As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. You’ve worked hard over the years to accumulate wealth, and you probably find it comforting to know that after your death the assets you leave behind will continue to be a source of support for your …
As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what’s predicted to be trillions of dollars over the coming decades. Helping to pay for a …
Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you’ll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses, but also what sources of retirement income you’ll have and how long you’ll need your retirement savings to last. You’ll need to take …
If you participate in a 401(k), ESOP, or other qualified retirement plan that lets you invest in your employer’s stock, you need to know about net unrealized appreciation–a simple tax deferral opportunity with an unfortunately complicated name. When you receive a distribution from your employer’s retirement plan, the distribution is …
Qualified cash or deferred arrangements (CODAs) permitted under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as “401(k) plans,” have become one of the most popular types of employer-sponsored retirement plans. How does a 401(k) plan work? With a 401(k) plan, you elect either to receive cash payments …
Investment behavior of retirement investors historically consistent, regardless of stock market direction, glide path type, or time horizon. Key Takeaways The savings behavior of target date strategy investors in workplace retirement plans has been consistent over time, even during episodic stock market declines. The percentage of investors exchanging out of …
After a period of relative calm in the markets, in recent days the increase in volatility in the stock market has resulted in renewed anxiety for many investors. From February 1–5, the US market (as measured by the Russell 3000 Index) fell almost 6%, resulting in many investors wondering what …
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are receiving intense media coverage, prompting many investors to wonder whether these new types of electronic money deserve a place in their portfolios. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin emerged only in the past decade. Unlike traditional money, no paper notes or metal coins are involved. No central …
By Joe Elsasser, CFP® Financial Planner, Software Creator Many advisors venture into the Social Security planning world after interfacing with an article or a calculator that identifies the value difference between claiming early and some optimized strategy that includes the delay of at least one member of the couple’s benefit. The …
Sure, your financial advisor claims to be giving you good advice. But just who is it good for? All too often, it isn’t you. After all, the big banks and brokerage firms are in the business of selling products and producing profits. They’re there to facilitate transactions – like buying …