Taxes on 401(k) and IRA Distributions in Michigan
You have saved and saved throughout your working years and now it is time to start taking some money out. You didn’t think the government was going to let you have all of that money tax free did you? A lot of things in retirement compared to working are different, and that includes taxes. Some taxes go up, some go down, and others are completely … Continue reading Taxes on 401(k) and IRA Distributions in Michigan
The 5 Biggest Risks of the Monthly Pension
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of the monthly pension compared to the lump sum. Unlike, Dave Ramsey and probably every one of your co-workers, I think that most people should take the monthly pension when they retire. A steady stream of monthly income in retirement that isn’t impacted by the stock market, is hard to beat. Still, the monthly pension is … Continue reading The 5 Biggest Risks of the Monthly Pension
Do I Need to Turn on Medicare at Age 65?
A couple years back I received an excited email from my father in-law. The title of the email read: My Medicare Birthday! He thanked many of us for reaching out and wishing him a happy birthday. He also happily pronounced that he would be saving about $500 per month in healthcare premiums because of the switch to Medicare from private insurance. You may not be … Continue reading Do I Need to Turn on Medicare at Age 65?
Planning on a Lump Sum Pension? May be Time to Up The Risk of Your 401(k)
Recently, a client of mine called because he is getting closer to retirement and feels like he needs to get more conservative in his 401(k). If you have ever read a finance book or listened to any financial “guru”, the investment advice is always the same; Invest more aggressively while you are younger and more conservative as you approach retirement. My client had heard this … Continue reading Planning on a Lump Sum Pension? May be Time to Up The Risk of Your 401(k)
How is my Canadian RRSP Taxed in the U.S.?
I have good and bad news for those of you that live in the U.S. but have a Canadian RRSP from when you lived in Canada. The good news is that there is a really good chance your taxation here in the states will be lower than if you took the same distributions in Canada. The bad news, trying to figure out just how much … Continue reading How is my Canadian RRSP Taxed in the U.S.?
How a Financial Plan Can Help You Spend More in Retirement
After my second year at University of Michigan I decided to spend the summer working at a backpacking camp in Colorado. This seemed odd being that I had never been to Colorado or had been backpacking. Bringing kids on 5 days camping trips around Colorado, how hard could it be? I loaded up on the cheapest (and unfortunately heaviest) equipment that I could find, and … Continue reading How a Financial Plan Can Help You Spend More in Retirement
Financial Horror Story: The Life Insurance Scam
Bernie Madoff ripped off his clients by lying to them. He claimed that they were getting tremendous returns, but rather he was blowing all of their money and making false financial statements. Other financial scammers don’t need to lie to rip you off. Instead these con artists use legal financial products, good sales skills, and a trustworthy victim. Thankfully a client of mine was smart … Continue reading Financial Horror Story: The Life Insurance Scam
