Every October, the College Board releases its Trends in College Pricing report that highlights college cost increases and trends. While costs can vary significantly by region and individual college, the College Board publishes average cost figures, which are based on its survey of 3,500 colleges … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2009
Funding early retirement
Most are familiar with the magic ages of 59 ½ when you can start withdrawing from retirement savings without paying the 10% IRS penalty and 62 when you can start taking social security. But sometimes retirement comes before these ages either voluntarily or involuntarily, and you may need income. … [Read more...]
Quoted in Dallas Morning News on 2010 Roth conversions
I had the opportunity to talk with Pamela Yip, personal finance columnist at the Dallas Morning News, a couple weeks back about 2010 Roth IRA conversions. Her article provides a good synopsis of the changes for 2010, and quotes me on when conversion makes the most sense. Click here to read the … [Read more...]
Texas Tomorrow Fund Deadline Rapidly Approaching
For participants in the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan (also known as the Texas Tomorrow Fund) an important refund deadline is approaching. Any refund requests received before November 30 will be processed according to the current rules. The current rules allow for a refund of the original … [Read more...]
Quoted in couples and money article
Associated Press Personal Finance Writer Eileen AJ Connelly interviewed me earlier this week about couples and money. Her questions were about whether joint accounts or separate accounts were better for couples to manage their money. The recent John and Kate debacle is what sparked public interest … [Read more...]
Partial Roth Conversion Strategy
When people find out how much tax they would have to pay to convert their IRA from traditional to Roth, it’s often times a conversion show stopper. Even if all the analysis shows that conversion would be clearly beneficial to their after-tax retirement income levels or provide estate planning … [Read more...]
Pink Slip Lemonade
As the economy begins its recovery but the job losses keep coming, many are finding the need to be creative with their careers and their financial situation. Last week, I had the pleasure of spending some time chatting with fellow Garrett Planning Network member Sherrill St. Germain, CFP®. … [Read more...]
October 2009 Newsletter
The October newsletter is now available. It includes a reminder about the October 15 deadline to recharacterize 2008 Roth IRA conversions, a market update, how to calculate your net worth and why net worth is the financial number to watch, and more. To read the newsletter, click here. … [Read more...]