Income

ACA subsidy cliffs are back and costing clients thousands

With enhanced ACA subsidies gone, even a small income mistake can cost clients thousands.

What Is the Rule of 55 for 401(k)s?

The Rule of 55 allows certain workers to take penalty-free withdrawals from a 401(k) or 403(b) if they leave their job in or after the year they turn 55. Income taxes still apply, and the funds must r...

Trump’s Retirement Plan Backs RSAA To Help 69 Million Workers

Trump’s retirement plan and the RSAA aim to fix the coverage gap for 69 million workers, countering AEI’s concerns about Medicaid, SSI and low-income retirement security.

Markets Will Always Be Volatile: Your Retirement Doesn't Have to Be

Instead of worrying about the markets and running out of money in retirement, you might consider buying an annuity that guarantees you a lifetime income.

Long-term care costs outpacing retirement income: AARP

Middle- and lower-income retirees face a growing gap between income and long-term care expenses, forcing advisors to rethink planning strategies.

The Medicare tax trap costing clients thousands

A well-intentioned tax move can push retirees over a Medicare income threshold, leading to thousands in unexpected annual premiums. Here's how advisors avoid these costs.

20 Must Know Social Security Nuggets No One Tells You!

From spousal and child benefits to taxes and timing, these 20 lesser-known Social Security rules can significantly impact your retirement income.

Selecting Voluntary Tax Withholding Percentage

We are one step closer to make retirement official, we have filed for our Social Security benefits! Now I'm curious - the literature we received in the mail suggested voluntary withholding on our bene...

Unlock Housing Wealth and Tax Benefits by Adding Lifetime Annuities to Your Retirement Plan

Combining a QLAC with a HECM can help mass affluent retirees secure guaranteed lifetime income, tax advantages and liquid savings to cover late-in-life expenses.

Living off saving / tax implications

62 year old Canadian here. I'm currently in a situation where I am living on 1/2 my take-home pay so am slamming every other cent into savings. Theoretically in about a 1 1/2 years I should be able to...

3 top tax questions clients are asking this filing season

Questions this season reflect confusion about 1099 income, new OBBBA deductions and retirement considerations, according to data from online expert platform JustAnswer.

How do you replenish emergency fund?

We all know we need to have an emergency fund, mine is around 6-8 months of expenses, but what's your strategy for if and when you dip into it, how do you go about replenishing it when you're on a tig...

3 Smart Ways to Help Your Kids with Money (Without Regretting It Later)

Jeremy Keil explains 3 smart ways to help your kids with money while avoiding IRS paperwork Early in the year, I received an email from a couple asking a question I hear all the time: “What’s the maxi...

Saving for future retirement needs and EOL vs spending and enjoying now.

F67, M72. We get about income of 5500 a month spend about 4,000 a month and have $1500 left over, Next year that we will pay off our last debt and will have another $500 available. We have rebuilt our...

Are You Behind on Retirement Savings? How Much You Need at 50, 55, 60 and 65

See how your retirement savings stack up compared with this Wall Street guide, ranked by age and income.

Unsure how this is going to go - Unexpectedly Retiring at 60

My life is changing fast and I’m having a hard time keeping up. Just a short recap: My mother passed away late August 2025. In November, I drove across the country to have a funeral service (it was at...

5 Smart Strategies to Create Your Retirement Paycheck Without the Stress, From a Financial Planner

The most resilient income plans layer multiple sources of predictable income and growth-oriented assets to help ensure immediate cash flow and long-term flexibility.

Readiness needs specify household vs individual accounts

So, hear me out. My husband and I could have retired sooner, but we were having a difficult time trusting that we were ready. We had a pretty good portfolio of investments and savings, but was it enou...

Which Are the Most Tax Friendly States for Retirees 2026?

Are you in a tax friendly state for retirees? Explore the best states for taxes and review the income and sales tax rates in all 50 states. The post Which Are the Most Tax Friendly States for Retirees...

The Average Retirement Withdrawal Rate by Age

Clinging to 'safe' income and hoarding your principal isn't protecting your wealth; it's shortchanging the retirement you earned.

DARE to Re-Think Retirement with George Jerjian

The retirement mindset mentor George Jerjian explains how a second chance at life inspires him to help coach people into retirement. When George Jerjian was 52 years old, he was diagnosed with a bone ...

How to Turn a $1 Million Nest Egg Into a Lifetime Income Machine

The paychecks may stop, but the income shouldn't. Master the art of the "income machine" to fund your dream retirement.

401(k) Tax Implications for 2026: What You Need to Know

A 401(k) can offer powerful tax advantages, but understanding how contributions, growth, and withdrawals are taxed is essential. Traditional 401(k)s lower your taxable income today, while Roth 401(k)s...

Is a Roth IRA or 401k worth it at this point?

I’m likely to retire in the next 2 years at or near full retirement age. I first opened a Roth IRA with a small amount ($1,000) in 2023 to start the 5-year clock, so I was really late to the party. I’...

Small Splurges That Won't Derail Your Retirement

With decades of growth ahead, your 40s aren't just for saving. We asked financial advisers how to enjoy your income now without compromising your nest egg.

Retirement Finances, first 20 months

I retired June 1, 2024. My wife is still working, her planned last day is June 30, this year. Here's a few things I've noticed.... I'm maintaining our 'retirement fund' portfolio at Vanguard in the 60...

Why Vanguard’s ETF aimed at retirees is currently cautious in its asset allocation

Vanguard’s VRIF ETF is tilting toward bonds to provide retirees stable income, balancing caution with a 4% annual payout target. The post Why Vanguard’s ETF aimed at retirees is currently cautious in ...

The 1% Club: In These States, a $743,000 Income Isn't Enough to Join

Being a top earner is relative: Why trading a high-tax zip code for a low-cost state is the ultimate retirement power move.

I'm a Financial Adviser: This Is the Real Key to Enjoying Retirement With Confidence

A resilient retirement plan is a flexible framework that addresses income, health care, taxes and investments. And that means you should review it regularly.

5 Retirement Tax Traps to Watch in 2026

Even in retirement, some income sources can unexpectedly raise your federal and state tax bills. Here's how to avoid costly surprises.

The 5 Biggest RMD Mistakes in Retirement

Jeremy Keil explains the 5 RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) mistakes in Retirement and how to avoid them. A retiree recently called for help. It was their first year taking Required Minimum Distrib...

How One Extra Dollar of Income Can Cost You Thousands in Retirement

Even modest changes in retirement income can raise Medicare premiums under IRMAA. Here’s how even a small increase can affect your retirement costs.