Financial Services experts share relevant insights and ideas.

Making the Most of Roth IRA Opportunities

Although Roth IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) have been around for years, they initially were not available to many higher-income individuals due to restrictions imposed by Congress, which limited those of high net worth from contributing to these accounts. Under the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act, Roth IRA conversions became available for everyone starting in 2010. This change in the law created a significant planning opportunity for many high-income retirees.

Disability Income Insurance What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Most people know they need to insure their life, their car, and their home or condo. But they often overlook insuring their most important asset — their ability to earn an income. Your income is the primary source of funding for a lifetime of things, from basic necessities to the hopes and dreams you have for yourself and those you love. The $3-9 million or more you'll likely earn over the course of your business career is surely an asset worth insuring.

How to Prepare for a Retirement Plan Distribution

One of the most important financial decisions that many people make involves the distribution of money from one or more retirement plans. When the time comes to begin making withdrawals, many plan participants are not prepared to make the decisions that may be right for them. Often, they don’t understand the choices available, or they may not anticipate the deadlines for their decisions – so they fail to seek the professional help they need before these deadlines occur.

How to Select a Financial Professional

Once you’ve decided to get serious about financial planning or investing, one of your next steps may be to seek professional help. Perhaps relatives or friends are recommending financial professionals to you. Maybe you know some financial professionals yourself. What is the smart way to choose financial planning advice and service? Consider these 10 ideas:

A Guide on the Road to Retirement

The title of the Beatles’ song “The Long and Winding Road” could apply to the journey toward a comfortable retirement. For those who have the foresight to start preparing in their 20s, the journey could take 40 years or more. Even those who procrastinate might have 20 or 30 years to prepare.

The Government Changes Social Security

Retirement income is one of the most important aspects of a successful retirement and the type of life-style one can enjoy throughout retirement. One of the cornerstones for income during retirement is Social Security which, on average, amounts to about 40% of the total retirement income. Structuring the highest legal benefits available from Social Security can be important to promoting higher retirement income, especially for a surviving spouse.

Time to Conduct Your Own Year-End Financial Review

With the holiday season upon us, I expect most people are caught up in the rush and excitement leading up to Christmas. But if you can set aside an hour or two, this is an ideal time to conduct your own year-end financial review. This is a great way to determine exactly how your year went, take stock of your current status, review your goals, and consider whether any changes are advisable. Putting your plans into place now allows you to benefit from the changes and improvements throughout the entire year of 2015.

The State of Retirement Readiness In America Today

When it comes to Retirement Readiness, we’re facing a crisis of epic proportion.
Many Americans have no idea how far behind the Retirement Planning 8 Ball they really are.

Whether you’re retired or very close to it, whether you’ve accumulated a couple hundred thousand dollars or several million, planning for your retirement is more challenging today than ever.

The 412(e)(3) Fully Insured Defined-Benefit Plan — Retirement Planning Advantages for the Well-Established Business Owner

Imagine a 55-year-old dentist with a flourishing practice who is planning to retire in 10 years. Despite his success, he has encountered a number of financial obligations through the years, which caused him to put off retirement planning.

Securing Income After Retirement — Harder Than Ever, But It Can Be Done!

Here’s how to maximize your nest egg

You made it! After years of hard work, you’ve reached retirement with some money set aside to provide a steady income now that you’re no longer working. Time to sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Right?