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 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
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Both options are designed to help manage healthcare costs during retirement, but they work very differently. Understanding how each type...
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 | May 6, 2026
When people hear the words “retirement planning,” many immediately picture someone in their 60s preparing to leave the workforce. The reality is very different. The most successful retirement strategies often begin decades before retirement is even on the horizon....
by Kenny | May 6, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The once-per-year IRA rollover rule sounds easy. However, there are many ways to go wrong. One common confusion with this rule occurs when there are multiple distributions or multiple deposits. These two...
by Kenny | May 4, 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and required minimum distributions (RMDs) are two separate and distinct transactions. Here are some of the basics of each: QCDs are only available to IRA owners and beneficiaries age...
by Kenny | Apr 30, 2026
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with plan options, deadlines, and yearly changes. For many retirees, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make. Working with a trusted advisor can help...
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...
by Kenny | Apr 26, 2026
Global markets had mixed results last week as headlines about the US-Iran conflict continued to affect trade. Conflicting reports of the US and Iran meeting to negotiate a ceasefire came and went without the two sides meeting. The Strait of Hormuz continued to be...
by Kenny | Apr 24, 2026
Medicare provides valuable health coverage for millions of Americans, but many beneficiaries are surprised to discover that it does not cover everything. Understanding where coverage gaps exist can help seniors plan ahead, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed...
by Kenny | Apr 23, 2026
When people think about financial planning, they often focus only on retirement accounts or investment strategies. While these are important pieces of the puzzle, true financial security comes from creating a complete plan that protects your wealth through every stage...
by Kenny | Apr 23, 2026
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: Hello, I’ve run into someone who is retired, age 77, and therefore taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from his Caterpillar 401(k) plan. He has approximately $5M in Caterpillar stock within the plan. It seems...
by Kenny | Apr 22, 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst 1. When did the decedent die? The SECURE Act impacts beneficiaries of decedents who died in 2020 or later. Anyone who passed away prior to 2020 falls under the old rules. Prior to the SECURE Act, all living, breathing...
