Retirement Articles
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Are Variable Annuities Safe?
First to fall were the homebuilders and mortgage companies. Then the investment banks and a few commercial banks tumbled. Next in line in the financial crisis might be insurance companies. Insurers, especially those that issue a lot of variable annuities, are under scrutiny and facing skepticism about their financial stability. The focus of attention lately […]
Money-Saving Move for Estate Planning in 2008
A little-known provision of the estate tax can save quite a bit of taxes for estates of those who passed away in late 2007 or the first part of 2008. The estate tax is based on the value of the estate assets, normally the value on the date of the owner’s death. The executor, however, […]
IRA: Key Questions and Answers
The financial crisis continues to have secondary effects few people anticipated. Decisions are required, especially with regard to IRAs. Let’s take a look at the IRA: key questions and answers. Is there relief for IRA owners over age 70½ who have not yet taken their required minimum distributions for the year? IRA owners must take […]
Asset Declines are an Estate Planning Opportunity
There is at least one silver lining in today’s dark cloud – Estate Planning opportunities are being created. Today we have a rare opportunity to transfer wealth to younger generations while incurring very low gift and estate taxes. Falling market prices and low interest rates are a great combination for estate planners. If the price […]
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October – December 2008
RMD Relief for 2009, not 2008 December 19, 2008 05:00 p.m. Many IRAs experienced steep declines in their values in 2008. This can put a strain on those over age 70½. They are required to take minimum distributions from their IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts based on their values as of Dec. 31, 2007. […]
The Crisis and Money Market Funds
Once we left the 1980s behind, I thought this issue would not be addressed again. But for the second consecutive month we are having a discussion about when your money is insured by the government or an entity created by it. Money market funds are this month’s focus. Traditionally a money fund is where you […]
Medicare, Other Health Changes on the Way
The good news is that Medicare premiums are unchanged for 2009. They remain at $96.40 per month for Part B. This is the first year in the last eight the premium will not rise. The program’s reserves increased, allowing it to keep premiums and fees steady. But do not take that as a sign of […]
How Safe Are Your Assets?
Is your money safe? It is amazing how quickly investors went from not worrying about risk to having that be the first question on their minds. As the financial crisis spreads, people are worried about the safety of their money and how to make their assets more secure. Here’s an overview of the rules for […]
