General Retirement Planning

403(b) plans are retirement plans that are similar to 401(k) plans except they are offered to nonprofit employees. Depending on the type, there are tax benefits for using these plans.

How to know the benefits of using a structured settlement company will be vital to you if you have been awarded a structured settlement in court and have been approached by a company with an offer...

Getting your money out of a qualified defined-contribution plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b) may seem like a hassle, but it's not as hard as you might think. Although there are tax ramifications to...

There are times in life when you need money, and you need it fast. One source many people turn to when they need cash in a hurry, is their retirement account savings. If you're cashing out your...

When retirement day approaches, you may be free to exercise options that you left on the back burner during your career. If you stayed in the Rust Belt or Tornado Alley because of your job, this...

As retirement approaches and you begin considering living life on a fixed pension, you are going to want to get the maximum benefit from that pension. If you can find a place where you would like...

The purpose of a retirement plan is to provide financial stability so people can leave their full-time jobs at retirement. Planning has become quite a challenge because of the rising cost of...

Retirement is supposed to be a time to enjoy life-- travel, golf, garden, visit family and friends, all those things you don't have time for now. Make sure you have the money to do what you want...

When I was in my mid-twenties and beginning my career, I was shocked by how many of my peers were not saving toward retirement. The common argument I received was that:”I cannot afford to have...

If you are here, then I'm assuming you are considering all the variables involved with retiring and are considering retiring abroad. Those of us in the U.S. are weighing our options, and...

Despite your best projections, you will not know what your retirement tax bracket will be until you retire. However, you can minimize your tax bill at retirement by taking advantage of nontaxable...

There are many variables when it comes to retirement planning. How much do I have to save? What will my expenses be? How will the market perform? These are questions for which there are no...

With 401(k)s and other retirement accounts in shambles, many are wondering how they will afford retirement. This is especially true for those closest to retirement age. There are strategies,...

Retirement plans come in a variety of accounts recognized by the IRS. One such account is a 403a annuity that is a company-sponsored retirement plan. These plans are tax deferred, with the...

An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You make one contribution, or a series of contributions, and the insurer guarantees you regular payments in retirement, usually for the rest of...

As workers either head into retirement or start to think about doing so, they most likely have already researched a number of available retirement options. Retirement plans are made to help those...

A self directed IRA is a great way to save for retirement. There are many ways that you can fund an IRA, as well as the type of tax benefits you can receive in the short and/or long run with them....

The 403(b) retirement plan is a tax-sheltered annuity. Its qualified plans are covered in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This act also protects the 403(b) assets from...

The strategy of converting to a Roth IRA is emerging as one of the bright spots on an otherwise dismal financial landscape. As you know & as I mentioned in my retirement blog, once qualified...

If you are in your late forties of early fifties, retirement is looming. Have you done everything you could have to secure a comfortable life during your golden years? Have you ever looked into an...

At the end of the day, all of your retirement money is treated in one of three ways: taxable, tax-deferred or tax-free. Taxable income is taxed during the year in which it is received, e.g.,...

Filling out tax information can be very confusing for some. As we get older, some things may become more difficult. By the time one reaches the typical retirement age, he may be well over 60 and...

An annual IRA contribution is set by the IRS, and it can be found in the tax codes. Discover how IRA contributions can increase with age, and talk to a tax preparer, with help from a licensed...

Many states that are wonderful to work in are terrible places to retire. Some of the most bustling cities and suburbs are cold and noisy for retirees. But these conditions should not be the only...

A Keogh plan is a personal retirement plan for small businesses and for those who are self employed. This tax-deferred plan is overseen by the 401(a) tax code allows workers to contribute a...

Would you like your retirement income to be tax free? This is how. From a former financial advisor.

An annuity is a contract between an annuitant and an insurance company. The annuitant makes an initial investment, or ongoing contributions over time, so the insurance company will later pay out...

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) allow many individuals with a form of income after they reach retirement age. These accounts come in the form of pensions or private funds in which...

With the future of Social Security in doubt, retirement planning is something that every American needs to think about. Luckily, there are plenty of options available for saving, investing and...

The Medicare tax is the amount withheld by your employer from your paycheck that helps cover the cost of running the Medicare program. It is part of FICA that your employer is required to collect...

Financial planners can help assess your net worth and provide guidance on creating a healthy investment portfolio. They can also help you handle retirement money and funds received over the course...

An increasing number of people are starting to take their retirement finances into their own hands. It's easy to save money for retirement, and there are a few ways to maximize your money.

For many people, the idea of retiring overseas is an exciting dream. When you consider the fact that many countries offer better social programs for older adults and better access to health care...

Even though you are self employed, you shouldn't have all your money tied up in your own business. A major downturn could wipe you out. You should have a hierarchy of investments established from...