- 401(k) Tax Rules: Withdrawals, Deductions & More
If you’re building your retirement saving, 401(k) plans are a great option. These employer-sponsored plans allow you to contribute up to $22,500 in pretax money in 2023 or $20,500 in 2022. Some employers will also match some of your contributions,… read more…
- 401(k) Investments: What’s the Right Option for You?
401(k) plans are one of the most popular retirement plans in the U.S., having blown past pensions as the primary employer-sponsored plan. And unlike pensions, 401(k)s require participants to choose where to invest their savings. While the options in most 401(k)s are… read more…
- How to Roll Over Your 401(k) to a Roth IRA
Rolling over your 401(k) plan to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. You’ll have to pay income tax on your contributions, your employer-match contributions and all earnings. Depending on the size of your account, this could push you into a much higher… read more…
- Unclaimed Money: What It Is and Where to Find It
Unclaimed money is cash you are owed from a variety of source that you’ve not gone through the proper channels to get for yourself. It can come in the form of inactive financial accounts, unclaimed retirement assets and tax refunds,… read more…
- What Should Retirees Invest In?
A lot of people spend their adult lives working and saving to prepare for retirement. But once you hang up your hat, you shouldn’t necessarily stop thinking about saving and investing. It’s not simple to know what to invest in, though,… read more…
- Tax Considerations for Inheriting an IRA
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) first came along in the mid-1970s. This means that the first Americans to make use of these retirement savings vehicles throughout their careers are now headed into their golden years. And consequently, more and more individuals… read more…
- What Is the Annuity Exclusion Ratio?
If you have looked into products like annuities, you’ve probably seen the term “exclusion ratio” floating around. It’s one of the most important factors you need to consider when planning your investments. The exclusion ratio is the portion of an… read more…
- How to Retire in Jamaica
It’s easy to understand why a Jamaican retirement would be attractive to many people. Anyone who’s enjoyed Jamaica’s beaches, lush greenery and beautiful weather could see the appeal of living out their golden years in the country. There’s no denying,… read more…
- Best Places to Retire in Alaska
Perhaps the generic portrait of a retiree lounging on a beach isn’t quite your thing. Instead, you might be considering going in the opposite direction and living in Alaska for retirement. In addition to the state’s abundant natural beauty, you’ll also enjoy a relatively low tax burden. We crunched the numbers to figure out the best… read more…
- The Best Places to Retire in Ohio
Thinking of retiring in Ohio? Many cities in the Buckeye State are ideal for retirees, with low tax burdens, a high percentage of senior residents and plenty of access to recreation and a healthcare. We crunched the numbers to figure out the best places to retire in Ohio. How We Determined the Best Places to… read more…
- Best Places to Retire in New York
A retirement in the Empire State doesn’t have to mean shelling out all your retirement savings for a tiny apartment. You’ll find all the best places to retire in New York in Long Island, north of the city or way upstate. And while you do have to watch out for New York taxes, the upside… read more…
- How to Retire in Germany: Visas, Healthcare & More
Germany has become a popular destination for American retirees due to its reasonable costs, excellent healthcare system and well-kept infrastructure. The weather may not be on the level of Thailand or Portugal, but if you don’t mind some chilly winters,… read more…
- The Best Places to Retire in Maryland
Thinking of retiring in Maryland? You’ll find plenty of company in the following cities and towns, which generally have large populations of senior citizens living there. You’ll also have the peace of mind of being near ample medical facilities. Where Maryland falls short, however, is its relatively high tax burden rates. This means you might need… read more…
- 10 Best Places to Retire in Nevada
If you’re looking for a tax-friendly retirement, Nevada is one of the places to be. In fact, the state has no taxes on income or Social Security benefits. Withdrawals from retirement accounts and public and private pension income are also… read more…
- Where to Open a Roth IRA in 2026
The best Roth IRAs offer a range of funds, low fees and digital tools to help you plan for retirement. We gathered data on the entire Roth IRA universe and narrowed them down to the best eight. They can suit a… read more…
- Best IRAs 2022
The best IRAs offer robust investment menus, low fees and a wealth of tools to help you save for retirement. SmartAsset gathered data on the best IRA providers to help you find the one that’s right for you. We also… read more…
- eOption Brokerage Review
eOption is an easy-to-use online brokerage that is designed to offer affordable trading options. The brokerage can be a good option for those wanting frequent but affordable trading options for typical stocks and funds. We’ll cover all of the most… read more…
- Annuity vs. IRA
Americans look forward to their golden years, but saving for retirement can be an intimidating undertaking. The long-term nature of this type of financial planning calls for good decision-making, so simplifying it is of the utmost importance. Let’s break down… read more…
- What Is the Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption?
They say it’s better to give than to receive. But when you’re the one doing the giving, there are some extra things that you’ll have to take into account besides the packaging – like the gift tax and the lifetime… read more…
- Social Security Form SSA-1696-U4
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an enormous organization, and the decisions it makes regarding your benefits can have a big impact on your finances. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed when you’re applying for benefits or appealing a decision.… read more…
- Simple IRA vs. SEP-IRA
Most people have heard of traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Both are vehicles for saving money for your retirement, separated only by their tax treatment. There are two other types of individual retirement accounts, though, that aren’t as common: the… read more…
- Social Security Form SSA-44: How to Fill It Out and Submit It
When you enroll in Medicare part B, the premiums you pay are partially dependent on your income. If your income is above a certain threshold, you’ll have to pay higher premiums. This higher premium amount is known as your income-related… read more…
- What Is the Duration of a Bond?
Whether you take an aggressive or conservative approach to invest, your asset allocation is likely to include some bonds. When reading about or researching bonds, you’ll hear about duration, an important metric that measures the time it will take for you… read more…
- Social Security Form SSA-3373-BK
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a long process. It can involve interviews, multiple applications and sometimes rejections and appeals. The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to determine both that your injuries or conditions are actively preventing you… read more…
- Social Security Form SSA-561-U2
When you seek assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it will make a decision on whether you’re eligible to receive that assistance. The SSA may also make decisions about any assistance you’re already receiving. If there’s ever a point… read more…