Looking back on the year that was, it may seem like 2016 was more ridiculous than educational, but the author of today’s article states that, “when it comes to takeaways that can improve your retirement planning and investing, I think there’s one big lesson we should all draw from 2016.” From the markets’ worst start to a year ever, to…
December 31st is the deadline for those over age 70½ with tax-deferred retirement accounts to take their required minimum distributions (RMDs) and, after outlining the rules relating to RMDs (such as that hefty 50% penalty the IRS imposes on those who fail to take their distributions on time), today’s article provides some tips for taking RMDs. When – if ever…
While ’tis the season for spending, the author of today’s article notes that “this is also the time of year when a few simple moves could also save…some coin”, and he proceeds to outline three such moves to consider before January 1st. Move #1? Think about tax-loss harvesting (including how you can take advantage of the IRS’ “wash rule” to…
While it may not be something you are eager to do amongst holiday festivities, the financial planners cited in today’s article believe “the end of the year is the perfect time to take a look at where you are when it comes to retirement and make adjustments.” So, assuming you are willing to set aside a couple of hours before…
Today’s article notes that, with the Fed finally moving to raise interest rates, “retirees will soon be able to park their money somewhere safer than dividend-paying stocks.” However, the author does not advocate abandoning these stocks altogether, with there still being “under-the-radar dividend payers that offer considerable value for investors willing to take a little more risk.” Three such stocks…
The post-election “Trump rally” has been very good to investors. But, as today’s article notes, “retirees…have a vested interest in making sure their newly plumped-up nest eggs remain intact.” So, should retirees head for the exits in anticipation of a pullback, or would doing so likely cause them to miss out on further gains next year? The author looks at…
When it comes to whether personal finances or portfolio management is more important, the author of today’s article is firmly in the personal finances camp. As such, he lays out a list of 20 personal finance rules, or “20 simple ways you can be smarter about your money.” Among these rules, why does he state that your goal should not…
New Year’s resolutions are made to be broken (today’s article notes that only 8% of people actually follow through on their resolutions). But breaking some resolutions has greater consequences than breaking others. When it comes to resolutions pertaining to retirement goals, procrastination can have serious ramifications. As such, the author of today’s article outlines “some steps to set the right…
When it comes to a year-end bonus (or any newfound cash for that matter) you undoubtedly have a number of ideas for what you would like to do with it. But what should you do with it? Today’s article lays out five responsible options for what to do with such funds. First and foremost? Replenishing (or establishing) your emergency fund.…
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have been growing in importance on household balance sheets, and the author of today’s article notes that this is likely to continue as more and more Boomers roll over their 401(k) assets to IRAs as they retire, and as more people become aware that “some IRAs let you hold just about any kind of asset inside…