Ask Terry Archives

Hello< I am looking to retire in 4 years, but I would like to find a Financial Planner that knows the Federal Retirement System. Can you help?

My father in law is 73 and his only income is SSDI. Would he be better off filing for bankruptcy, or for us to handle it on our own. (He, my Wife and Myself). I handle his calls and appointments so I'm the one answering when the creditors call. I can handle the phone calls,…

what kind of return could one expect from a money market account?

Hi Terry, I'm 50yrs old -- Given the irratic behavior of the stock market lately, should I decrease the 9% amount taken out of my paycheck? Or just leave it alone and ride out this storm? Thanks.

My husband and I took out long term health care insurance with Genworth in 2006. My husband is 75 and I am 73. We are in good health. We have no children, and I have family who do not live near us. My husband is an only child with no extended family nearby. We have…

Have $100,000 + in Traditional Ira CD. Matures next week. Thinking about putting into a Vanguard conservative fund. I do have some savings & can manage without the $$$. I'm 85 y.o.. Is this or another CD a better choice ? Appreciate your info & thoughts. Many Thanks !!

I have been looking at past commentary, and one big thing confuses me. We are not "nearing" retirement, a red flag, we are IN it. When you suggest "taking some money off the table", where do we put it? Thanks.

What are the sites you mentioned to look for student loans?

planning on retirement this fall,have option pension (3900 per mo./reduced to3000 per mo. @age 65) or lump sum 750,000.00 which would be the better choice? I am 59 yrs old

Both my wife and I are green card permanent residents but are not us citizens should in the event of a death. Of one spouse all properties bank accounts ect are trans to the remaining spouse without paying estate taxes untill the second spouse dies.this I understand is how it works ie marital exclusion for…

Hi Terry - My husband and I established a HELOC to fund our daughter's medical school education. She has been making monthly repayments since she graduated. It is not an "arm's length" loan. Up until the tax law changed, it worked fine: She repays us to cover lender interest and some principal, we expense the…

My daughter can contribute to a 401k pre tax and/or 401k Roth post tax at her place of employment. The company matches up to 6%. Should she put 6% to pre tax and 4% post tax? My guidance to her is she HAS TOO save 15% toward's retirement (includes employer contributions). Is there a rule…

How can I transfer my entire investment account from a full service brokerage to a discount brokerage?

how to?&with who.

Plans are to retire next year at 62. I currently have my 401 in a 2020 target date fund from voya. As far as I can tell,it has about 30% to 40% in stocks. You had mentioned to reallocate some of it, if we've been in it since 2008/2009. What would you suggest putting it…

Hello: My wife and I have different last names; we need to combine two separate trusts into one name, so that the bank will change the beneficiary to a combined trust (they will not put it in two named trusts). How do we do this? Thank you. Jack

Dear Terry, I'm a 57yr man, all kids are adults, not much debt, married still working, which IRA should I get traditional, Roth,or Sep which is best for me to get with modest amount of money

Hi Terry, First I want to say I love all of your advice and I have worked hard to decrease my debt using your tips. My husband and I are getting a substantial amount back in tax returns this year. We have a small credit card balance that we have automatic payments on, zero balance…

Hi Terry, Radioaholic me heard you on the air again last nite and wanted to ask...Per the "not losing $$ in the stock market in any 20 year period," doesn't it matter HOW MUCH the market's made you in any of those 20 yr. periods? ...I see my battery's low on power, thus will have…

What are your feelings on Ripple, or the blockchain supporting the new internet? What is the safest way to invest?