While the Fed continues to target a 2.0% inflation rate, headwinds in the form of inflation pressures from worker shortages, tariffs, and foreign conflicts are coming at a time as America approaches a historic demographic milestone – a record number of individuals turning 65 this year.
Back in the 1990s, taxes and fiduciary standards weren’t talked about. The financial headlines were dominated by star fund managers and double-digit growth stories. Financial talk shows and glossy magazines alike obsessed over who was “beating the market.” The mantra was simple: accumulate assets. That was the measure of success.
What most people don’t realize: There are some important details about how and when these delayed credits are actually added to your benefit.
Congratulations—you’ve built up a healthy retirement nest egg, maybe even a couple million bucks in a traditional IRA. Cue the applause! No worry about tax traps now! But as you reach retirement and start thinking about how to spend it (or pass it on), Uncle Sam is waiting with a few surprise moves that could mess with your plans. These are the tax traps.
You’ve just inherited an IRA from someone not your spouse… usually a parent. Guess what! Your rules are different.
If you’ve changed jobs or are getting ready to retire, don’t leave your old retirement account behind. Rolling over your employer-sponsored plan—like a 401(k) or 403(b)—into an IRA or new employer’s plan keeps your money growing tax-deferred and gives you more control over your investments.
During his campaign, President Donald Trump pledged not to reduce Social Security benefits. He even proposed eliminating taxation on Social Security benefits, which would enable higher-income beneficiaries to retain more of their income.
Rise of avocados is a powerful lesson in understanding how markets evolve
Not so long ago, baby boomers viewed Social Security as a retirement program for old folks. High-earning boomers felt that Social Security didn’t apply to them because the monthly checks were small, and they believed the system wouldn’t be around when they retired.
If you have $500,000 in your 401(k) or IRA, it’s not really $500.000. That’s a tax planning mistake most people make going right out of the gate. If you’re married and filing jointly, it’s more likely you could have $325,000 (35% tax bracket) or just $315,000 (37% tax bracket).
While the Fed continues to target a 2.0% inflation rate, headwinds in the form of inflation pressures from worker shortages, tariffs, and foreign conflicts are coming at a time as America approaches a historic demographic milestone – a record number of individuals turning 65 this year.
Back in the 1990s, taxes and fiduciary standards weren’t talked about. The financial headlines were dominated by star fund managers and double-digit growth stories. Financial talk shows and glossy magazines alike obsessed over who was “beating the market.” The mantra was simple: accumulate assets. That was the measure of success.
