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...]
How to Become Financially Fit in 2021
by Christina Slavonik, CFP(R) Oh, yes! It’s that time of year again! It's time to list out resolutions or goals that we would like to accomplish this year. There may be some “rollovers” from 2020! One important resolution to add to your list is to be financially fit. It’s not something … [Read more...]
Converting After-Tax 401k contributions to Roth
It's time to reconsider whether making after-tax contributions to a 401k is a good financial planning strategy. Prior to the IRS' ruling last fall, it was unclear whether you could convert after-tax 401k contributions to Roth. And if you did convert them, there was disagreement in the financial … [Read more...]
August 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes information on how this summer's Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage affects financial planning for couples in Texas and other states. It also covers an update on the bond market, how to fix an error on your credit report, … [Read more...]
January Personal Finance Newsletter
The January 2013 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes lots of financial planning news and updates. Starting with a review of the 2012 investment year, we also review the details of the fiscal cliff compromise and how it may affect you. In addition, there are articles on … [Read more...]
Social Security Updates
You should be aware of two recent developments for social security – one affecting workers and one retirees. For retirees On March 1, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department will stop mailing paper benefit checks. After that date, all Social Security beneficiaries (as well as anyone receiving … [Read more...]
February 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The February 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available. In the newsletter, we have financial planning inspiration from Keller High School seniors to refocus on paying yourself first. For investing, it includes an investment market update and information on the new cost basis rules. For … [Read more...]
Financial Advice Quoted on Retirement Savings
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an article for Classical Singer magazine about the complexities of financial planning for musicians. Greg Waxberg wrote the article called "Filling in the Financial Gaps" and brought together advice from many financial planners on issues with … [Read more...]
February Personal Finance Newsletter
The February personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investing market update, the topics are: Extension of tax-free charitable contribution option from IRAs for those over 70 1/2 New cost basis reporting rules (important for those with taxable investment … [Read more...]
Social Security Workshop at Keller Public Library
I am conducting a free workshop on social security planning strategies at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30 pm. The session will cover what baby boomers need to know to maximize their retirement income. Attendees will learn: 5 factors to consider when deciding when to … [Read more...]
Should you pay off the mortgage?
One of the best financially freeing moments in life is the day you compare your savings and mortgage principal balances and realize that you could pay off your mortgage if you wanted to. If you’re at that point, congratulations! If you’re not there yet, keep saving; it can come sooner than you … [Read more...]
Keller Public Library Free Retirement Workshop
Your Retirement Savings Game Plan Free Workshop at Keller Public Library on Tuesday, April 20 at 6:30 pm. Designed for individuals and couples who are pre-retirement, we will cover how much you need to save for retirement and the best types of accounts to use for different situations for … [Read more...]
Non-Deductible IRA Contributions: Good Idea?
If your income is over the limit for deductible and Roth IRA contributions, you are faced with a dilemma each year: should you contribute to a non-deductible IRA? Making a non-deductible contribution shouldn’t be an automatic decision. It could be beneficial, or investing the same amount of money … [Read more...]
Getting the Most of Employer Matching
Many employers have reduced or eliminated matching in the past several years. If you’re fortunate enough to still have a match, you want to take full advantage of this potentially significant boost to your retirement plans. Every dollar your employer contributes toward your retirement is a … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Roth IRA Conversion Overview
Through 2009, converting an IRA from a traditional IRA to Roth is only available for those with household incomes under $100,000. Beginning next year, that changes. However, a lot of people aren't aware of the upcoming changes -- according to Financial Planning magazine, only 42% of advisor … [Read more...]
Early Retirees & Health Insurance
Thinking about retiring early? As part of the decision, you've got to calculate whether you'll have enough retirement income to meet your needs. While adding up the costs of customary living expenses, utilities, and an occasional vacation, don't forget to include another important retirement … [Read more...]
Roth 401(k) and 403(b)
One of my fellow Garrett Planning Network members, Jim Blankenship in New Berlin, Illinois, did a great summary article on Roth 401(k)s and 403(b)s yesterday. More and more companies are making the Roth 401(k) or 403(b) an option. Legislation was also recently signed allowing the Roth … [Read more...]
February 2009 Newsletter
The February 2009 KFP newsletter is now available. The topics for this month are: What to do when your employer stops matching your 401(k), working during retirement, college costs update, and your credit score. There's also some information on the Your Money Bus tour stop in D-FW. … [Read more...]
January 2009 Newsletter
The January 2009 newsletter is now available. It contains information on investing, saving for retirement, FDIC insurance, social security, financial preparedness for natural disasters, and information on upcoming events. … [Read more...]