Medicare ANOC 2027: Check These 3 Things First Before You Toss It
Your Medicare ANOC can reveal 2027 changes to premiums, prescriptions, provider networks, and plan rules. Use this quick three-part triage before Open Enrollment ends December 7.
Retirement Planning Archive
Previous retirement articles across income, withdrawals, Social Security, Medicare, IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities and retirement tax planning.
You Have Enough to Retire. So Why Does Your Money Feel Locked Up Until 59½?
Having enough money to retire and having enough money you can actually spend are two different problems. Once account-access rules are solved, the next job is deciding what…
Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules: What You Can Take Out and When
Roth IRA withdrawals follow an order. Regular contributions first, conversions and rollovers next, and earnings last. That’s why being under age 59½ doesn’t automatically mean your Roth IRA…
Rule of 55 vs. 72t Which Early-Withdrawal Strategy Fits?
You turn 55 in January. You’re laid off in December, a few weeks too early. That calendar year difference can eliminate the Rule of 55 for that separation.…
72(t) Rule and SEPP: How to Access Retirement Money Before 59½
The 72(t) rule can let you take taxable retirement money before age 59½ without the usual 10% additional tax. You do it by establishing a series of substantially…
Rule of 55 for 401(k)s: Eligibility, Withdrawals and Traps
The Rule of 55 for a 401(k) may let you take distributions before age 59½ without paying the additional 10% federal tax on early withdrawals. To qualify, you…
How Much Roth Can You Convert Before IRMAA?
If you are doing a Roth conversion in 2026, there is an important problem with the usual “stay under the IRMAA line” advice: the official IRMAA line that…
IRMAA Income Checker: What Counts Toward MAGI?
For Medicare IRMAA, MAGI generally equals adjusted gross income (AGI) on Form 1040, line 11, plus tax-exempt interest on line 2a. A taxable Roth conversion or net taxable…
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…