A classic retirement planning rule states that you should retire on 80% of the income you earned in your last year of work. Is this old axiom still true, or should it be reconsidered? Some new research suggests that retirees may not need that much annual income to...
Investment by Information vs. Instinct When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly influenced by...
Passive Investing is the NormMost people invest passively. That is, they direct money into an investment account or portfolio that is passively managed. Passive investment management, characterized by long time horizons and very little buying or selling, certainly has...
95% File JointlyNinety-five percent of married couples file joint federal tax returns. Filing jointly can be convenient. Frequently, there’s a financial advantage, but that does not mean it should be done without consideration.1Years ago, there was less incentive to...
Can You Take an IRA Distribution in a Form Other than Cash?This may surprise you: you can take an IRA distribution in a form other than cash. This may seem unorthodox, but it can make financial sense for some older IRA owners as well as IRA heirs. An in-kind...
Helping a Minor Save for College? If you want to save for college, you may wish to consider a UGMA or UTMA account. These custodial accounts are typically created by parents and other relatives who want to gift minors without having to set up a trust. Many parents and...