Retirement Planning

How Long Does it Take to Process Social Security Retirement Benefits?
How Long Does it Take to Process Social Security Retirement Benefits?

It can take up to six weeks for you to have your Social Security retirement benefits processed, but, if you have any missing documentation, or if the SSA needs additional information, it might take longer. The SSA's workload can also increase your processing time if many ...

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Do I Report a Roth IRA Contribution on a 1040?
Do I Report a Roth IRA Contribution on a 1040?

Although the IRS generally wants you to report nearly all of your financial dealings on your Form 1040, contributions to a Roth IRA do not have to be reported when you file taxes. Understanding your ...Read More

Can I Use a 403(b) Retirement for a Mortgage Down Payment?
Can I Use a 403(b) Retirement for a Mortgage Down Payment?

Scraping together enough money for a home down payment can be challenging, especially if you're moving to a larger home or haven't built up much equity in your prior home. However, you might be able ...Read More

How to Document Traditional IRA Contributions for Taxes
How to Document Traditional IRA Contributions for Taxes

One of the chief attractions of the traditional IRA is that you can usually deduct the amount of your contributions when you file your tax return for the year, reducing your adjusted gross income. ...Read More

Social Security Benefits Payee Rules
Social Security Benefits Payee Rules

If someone receiving Social Security retirement, disability or supplemental security income benefits is institutionalized, or unable to handle his money, he may have a representative payee handle ...Read More

How to Withdraw From a SEP IRA
How to Withdraw From a SEP IRA

Contributions to a SEP-IRA come directly from the employer. In fact, the company can put up to 25 percent of your salary into a SEP. When it comes to withdrawals, however, the rules are identical to ...Read More

Who Is an IRA Transfer Custodian?
Who Is an IRA Transfer Custodian?

An IRA custodian is a bank or qualifying financial institution responsible for managing retirement accounts for individuals. In a situation where funds are being transferred between eligible ...Read More

Tax Implications for Transferring an IRA CD to a Regular CD
Tax Implications for Transferring an IRA CD to a Regular CD

If you have retirement money invested in a tax-deferred individual retirement account (IRA), you may have some or all or some of those funds in certificates of deposit (CDs). Any shift of funds from ...Read More

Why Have a Financial Planner Handle Retirement Money?
Why Have a Financial Planner Handle Retirement Money?

Retirement investments, accounts and holdings are a crucial element in ensuring that you have enough money to live on after you stop working. The financial stability that comes with properly managed ...Read More

Tax Breaks on IRA Deposits
Tax Breaks on IRA Deposits

Individual retirement accounts qualify for several tax benefits. Unlike employer plans, the contributions aren't taken out of your paycheck, so you must proactively claim the tax breaks on your tax ...Read More

Can I Draw From a 401(k) for a Home Purchase Without Being Penalized With Taxes?
Can I Draw From a 401(k) for a Home Purchase Without Being Penalized With Taxes?

Getting money out of your 401(k) retirement plan to buy a house without a large tax consequence is a bit tricky, but it can be done. The IRS permits early distributions from certain plans ...Read More

Tax Guidelines for Seniors
Tax Guidelines for Seniors

The golden years should bring enough leisure time to enjoy life, as well as some useful tax benefits. Unfortunately, preparing the annual tax return will remain a necessary chore as your retirement ...Read More

What Percentage of Retirement Money Should Be in Stocks For a 73-Year-Old?
What Percentage of Retirement Money Should Be in Stocks For a 73-Year-Old?

Asset allocation, including how much of your money to keep in stocks, takes on added importance during retirement. Your nest egg must provide income for living expenses and keep up with inflation. ...Read More

Veterans Administration Retirement Benefits
Veterans Administration Retirement Benefits

Military men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces may be entitled to retirement benefits through the Veterans Administration, or VA. These retirement benefits include pensions, medical care, ...Read More

How to Roll Over a 401(k) After You've Left Your Job
How to Roll Over a 401(k) After You've Left Your Job

Usually, you can't touch your 401(k) money until you turn 59 1/2 years old. However, if you leave your employer, you're allowed to take distributions. You can continue the money's tax-sheltered ...Read More