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From QCDs To QLACs: What To Do About Unneeded Required Minimum Distributions

It may be a nice problem to have as a retiree, but it’s still a problem: what do you do with your required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts – which, as their name indicates, are required – if you don’t need the money for living expenses? Today’s article outlines a number of strategies, from QCDs to QLACs, to… 

The Formula For Paying No (Or Low) Federal Income Taxes Once You File For Social Security

When it comes to how much income you can earn without having to pay any federal income taxes, this is a relatively simple determination for most people when Social Security is not a factor. “Once people file for Social Security, though,” the author of today’s article notes, “things become a bit more complicated.” He charts out the tax-free limits with… 

How You Can Cut Your Retirement Number In Half

How would you like to only have to save half as much as you otherwise would for retirement? The author of today’s article outlines how you can turn that fantasy into a reality with proper fee management, pointing out that “You lose over half a million dollars just from [a] small difference in fees, because small amounts multiplied over 40… 

How Negative-Yielding Bonds Can Actually Be Positive For Retirees

With their own distinct risk and reward characteristics, foreign government bonds can be a useful addition to a diversified portfolio. But do they make sense for retirees now at a time when approximately 25% of the foreign bond market trades with negative yields? Surprisingly, they might — under the right circumstances. This is due to what the author of today’s… 

The “Simple Wealth-Building Tools” At Everyone’s Disposal For Achieving Financial Independence

Does building a portfolio worth $1 million – and capable of generating at least $30,000 in annual dividend income – sound like a goal that’s completely out of reach, or like an achievable goal worth pursuing? The author of today’s article argues that the difference between those who respond negatively to this idea and those who respond positively to it… 

The Next Great Retirement Portfolio Dividend Stock

With numerous studies indicating that “steady buying of quality companies at reasonable to attractive valuations is far better than market timing”, the author of today’s article buys $750 of a dividend stock every week for their retirement portfolio. For the three stocks under consideration for this week’s purchase and an in-depth look at the pros and cons of each, CLICK… 

From 4% To 44%: How Much Of Your Income Do You Need To Save For Retirement?

How much of your income do you need to save for retirement? As little as 4% — or as much as 44%! That’s what’s revealed in a new chart posted by data visualization site FlowingData.com, with where you fall on the 4% to 44% saving spectrum depending on when you start saving for retirement and when you plan to retire.… 

“Leverage The Power Of Investing” – And Make Your Retirement Savings Work For You

“Over the course of your lifetime — unless you’re making a lot of money or live extremely modestly on a reasonable salary — you’re going to find it hard to simply put away enough money to retire. The money you put away should, ideally, be working for you and growing at a pace (much) faster than inflation,” notes the author… 

SRI & ESG Investing: An “Existential” Question For Retirees

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) have been gaining popularity as investment approaches, but are ESG/SRI funds good for retirees and soon-to-be-retirees? The author of today’s article believes that “The ensuing debate over SRI and ESG investing is potentially an existential one for retirees and soon-to-be retirees”, given the question as to whether these approaches… 

Is Using Covered Calls To Generate Extra Retirement Income A Good Call?

With interest rates back on the decline and the bull market in stocks in its latter stages, the author of today’s article advises that those investing for retirement “should broaden their knowledge of the tools at their disposal” for generating retirement income – including “one somewhat obscure strategy”: selling covered calls. What are covered calls, what are the risks associated…