Retirement Watch Weekly
Are Charitable Trusts Better Than Stretch IRAs
Owners of large IRAs search for ways to maximize the after-tax amount of the IRAs that will benefit their loved ones. In the past we have demonstrated that unconventional strategies often increase the after-tax amount heirs receive. Sometimes it makes sense for an IRA owner to empty the IRA early, pay the taxes, invest the […]
How to Change Social Security Benefits
Deciding when to take Social Security retirement benefits is one of the more difficult retirement decisions. The decision affects lifetime monthly income of not only the recipient but also the recipient’s spouse. The choice of starting date can mean the difference of thousands of dollars over the course of retirement. Though few people realize it, […]
Social Security and Spouses – Part 3
In recent visits we explored how spousal benefits can affect the decision of when to begin Social Security benefits. In this visit we will take a look at one more scenario. First, we’ll review the key points from past visits. A spouse is entitled to receive the higher of either his or her earned retirement […]
What is Your Estate Plan Missing? The Importance of the Proper Forms and Documents
Many people believe that a will and a trust or two is an estate plan. Others think that a living trust or joint title with a spouse is all they need. That is why most estate plans are woefully incomplete. There is much more to an estate plan. Heirs and loved ones often suffer from […]
Estate Planning to Avoid Rags to Riches to Rags: Inheritance Planning for Heirs and Beneficiaries
The pattern for family wealth seems fixed. Different times and different cultures display the same pattern. The first generation builds wealth, and the second generation shepherds or preserves it. The third and succeeding generations spend until it is dissipated. There are a few examples of families in which wealth lasted many generations but many more […]
Finding Higher Returns with Low Risks – Equity Indexed Annuities
Market volatility and uncertainty spur the search for investment alternatives. Index fund investors broke even or lost money the last 10 years, depending on what the markets did in the latest week. Investors need their portfolios to grow if they are to meet retirement goals, but many investors want to avoid the risks and volatility […]
Social Security Benefits and Spouses
Last month’s discussion on coordinating Social Security benefits among married couples generated a lot of interest. Let’s take a few minutes to review the basic rules of this complicated issue, and I will add some references to some key sources. To keep things simple, we’ll assume the wife is the lower wage earner. That will […]
Simple Estate Planning Strategies to Shield Assets
Lawsuits, accidents, and other unexpected events can put personal assets at risk of loss. Many people seek ways to protect their assets from lawsuits and creditors. While there are expensive asset protection packages offered by various finance professionals, there are much simpler ways to protect most assets that should be implemented before considering the more […]
