There is a lot of information available on how to save and invest for retirement. Investors select an asset allocation and learn what accounts to contribute to. But what about in retirement? We are still invested, but instead of saving, we need to spend some of our savings. How much should we have … [Read more...]
Planning with Medicare Premiums in Mind
Depending on your income, premiums for Medicare Part B could cost more than the standard rate ($144.60 per month in 2020). This is referred to as IRMAA – the income related monthly adjustment amount. In 2020, Part B premiums will cost more if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is higher than … [Read more...]
Keller Social Security Workshop
My free workshop on social security planning at the Keller Public Library is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30 pm. It's designed for baby boomers to help you maximize your retirement income. If you are 55 or older, have not yet filed for social security, and live in or around Keller, you … [Read more...]
How to Structure Retirement Income
I'm providing a free personal finance workshop at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 pm on Structuring Your Retirement Income. This retirement income workshop is designed for residents of Keller and surrounding areas who are in or near retirement. Investing for retirement … [Read more...]
How to Maximize Social Security Benefits
Baby boomers, learn how to maximize your social security benefits and about recent changes to the social security program. I am conducting a free social security strategy workshop at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30 pm. It's designed for baby boomers to help you … [Read more...]
March 2010 Newsletter
The March 2010 Newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update, Part II in my series on how to tap into your home equity in retirement, considerations in evaluating an early retirement offer, information on 2009 tax deduction for 2010 Haitian relief contributions, 2011 tax rate … [Read more...]
February 2010 Newsletter
The February newsletter is now available. It includes an update on January stock and bond market performance, the first article in a two-part series on how to tap into your home equity for retirement income, a preview of a new financial planning service, and more. Click here to read the … [Read more...]
Pension Max: Is it right for you?
If you’re near retirement and have a pension, you may be considering a pension max strategy. With all the variables involved, it can be challenging to determine if it’s really in your best interest. First – what is pension max? Pension max is used by married couples to increase their net … [Read more...]
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...]
Who should consider Roth conversion
Given the historic opportunity of 2010 to spread the tax payment over 2 years in 2011 and 2012, everyone with a traditional IRA should take at least one look at Roth IRA conversion for next year. It is most beneficial to you when all of these apply: You'll pay the resulting "conversion" tax … [Read more...]
Paying the Bills: Potential Sources of Retirement Income
Planning your retirement income is like putting together a puzzle with many different pieces. One of the first steps in the process is to identify all potential income sources and estimate how much you can expect each one to provide. Social Security According to the Social Security Administration … [Read more...]
Annuities: Retirement Income Option
Everyone like a guarantee. Unfortunately, in the financial services industry they're few and far between. And those that are available often come with a steep price -- if you can even figure out what the price is. As you know, I don't sell any products or accept commissions on products I … [Read more...]