U.S. Treasury Bill interest rates are still mostly higher than the comparable bank CDs. As of April 23, 2025, the yield on a 26 week (6-month) Treasury bill is 4.2%. That’s what you received if you participated in the weekly T-bill auction described below. It’s easy (see links below) and SAFE! And you can start with […]
If you have a retirement account – and IRA, 40l(k), 403(b) or other “qualified” retirement account — and you are, or have have reached, the age of 73 this calendar year, it is time to calculate and withdraw your Required Minimum Distribution or RMD. It’s actually a very simple process, but failure to calculate the […]
Congress gave American workers a last minute holiday gift – a set of new incentives to save more for retirement. Passed just before Congress adjourned, as part of the huge Omnibus spending bill, the Secure Act 2.0 increases limits on many retirement plans and creates a few new opportunities for workers to become more financially […]
It’s time to start thinking about RMDs – those Required Minimum Distributions that you must take from your retirement plans every year, once you reach age 72. Of course, those withdrawals can be made at any time of the year – but many people leave it to the last minute, which could be an expensive […]
If you’re going to read just one financial book this year, read Money Magic by well-known economist Laurence Kotlikoff, who also co-authored the definitive book on Social Security, “Get What’s Yours.” Kotlikoff has the extraordinary ability to make complicated money matters understandable – and to debunk the lures of Wall Street and the financial planning […]
Help with repayment of student loans is one of the most enticing benefits a company can offer to today’s young workers. And now there’s a new opportunity for employers to act before year-end to use a portion of the CARES Act that makes tuition repayment benefits even more attractive. Traditional employee benefits like healthcare and […]
A new rule promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission known as Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) goes into effect June 30. It promises to give investors a clearer picture of the fees and other costs they are paying, as well as the disciplinary history of brokers and advisers who are giving financial advice, although […]
IRS says RMDs Can Be Returned If you took a Required Minimum Distribution at any time during 2020 – or even regular distributions on a monthly basis, you may return them to your IRA without penalty if you act by August 31st. Of course, the IRS announced in April that NO RMDs would be required […]
It’s safe to open your eyes now, and time to take a peek at your IRA. Whether you’re still contributing or thinking about withdrawals, there are some changes to the rules and some opportunities for planning. RMDs As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, you won’t have to take a […]
As America ages, it’s likely that more people will inherit substantial Individual Retirement Accounts. What you do next will make a big difference in your own financial future. Yet, few people leave instructions for their named beneficiaries about the best course of action. Fortunately, there are financial planners who are trained IRA experts, taught by […]
In a recent column, I mentioned the importance of tax planning for your retirement assets. We are living in a time of relatively low historic income tax rates, and as our national debt grows and political considerations change, it’s not unlikely that tax rates will rise in the future. It’s always been the conventional wisdom […]
Investors beware! An appellate court just ruled that the Fiduciary Rule is dead – before it was even fully implemented in an attempt to protect your retirement savings. A lot of people are after your money – especially if you are one of the millions of Americans who will be retiring and rolling over your […]
After nine years of a bull market, your 40l(k) retirement plan is likely your largest financial asset, perhaps even dwarfing the value of your home. Yet, while you pay attention to home repairs, you many not spend much time inspecting your retirement plan. For sure, you should be contributing the maximum to get your employer’s […]
Hi, Terry. I have a Roth IRA with Vanguard worth around 19k, a rollover IRA with TR Price – $89k. I’m 68, retired with a CPS pension and I want to safeguard my funds and am thinking of moving some or all to possible CDs. Can I do that and keep them in an IRA? […]
Obamacare survived the political process. The big question is whether middle income Americans can afford to buy a policy. And millions are saying they can’t. Here are some suggestions.
On Feb. 3 Trump also signed a presidential memorandum instructing the Labor secretary to evaluate a specific regulation placed on financial advisers. Known as the fiduciary rule, it requires brokers in charge of retirement plans to act in their clients best interest. The rule is set to take effect on April 10, but that may […]
I have a small(100k) 401k and will be 70 1/2 in a few years.Is there a way to give this money to my kids or either donate it before ir becomes taxable? txs, BB Terry Says: When you are 70-1/2 you will be required to start taking Required Minimum Withdrawals. Right now, you can withdraw […]
Hi Terry, When my mother turns 90 next year her variable annuity IRA will annuitize. We would like to perform an IRA rollover prior to this occurring. She depends on her IRA distributions and social security for her monthly income and other than her house and a savings account (~$50K) she doesn’t have other substantial […]
HI Terry, I am planning to retire at the end of this year when I will be 68 yrs. old and, if needed, would start Social Security. I am VERY concerned about loosing my money like what happened in 2008. We have attended MANY investment/retirement seminars over the past years and I am still very […]
Hello Terry, Read your book several years ago and followed your column back in Chicago when i was living there. Saw you on Etrade video conference which really was outstanding. What are your thoughts on taking money out of your 401k to start an annuity and why is this subject not offered or talked about […]
