Saving enough money for retirement usually means that you will have to open new accounts to diversify your portfolio and to let your money accumulate and grow over time. But these retirement accounts don’t take care of themselves without any oversight; someone has to pay for account management. It’s important to periodically evaluate the fees [...]
Many of us are working hard now with hopes of a future that includes a relaxing retirement. But a funny thing happens once you retire from your job—you can get bored. Plus, you might find that your retirement savings aren’t enough to keep up with the post-retirement lifestyle you want. A part-time job can help [...]
When thinking about how to protect your property from a lawsuit, you might want to consider setting up a trust. Q: I bought my house 20 years ago and today it is worth $300,000. I owe about $150,000 and have about 10 years left on a 15-year mortgage. The interest rate is 5.125 percent, and [...]
January is a good time to make an appointment with your financial planner—or find one if you don’t already have one—to make sure your retirement plan is growing in the right direction. Fee-only financial planner Brent Perry, CFP®, of Piedmont Financial Advisors, LLC, in Indianapolis, Ind., suggests asking your advisor these five retirement questions during [...]
Need to sell your home fast? Easy tips on selling and buying a new home, including applying for an equity line of credit. Q: I have a problem that I think others in my age group at least, might share. I am retired and over 70 years old. I want to move away from where [...]
When buying a vacation property in Florida for retirement, now may not be the best time to buy a home. Q: We're thinking of buying a property in Florida as a vacation home. Since we won't be able to use it a lot until my wife retires in 3 years, would it be better to [...]
As another new year begins, you likely have goals to better yourself and your family. In light of an unpredictable economy, however, you also should set retirement goals. While resources may occasionally be tight, there is no reason why you should be caught off guard when it’s time to retire. Follow these five simple resolutions [...]
When you’re sitting there, unemployed (or underemployed), trying to hold on to your house and keep food on the table somehow, you probably don’t really care that the money in your 401(k) was intended for your retirement. In fact, it’s likely you’re feeling a little desperate and want to do anything you can, no matter [...]
What happens when you make after tax contributions to a 401(k) plan and you now need the money? Can you withdraw just the after tax contributions and not pay any tax? Or, will the IRS require you to withdraw the funds in a proportionate way, based on the total amount in the plan?
