Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Financial Planning”
Also referred to as a conservator or protector. A guardian is named to serve for the benefit of a minor child or an adult who has become incapacitated or is unable to act on their own behalf. The guardian is responsible to the individual requiring guardianship. The role requires patience, compassion and sensitivity. By Definition: A guardian is a person …
An executor ties up personal and/or business affairs after someone passes away. The executor may also be referred to as a personal representative in some states. The executor may include more than one person or, in fact, a financial institution who stands in for the deceased party. The executor will gather the assets, settle any business affairs, file all necessary …
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 is created during your lifetime …
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. If you are like most …
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 as soon as possible. Retirement …
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 experience. Down markets can actually …
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 into other qualified plans or …
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 the Numbers 59½ is the …
There is a good chance your 401(k) is one of your single largest assets. And the decisions you make about it can have a lasting impact on you and your family. Knowing your options at retirement are key in a financial plan. Key Points Your 401(k) may be your single largest retirement asset. The wrong decision can result in …
Key Points Today is the best time to start planning for retirement. Why? Time can be an investor’s greatest asset. Once you have a plan in place, it is easy to modify. Investing is a habit that is best started as soon as possible. Your retirement is ultimately your responsibility. Rule 1: Pay yourself first. Many financial advisors start their …
