Retirement Watch Weekly
When Medicaid Will Pay for Long-Term Care
Many people still expect that government programs will pay for their long-term care needs. They do not understand the limited assistance government programs provide for long-term care needs. Medicare, the program for those 65 and older, has restricted coverage for stays at long-term care facilities. The coverage generally is only for brief periods of rehabilitation […]
Estimating the Cost of Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care is a mystery to many Americans. They hear the cost is high, and occasionally they hear quotes of national averages of the cost. But that does not help an individual plan for the cost or decide whether to buy long-term care insurance or how much to buy. A valuable tool […]
Early Distributions Without Penalties
When cash is tight, people often tap their IRAs or other retire-ment accounts. There could be a penalty for doing so if you are under age 59½. But even then with a little planning you might be able to avoid the penalty and have more after-tax cash to spend. A distribution from an IRA or […]
How to Maximize the Tax-Free Portion of Each Annuity Payment
The popularity of fixed and immediate annuities is climbing for those in or near retirement. It is not surprising. An immediate annuity offers fixed, guaranteed payments. The payments can last for life if you want, and even for the joint life of you and a beneficiary. In today’s volatile and uncertain markets, annuities add a […]
The IRS and Gold ETFs
In last month’s visit we discussed the tax treatment of various gold investments. Investments in bullion and coins are considered collectibles. These assets cannot be held in an IRA. If an IRA purchases a collectible, it will be treated as a distribution of the amount of the purchase. The amount must be included in gross […]
Estate Planning Basics for Everyone
Now, only the very wealthy have to worry about Estate Planning. Many Americans are starting to think that way. Congress will not let the estate tax expire in 2010. Instead, it is likely to enact a permanent law with an exemption equal to or exceeding 2009’s $3.5 million level. To many people that means their […]
Changes Coming to Medicare Advantage Plans
The Medicare Advantage plans have been one of the more popular innovations in Medicare. Enrollment is up to 10.5 million, from only 5.4 million in 2005. But these plans will see some changes later this year, and that could increase costs or decrease benefits for enrollees. Traditional Medicare is a fee for service program that […]
Bailout Cash for Your Home
The government is encouraging you to upgrade your home. Undertake the right renovations, and the govern-ment will pay at least part of the cost through tax breaks. Some of the incentives are significant. The incentives are for energy efficient or renewable energy improvements and changes. Some of the incentives are new, and some are expansions […]
