Retirement

2020 was an eventful year when it came to IRA required minimum distributions (RMDs), especially for those who took their RMDs before the March 2020 suspension was enacted. Then came rollover relief. But what if early bird 2020 “RMD-ers” receive Form 1099-Rs reporting the RMD as taxable, even if rolled over?      Unnerving Form 1099-R

Economic Security Planning, Inc. Today’s column addresses questions about when spousal benefits can be filed for, how deeming affect people born in 1954 and later, how foreign pensions can affect Social Security benefits and how the lower earning spouse can maximize their benefits. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the

Close up of a group of expat seniors having a celebratory toast getty If you have had thoughts recently about what it might be like to live in another country as you get older, you are not alone. I think more older (and younger!) adults than ever before are giving serious thought to living somewhere

By Richard Eisenberg, Next Avenue Managing Editor getty Before you close the book on your 2021 New Year’s resolutions, I’d like to share three that you might want to boost your investment income in retirement. They’re from the latest episode of the “Friends Talk Money” podcast I co-host with personal finance syndicated columnist Terry Savage

By Leslie Hunter-Gadsden, Next Avenue A phone call in the pandemic led to big things for filmmaker Roberto Mighty Roberto Mighty It is often said that timing is everything. Boston filmmaker and multimedia artist Roberto Mighty, 66, certainly found that out one day in March 2020 shortly before the coronavirus pandemic reached epic proportions in

How much will a Cash Balance Plan lower you taxes? Depend on how large a contribution you are able … [+] to make. getty The cash balance pension plan has been growing in popularity with the self-employed and small business owners who are looking to minimize their taxes. This valuable retirement plan also works well

Doing good for the world gives back to you. Getty The recent presidential inauguration ceremony was an inspiring yet sobering reminder of the challenges that collectively we face as Americans. But there’s a silver lining for many of us: Seniors and retirees possess life experience and expertise that our nation dearly needs to address these

Estate planning documents. getty An unimaginable number of people are still dying from Covid complications, while others are dealing with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart attacks and strokes. When it is your spouse who is ill, the pain is intensified by the anticipated loss of your life partner. It is heartbreaking.  Planning for the

getty Who would you rather show you how best to save and invest for retirement? An accomplished advertising copywriter? A radiant teacher? A celebrated movie director? If you answered “Yes!” to the above multiple-choice question you’re far more astute than you might give yourself credit for. This is about the above choice in terms of

US President Barack Obama, alongside Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (R) and High School Senior … [+] Amirah Delwin (L), speaks with graduating seniors and their parents during a roundtable discussion on the interest rates of federal subsidized student loans at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, May 4, 2012. Without Congressional intervention, student loan

Be cautious when shopping for Medicare insurance. getty The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1 through March 31, brings with it many, many commercials. These focus on the low cost and benefits one can get simply by calling the phone number on the screen. Enrollment couldn’t be easier. However, a smart shopper will realize there

The latest round of stimulus has offered help to individuals, but includes some desperately needed, … [+] and hopefully, very helpful stimulus aimed at small businesses. getty The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) gave us some last-minute fiscal relief, notably $600 stimulus checks for individuals and provisions for some hard-hit areas aimed at mitigating the continuing

Economic Security Planning, Inc. Today’s column addresses questions about potential effects of filing for early retirement benefits on a spouse’s benefit, when reductions for filing early can and cannot be lifted and retirement benefit estimates on SSA’s website. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and president of Economic

getty There are three risks that are most likely to derail retirement plans. The risks are real and substantial, almost regardless of an individual’s net worth. Fortunately, the potential damage from the risks can be reduced. Longevity risk is talked about a lot by economists and financial advisors but not by many retirees and pre-retirees.

getty The $15 minimum wage, on the agenda of activists for upwards of a decade and now a part of President-Elect Biden’s covid-relief plan, is, depending on who you listen to, either a boon to workers or the source of substantial lost jobs. After all, a CBO analysis from 2019 concluded that both effects would

Corporate Profits Quickly Recovered From the Initial Shock. getty The country is experiencing two quite different paths since it plunged into a recession in the spring of 2020. Many families struggle with widespread and increasing job losses, long-term unemployment, more debt, hunger, poverty and the threat of evictions among a surging pandemic. In contrast, corporations

What is a Swap Power and Why do you Care? A “swap power” is also called a “power to substitute.” It is a special right reserved to you (or someone else) in a trust you create while you are alive. This right gives you the power to swap an asset of yours, say cash, for

By Kerry Hannon, Next Avenue Business owners Edith Cooper and daughter Jordan Taylor Edith Cooper When Jordan Taylor was a kid, going into the office with her mother, Edith Cooper, “was the biggest treat,” says Taylor, now 30. “Partially because the coffee machine was so much fun to play with.” Cooper, now 59, spent two

By Jonathan Littman and Susanna Camp, Next Avenue Entrepreneur Uwe Diegel successfully pitching his startup Courtesy of Uwe Diegel You may be surprised to hear it, but there’s never been a better time to pitch your startup. And for that, you can thank the pandemic. Entrepreneurship is being driven by massive layoffs and the realization

Hundreds of people line up to receive food and goods distributed by volunteers from the Chelsea … [+] Collaborative Inc. outside the Pan Y Cafe in Chelsea, Massachusetts on April 14, 2020. – Cmany families not eligible for state and federal help. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)