Matt Smith

Time to Rollover Your Employer Plan? Know Your Options!

For years we saw and heard the commercials – rollover your 401(k) to an IRA. They suggested that this was the only option – and the best option – for you. But it was not the only option; and it might not be the best option for you.

Be Sure Your IRA Beneficiaries are Designated Beneficiaries

IRAs have beneficiaries and "designated beneficiaries," and it is important to know the difference. If you wish your heirs to have the opportunity to take full advantage of "stretch" IRAs, and to avoid other possibly costly mistakes, be sure your heirs are designated beneficiaries.

Take Your RMD like a Rock Star

Even rock stars get older. Although it may seem hard to believe, both Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame and rock legend and reality tv star Ozzy Osborne celebrate their 70th birthdays in 2018. Steven Tyler turned 70 on March 26, 2018 and Ozzy will reach that milestone on December 3, 2018.

My First RMD

Both my husband and I turn 70 this year but only one of us has a required minimum distribution (RMD) from our retirement accounts. Here is why.RMDs begin in the year you turn 70 ½, not 70. He turned 70 in January, so he turned 70 ½ in July. That means that he has an RMD for this year from his retirement accounts.

Money in an Employer Plan & Eligible for a Distribution: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

As you accumulate money in an employer retirement plan, somewhere along the line you are going to be faced with one question: should I leave it in the plan or roll it out? For many, that question doesn’t arise until they separate from service or reach age 59 ½. Employees that participate in plans with in-service distributions before age 59 ½ will ask that question much sooner.

The Pro-Rata Formula and Inherited IRAs

Do you have after-tax dollars in your IRA? This could be from making nondeductible contributions to your IRA or rolling over after-tax funds from your company plan to your IRA. If so, you will want to know about the pro-rata rule.