Retirement Watch Weekly
Inherited IRA Rules That Can Surprise and Trap Heirs
Congress and the IRS made inheriting an IRA a very complicated, confusing event. Inherited IRAs are accompanied by a host of little-known rules that are traps for the unwary, and that’s before considering the end of the Stretch IRA and the creation of the 10-year rule that were enacted in the Setting Every Community Up […]
Interest Rate Changes Affect Your Estate Plan
Interest rates are going to be higher for longer than investors expected at the start of the year, and that means estate planning strategies should be reassessed. The benefits of different estate planning strategies change with interest rates. When interest rates are higher, the payoffs from some strategies increase while other strategies lose some of […]
Hidden Flaws That Frequently Mess Up Estate Plans
Many estate plans aren’t as solid as the estate owners and their families believe. Key defects are widespread. The imperfect estate plans either won’t deliver the expected results or meeting their goals will cost significantly more than anticipated. The good news is that a deep dive into the details of a plan and a family […]
Bob’s Journal for 5/30
Reporting on Notable Events That Grabbed My Attention This Week Digital Assets Make Big Strides Digital currencies and assets moved closer to the financial mainstream in the few weeks since I posted my May 2024 Retirement Watch Spotlight Series online webinar, “Bitcoin, Digital Assets and Your Retirement Finances: What You Need to Know.” Earlier this […]
Bob’s Journal For 5/23
The Bull Market in Stocks is Global U.S. stock indexes underwent a correction in mid-2023, with downturns ranging from 9% to 18%, depending on the index. The correction was followed by a sharp rally in the last two months of 2023 that continued into 2024. Almost all the major U.S. indexes set new highs in […]
Bob’s Journal for 5/16
I recently was interviewed by Josh Jalinski for his “The Financial Quarterback” podcast and radio show on WOR-AM in New York. We began by discussing some of my background and the history of Retirement Watch. Of course, we also delved into the top financial issues of the day, including likely upcoming changes in taxes and […]
Plan Now to Avoid Stealth Taxes this Year
Retirees and near-retirees need to worry more about Stealth Taxes than regular income taxes. Stealth Taxes include the amount of Social Security benefits added to gross income, the Medicare premium surtax (also known as IRMAA), the 3.8% net investment income tax and more. Some Stealth Taxes are directed specifically at retirees, such as the tax […]
Bitcoin, Digital Assets and Your Retirement Finances: What You Need to Know
In my new Retirement Watch Spotlight Series, I’ll share my newest breakthrough strategies for protecting your assets and growing your portfolio, including how to prepare for the next market downturn. Click here now to learn more. […]
