Retirement Watch Weekly
Examining Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Open enrollment for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug pro-gram is almost here. Marketing has begun, and you can sign up from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. Only entering its fourth year, enrollment grows each year, and surveys show satisfaction among enrollees. One constant about Part D so far is change. Premiums, other costs, and coverage […]
Updating Medicare Advantage
Earlier this year we told you to expect changes in Medicare Advantage plans, because Congress was reducing reimbursements to insurers and making other changes. The plan offerings for 2010 are in, and you do indeed face changes in Advantage plans. Almost all Medicare beneficiaries have an Advantage plan available to them. But about 7% of […]
October 2009
October 30, 2009 12:15 p.m. Is Retirement Unhealthy? And more… One of the classic rules of thumb about retirement is that men pass away within three years of retiring. Once their careers end, their lives end, was the explanation. That seems tough to prove, given the steady expansion of life expectancy, and has been considered […]
The Keys to Estate Planning – Taxes and The Law
In fewer than 10 years Estate Planning changed dramatically and still is changing. When I first wrote about estate planning, estate taxes were the driver of most plans. Even middle class Americans – modest millionaires we called them – needed plans to avoid estate taxes. The estate tax code changed dramatically. The 2001 tax law […]
Giving Gifts and a Lecture
Grandparents are filling only half their roles these days. They are providing financial help to their grand-children. In fact, they increased their financial aid as the economy worsened. Unfortunately, they are offering gifts and providing financial aid without much advice. About 63% of grandparents say they provided some form of financial assistance to their grandchildren […]
Choosing from Medicare’s Options
Medicare enrollment season is almost upon us. Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have a six-week period beginning Nov. 15 to select their medical plans. New Medicare members face the same choices when they enroll. Many of you have decisions to make. Even if you are happy with your Medicare plan, it is a good idea to […]
Preparing for the Roth IRA Opportunity
In 2010 all taxpayers will have the opportunity to create a tax-free stream of retirement income by converting traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs – and can receive a tax incentive to convert. Most Baby Boomers aren’t even aware of the upcoming conversion opportunity, and only a minority plan to convert, according to recent surveys. That’s […]
Understanding the 10% Penalty and Roth IRAs
One of the more confusing aspects of Roth IRAs is the 10% penalty for early distributions. The penalty is different for regular Roth IRAs and converted Roths. Tax-free distributions from Roths might be penalized. Don’t confuse the rules on taxes with the penalty. The same penalty and exceptions apply to traditional and Roth IRAs, unless […]
