Category: Retirement Planning

When you write a will, one of your most important decisions will be whom to appoint as the executor, responsible for carrying out the terms of the document. It is not a casual choice. Executors play a crucial role in ensuring your wishes are implemented faithfully and efficiently. The ideal candidate would bring a combination […]

Mutual funds have been one of the most popular ways to invest in the stock and bond markets, especially as part of employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and self-directed individual retirement accounts. Mutual funds allow you to buy a diversified collection of assets in just one fund, often at a low cost, without the difficulties of purchasing […]

The first tip is to always question where you are planning to get your advice from when it comes to tax and finance tips for seniors. There are a lot of scams out there — from incompetent and so-called experts to downright crooked “professionals.” So says Julian Block, an attorney and former IRS special agent.  Be especially suspicious […]

There’s been buzz about new retirement plan provisions for weeks, and now they’re final, bringing about changes to various federal rules and adding flexibility for current and future retirees. The Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, includes the following modifications, some of which are immediate, and others that […]

For some simple estates, all you may need to do is split your assets in equal proportions among heirs. In other instances, however, you have more complex issues to confront: How can you apportion a family business, especially one to which all beneficiaries do not contribute the same sweat equity? How should you approach real […]

The IRS has announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. This also applies to 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan. Also increasing is the catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in […]

Many people believe that an easy way to avoid probate and enable your children to assist you as you age is to add your children to your bank accounts and even the deed to your home. But this strategy doesn’t always work as planned.  Suppose your child causes a severe car accident. Your account can […]

One downside of contributing to a traditional IRA is that, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) — and pay taxes on those distributions — whether you need the money or not. But if you’re charitably inclined, you can use a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to avoid taxes on […]

by: Vicki S. Bernardi, CPA The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, signed into law in November, contains provisions that will cost some retirees thousands of dollars in Social Security benefit payments. The act eliminates the ability to “File and Suspend” as well as the “Restricted Application” strategy. In addition, individuals older than 66 who filed […]

by: Brian Davis, CPA Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor has increased its efforts to monitor employee plans, resulting in an audit process that is increasingly complex and lengthy. Organizations are under intense scrutiny as more regulations and reporting requirements must be stringently followed for employee benefit plan audits. Are you sure you need one? […]