Every now and then, I get a letter from a reader that I must share with you (with the reader's permission). Some letters include wisdom that is memorable enough to revisit. This letter, from 2015, abo... more
A reader who is now divorced after being married for more than 45 years reached out to ask the following: "Am I entitled to half of [my ex-husband's] Social Security, or do I have to wait until his pa... more
The question of retirement preparedness is always a difficult one to handle since there are differences in lifestyle expectations and income sources. Life is complicated. And financial decisions have ... more
A reader email involves a required minimum distribution that was not taken in a timely manner, but the error rested with the IRA's custodian and not the owner of the IRA.... more
Are you a well-intentioned grandparent who wants to share your stock-picking acumen with your young grandchildren -- and back that up with a gift of cash?... more
As a young adult, there are a number of financial matters you can encounter when transitioning from high school to college (and on to the working world). Let's talk about some resources that can help ... more
From time to time, I come across individuals who tell me that they cannot afford to participate in their company's 401(k) plan. I ask them just two questions: Do you get a tax refund? Does your 401(k)... more
If you are one of the 27 million people who have federal student loans outstanding, get ready to start repayments. The hiatus that began in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic is now ending.... more
There is a new act in town: The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) will require disclosures starting Jan. 1, 2024. Just because the title includes the word "Corporate," trustees of trusts shouldn't igno... more
One of the challenges on the road to retirement is understanding what it will cost to maintain your lifestyle after you leave the full-time working world.... more
Retirement security is a particular interest of readers of this column, as is the subject of 401(k) plans -- for good reason. Anyone lucky enough to work for a company that offers a 401(k) that is mat... more
In celebration of National 401(k) Day (Sept. 8), I’ll put on my financial literacy hat and offer some advice. Everyone who works for a company offering a 401(k) needs to sign up -- yes, everyone.... more
Last week, we discussed the reduction of the excise tax (penalty) for failure to take a required minimum distribution, or RMD, from 50% of the minimum amount not distributed to 25%. That change came a... more