What Are Annuities? How They Work, Types & Risks
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You give the insurer money, either as a lump sum or over time, and the contract can provide tax-deferred…
Retirement Planning Archive
Previous retirement articles across income, withdrawals, Social Security, Medicare, IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities and retirement tax planning.
How Many IRAs Can You Have? Multiple IRA Rules for 2026
You can own more than one IRA. The catch is that extra accounts do not create extra contribution room. Here is how Roth, Traditional, 401(k), rollover and RMD…
Missed RMD Penalty: 2026 Form 5329 Fix
If you missed an RMD deadline, the old 50% penalty is no longer the current federal rule. The IRS RMD FAQs explain that the excise tax on the…
What to Do With an RMD You Don’t Need: 6 Options
If you have to take an RMD but do not need the money for living expenses, you have several good options: give eligible IRA dollars directly to charity…
Annuity Do’s and Don’ts for Retirees in 2026: What Actually Works
Whether you’re a baby boomer approaching retirement or already living off your savings, you need straight answers about annuities – not sales pitches disguised as advice. Annuities have…
Annuity Riders Explained: Costs, Guarantees & Tradeoffs
An annuity rider is an optional contract feature that changes what an annuity promises, how much it costs, or both. A rider can add lifetime income guarantees, enhanced…
When to Claim Social Security: 62, 67, or 70?
When should you take Social Security: at 62, at full retirement age, or at 70? The frustrating answer is that the best age is not the same for…
What is a Good Monthly Retirement Income? Expert Strategies Revealed
“What is a good monthly retirement income” or “How much do I need to retire?” – these are questions, often clouded with uncertainty, that loom large in the…
Social Security Payment Schedule 2026-2027: Exact Dates
Most Social Security recipients are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, based on the birthday of the person whose earnings record the benefit…
Roth IRA vs. 401(k): Which Is Better in 2026?
If you are comparing a Roth IRA vs. 401(k), there is no universal winner. For this article, “401(k)” means a traditional, pre-tax 401(k) unless I say otherwise. If…