Retirement Planning

Saving for retirement is a top priority for many people, which is why Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) remain one of the most popular investment vehicles. When getting started with IRAs, one common question is "How many IRA's can I have?" The answer depends on the types of IRAs you...

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 RMD shortfall is generally 25%, and it can drop to 10% when the shortfall is corrected within the statutory correction window...

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 through a QCD, stay invested by moving securities in kind to a taxable account, reinvest cash in a taxable brokerage account,...

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 become one of the most hotly debated topics in retirement planning, with strong opinions on both sides. But the truth isn't as...

The straight answer: An annuity rider is an optional feature you can add to an annuity contract to provide specific benefits, like guaranteed lifetime income or long-term care coverage, in exchange for an annual fee. While these riders can be a powerful tool for securing your retirement, they come with...

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 everyone. But the decision is much easier when you stop trying to find one magic break-even age. After nearly three decades in...

"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 minds of many pre-retirees and recent retirees. You've likely arrived here seeking a precise figure, a definitive dollar amount for...

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 is paid from. The tables below give you the exact 2026 and 2027 Social Security payment schedule, plus the exceptions for...

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 your employer offers a match, the practical first move is usually to contribute enough to earn the full match. Then compare...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to financial independence? For nearly three decades as a financial planner, I’ve seen people get paralyzed by the alphabet soup of retirement plans. You're handed a benefits packet and told to choose: 401(k) or 403(b)? It feels like defusing a bomb with...