concern purpose, well-being, and the meaning of life. You should know “what’s next” as you leave work. This is important. If your personal identity is closely tied to your career or business and…
The most important thing to know about caregiving is that you do not need to do it alone. Getting support for your role as a caregiver is your first priority. Consider asking for help from other familymembers asking for help from your community asking for help from friends andneighbors sharing your struggles with managers,coworkers and…
Understanding the basics of Medicare A, B and D will help you take necessary steps on schedule. It will also help you deal with problems in the system when you must. Begin the enrollment process in advance of your 65th birthday, or immediately after any other qualifying event, in order to become eligible for benefits…
Key Points Develop a family financial map Communicate early and often Be clear about your expectations and values Introduce your heirs to your financial advisor Avoid this unfortunate inheritance situation It’s not an uncommon scenario: The parents pass away and leave the family home to the children, Joe, Bill and Marie. Joe wants to keep…
While market declines, corrections and downturns can be disheartening, they can also be opportunities for investors with workplace retirement plan accounts, IRAs or any long-term investment programs that use dollar-cost averaging. Dollar-cost averaging is a method of investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals. It works the same for everyone, regardless of investment…
By the numbers The IRS requires an employer to withhold 20% for federal tax purposes when an employee takes a 401(k) distribution in cash. Employees younger than 59½ may be penalized an additional 10% by the IRS. If you separate from service after age 55, this penalty does not apply. When employees roll their assets…
Key points Work closely with your financial advisor to establish spending priorities and determine the best options for managing retirement assets. Apply for unemployment benefits immediately. There are strict deadlines that can’t be missed. If possible, don’t let health insurance lapse. Without insurance, a health crisis could seriously jeopardize your financial stability. Consider deferring debt payments…
Careful planning in the months before retirement can help you ensure a smooth transition. Key Points You should try to reduce or eliminate credit card debt before you retire. Make sure to determine which accounts you will withdraw from first. Remember to work with your financial advisor to develop an appropriate asset allocation strategy By…