IRMAA Income Checker: What Counts Toward MAGI?
Build the right MAGI number before you test the threshold. Most IRMAA calculators start with a box that says Enter your MAGI. That is fine if you already…
Retirement Planning Archive
Previous retirement articles across income, withdrawals, Social Security, Medicare, IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities and retirement tax planning.
How Much Do I Need to Retire at 65? A Financial Planner’s Perspective
If you find yourself asking, “How much do I need to retire at 65?” the real question is not whether you have $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million…
Fixed Annuities Pros and Cons: Are They Right for You?
A fixed annuity can be a good fit if you want a contractually guaranteed interest rate and can leave that money alone through the surrender period. It is…
Social Security Disability 5-Year Rule: Work Credits, DLI & 2026 Rules
The Social Security Disability 5-year rule usually means this: if your disability begins at age 31 or older, you generally need at least 20 Social Security work credits…
Borrow Against Stocks or Sell? SBLOC, Taxes & IRMAA
Compare borrowing against stocks with selling: SBLOC interest, capital-gains tax, IRMAA timing, maintenance-call risk, and when each choice makes sense.
Asset Location: Where to Hold Investments for Lower Taxes
Asset location decides which account holds your stocks, bonds and funds. Compare taxable, traditional and Roth tradeoffs, including IRMAA, RMDs and liquidity.
Working Past 65? When to Enroll in Medicare Part B
If you are still working at 65, you do not automatically need Medicare Part B on your 65th birthday. You may be able to delay Part B without…
Medicare Hold Harmless Rule: Why It Doesn’t Protect You From IRMAA
Can Medicare take more than your Social Security cost-of-living raise? For some retirees, the hold-harmless rule says no. But it is a narrow protection, not a guarantee that…
Does Social Security Count Toward IRMAA? How the Tax Trap Works
Does Social Security count toward IRMAA? Yes, but not in the way many retirees assume. IRMAA uses modified adjusted gross income, and only the taxable portion of your…
Roth Conversion Ladder for Early Retirement: Build the 5 Year Bridge
A Roth conversion ladder can create a rolling source of Roth IRA principal before age 59½. It cannot pay next month’s bills. Each taxable conversion has its own…