“It's exciting to earn your first paycheck, but you should know that the information on the pay stub or online statement could be important to you as well.” Congratulations! You've just landed a new job. Here are some important things to be aware of before you receive your first paycheck. When will I receive my paycheck? How often will you be paid? Typically, your payday will depend on the company you work for and which state you work in. You might be paid on a weekly, bi-weekly, … [Read more...]
Retiree Confidence Drops in 2020, As Some Workers Worry
The Retirement Confidence Survey conducted each year by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) took a slightly different tack in 2020. After completing its initial outreach in January — the 30th in its annual series — EBRI decided to conduct a second survey in late March to gauge how the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were influencing worker and retiree perceptions, and compared those results with the earlier findings. In its January research, EBRI found that retiree confidence in … [Read more...]
Five Key Benefits of the CARES Act for Individuals and Businesses
By now you know that Congress has passed a $2 trillion relief bill to help keep individuals and businesses afloat during these difficult times. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains many provisions. Here are five that may benefit you or your business. 1. Recovery Rebates Many Americans will receive a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Each U.S. resident or citizen with an adjusted gross income (AGI) under $75,000 ($112,500 for heads of household and … [Read more...]
Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule
The Roth "five-year rule" typically refers to when you can take tax-free distributions of earnings from your Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), or other work-based Roth account. The rule states that you must wait five years after making your first contribution, and the distribution must take place after age 59½, when you become disabled, or when your beneficiaries inherit the assets after your death. Roth IRAs (but not workplace plans) also permit up to a $10,000 tax-free withdrawal of … [Read more...]
Social Security May Offer a Lifetime of Protection
Social Security is much more than a retirement program. Most Americans are protected by the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program — the official name of Social Security — from birth through old age. Here are four times in your life when Social Security might matter to you or the people you care about. A Wide Safety Net Current Social Security beneficiaries Source: Social Security Administration, 2019 When You Start Your … [Read more...]
There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2019
“Making a last-minute contribution to an IRA may help you reduce your 2019 tax bill. If you qualify, your traditional IRA contribution may be tax deductible. And if you had low to moderate income and meet eligibility requirements, you may also be able to claim the Savers Credit for 2019 based on your contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA. Claiming this nonrefundable tax credit may help you reduce your tax bill and give you an incentive to save for retirement. For more information, … [Read more...]
Social Security and Medicare
Full Retirement Age If you were born in 1942 or earlier, you are already eligible for full Social Security benefits. The following chart will guide you in determining your full retirement age... Read More... Social Security & Medicare … [Read more...]
Retirement Income
Social Security retirement benefits are based on the following: Lifetime earnings. Age at time of retirement. Lifetime Earnings Higher lifetime earning result in higher benefits. The highest 35 years are used to calculate average monthly earnings. Each year is indexed for inflation to approximate what earnings for that year would be in today's dollars. Earnings for each year are also capped by the Social Security maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax for that year. … [Read more...]
Individual Retirement Accounts – Roth IRAs
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement arrangement. It is a personal savings plan that gives you tax advantages for setting aside money for retirement. An account must be designated as a Roth IRA when opened. Read More... IRAs, Roth … [Read more...]
Individual Retirement Accounts – Kinds of IRAs and Prohibited Transactions
You can open different kinds of IRAs with a variety of organizations. You can open an IRA at a bank or other financial institution or with a mutual fund or life insurance company. You can also open an IRA through your stockbroker. Any IRA must meet Internal Revenue Code requirements, which are listed below for various arrangements. Read More... IRAs - Types of … [Read more...]