Articles

A retirement planning strategy that many miss out on is the “age 59 ½ in-service withdrawal.” Adviser Brad Pistole explains what this is and how to use it.

Market crashes, fees, taxes and withdrawals can drain your retirement savings. Learn strategies to safeguard your financial future.

For seniors, deferring Social Security until the last start date—age 70—is a goal comparable to winning the Stanley Cup or hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Monthly benefits are maxed, any subsequent cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) will apply to the larger base, and the surviving spouse will get the plumpest possible lifelong payout. There even may be tax advantages to waiting, as taxation of Social Security benefits follows a formula that counts only half of Social Security benefits versus full-dollar inclusion of other gross income.

April, when taxes are on people’s minds, can be an excellent time to focus on “rest-of-year” planning for IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement accounts. During such consideration, going beyond the usual strategies may significantly enhance a senior’s lifestyle after the paychecks stop.

A big factor in investing is ensuring that your money will keep you safe in the future. How can you ensure financial security?

When you own an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), federal Thrift Savings Plan, or any other type of tax-deferred account, you face a complicated reality. You can either deal with your tax liabilities now, or later. If you deal with them now, you do so on your terms. If you choose to wait, you will deal with the liabilities on the IRS's terms.