In certain cases, you may be eligible to make a Mega Backdoor Roth contribution. This strategy involves using an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan that allows after-tax contributions and then converting those contributions to a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k). Under the right...
Have you heard of the Backdoor Roth Contribution? If you earn too much, per the limits and rules of IRAs, you are unable to make a direct contribution to a Roth IRA. The Backdoor Roth Contribution could be a solution, but there are many factors and rules to consider,...
There are a lot of important considerations to weigh before doing a Roth conversion. As a result of the current market condition and changes due to the SECURE Act, Roth conversions are becoming an important strategy for many. This flowchart covers: Changes in...
It’s that time again. Every four years, investors have to grapple with the volatility and uncertainty that comes with a presidential election. As financial professionals, we field a lot of questions from our clients and friends about how politics and elections affect...
By Marc C. Shaffer In today's higher interest rate environment, it's crucial to review the yield on your bank savings and money market accounts. For example, as of May 2024, the national average rate for regular savings accounts was 0.45%, while many high-yield...
As financial planners, one tool we discuss with parents is opening a custodial Roth IRA for their minor children. This strategy could provide significant long-term benefits and teach valuable lessons about saving and investing. Let's explore why this might be a smart...
If you own employer-issued stock in a 401(k) plan, you may benefit from favorable tax treatment under the NUA rules. But, to qualify for an NUA distribution, you must satisfy several very important rules, some of which are often misunderstood. To help make this...
Many people often have outsized positions due to appreciation and large pre-tax retirement accounts. You may be looking to reduce portfolio risk and protect gains now, while also aiming to reduce your future income tax burden. Roth conversions and harvesting capital gains are two effective financial strategies that can achieve these goals; however, they accelerate income tax costs. There are current tax consequences associated with each strategy, and the issue becomes whether to accelerate ordinary income, capital gains, or a combination thereof.
By Marc C. Shaffer
A triple tax-advantaged account that many overlook, a Health Savings Account (HSA) is an account for individuals with high deductibles to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to cover qualified medical expenses. If you are able to cover most medical expenses out of pocket, a high deductible health insurance plan may work for you while allowing you to invest through your HSA for tax-free growth.*
By Marc C. Shaffer
While financial market volatility can be stressful for people of all ages, the implications of a bear market generally mean different things for different life stages.