by Kenny | May 28, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: I have a new client who has an old SEP IRA as well as a traditional IRA with funds that were rolled over from his 401(k) plan. Can we combine these two accounts? Answer: Yes. These accounts can be...
by Kenny | May 28, 2026
Retirement should be a time filled with freedom, confidence, and peace of mind — not uncertainty and financial stress. Yet many people unknowingly make decisions during their working years that can create major challenges later in life. The good news is that most...
by Kenny | May 27, 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst It’s been nearly 3½ years, and still no news. No guidance. No updates. Background: In December 2022, the SECURE 2.0 Act was signed into law. That legislation contained an extensively discussed provision – allowing excess dollars in...
by Kenny | May 21, 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I have a 401(k) plan with a previous employer that is a mix of pre-tax and Roth money. I’m considering a direct rollover of the 401(k) to an IRA. How would that work since it’s a mix of pre-tax and after-tax funds? Would...
by Kenny | May 21, 2026
Retirement is no longer viewed as simply “stopping work.” For many individuals and families, retirement is about creating freedom, protecting the lifestyle they’ve worked hard to build, and gaining peace of mind for the future. With rising healthcare costs, market...
by Kenny | May 20, 2026
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Most of you are probably familiar with the concept of the “required beginning date” (RBD). The RBD is the deadline for taking the first required minimum distribution (RMD) from an IRA or workplace retirement plan. If you’re a traditional...
by Kenny | May 18, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education On April 30, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order to promote retirement savings for American workers. In its aftermath, we have had a flurry of questions about a new savings option called a “Trump...
by Kenny | May 17, 2026
US equity markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. Hotter-than-expected inflation data, coupled with increased tensions in the Middle East, sent US Treasury yields significantly higher. The US-China summit ended with both sides with no real incremental...
by Kenny | May 15, 2026
Medicare continues to evolve each year, and 2026 is bringing several important updates that could directly impact prescription drug costs, coverage choices, and overall healthcare planning for Medicare beneficiaries. One of the biggest areas of focus this year is...
by Kenny | May 14, 2026
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: I have a client who is still working, over age 75, and wants to roll her 401(k) into her IRA. She has stopped contributing and wants to move the company stock to her brokerage account using the net unrealized appreciation (NUA)...
by Kenny | May 14, 2026
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: I have a client who is still working, over age 75, and wants to roll her 401(k) into her IRA. She has stopped contributing and wants to move the company stock to her brokerage account using the net unrealized appreciation (NUA)...
by Kenny | May 13, 2026
In today’s unpredictable financial environment, many retirees and pre-retirees are searching for ways to protect their savings while still maintaining the opportunity for growth. One financial tool that continues to gain attention is the Fixed Indexed Annuity, often...
by Kenny | May 13, 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst We know that Roth conversions are permanent. Recharacterization of a conversion is no longer allowed. Once the conversion is done, there is no going back. However, recharacterization is still available for IRA contributions. A...
by Kenny | May 11, 2026
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst The SECURE Act completely changed the rules for beneficiary IRA (and workplace retirement plan) required minimum distributions (RMDs). It’s now been more than 6 years since the SECURE Act became law and almost 2 years since the IRS...
by Kenny | May 10, 2026
Global markets hit record highs as Q1 earnings continued to exceed expectations. Despite continued tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, investors bought mega-cap technology issues alongside Semiconductor companies. AMD posted...
by Kenny | May 8, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: My spouse and I have a combined six-figure required minimum distribution (RMD) from my two IRAs and her smaller IRA. Our CPA suggested that for 2026 we only withdraw 50% of her smaller RMD, and that I...
by Kenny | Apr 30, 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: When someone under age 59½ uses the “backdoor” method of making Roth IRA contributions, does the 10% penalty apply to subsequent withdrawals if the IRA contribution was non-deductible? Thank you, John ANSWER: John,...
by Kenny | Apr 29, 2026
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Contributions to Trump Accounts, the new tax-deferred savings vehicle for children, can’t be made until July 4, 2026. However, the opportunity to open a Trump Account, either through filing Form 4547 or using a dedicated IRS...
by Kenny | Apr 29, 2026
For many people, financial confidence is not about having millions of dollars or a perfect investment strategy. It is about feeling secure, prepared, and in control of what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. Expenses appear unexpectedly, markets fluctuate, health...
by Kenny | Apr 27, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Spring is here! Now is the time when many people spring-clean their homes. It is an opportunity to get organized, get rid of clutter, and simplify. This year, consider taking the same approach with your retirement...
