The Best Savings Plans for College: 529 vs. Roth IRA (The Ultimate Comparison)
When it comes to saving for college, two popular options stand out: the 529 Plan vs Roth IRA. Both of these financial vehicles offer unique benefits and can play a crucial role in funding higher education. Understanding the differences between a 529 Plan and a Roth IRA is essential for parents and guardians who want […]
What are the Age Rules Regarding an IRA Withdrawal?
Q: I am retiring and want to roll over my deferred account to an IRA. Which is the best IRA account? And how old do I have to be to withdraw without getting penalized? And what will the tax rate be?” A: Under current IRS guidelines, you must be at least 59 1/2 years old […]
Why Was I Taxed On An Early IRA Distribution?
Q: My husband and I each took $10,000 early IRA distributions to help pay for a construction loan on a new house. The amount is exempt from the 10% penalty but I do not understand, when it comes to taxes, why it is considered taxable income when I paid income taxes on that money before […]
10 Facts About Early Distributions You Must Know
Amid the tough economy, lots of people tapped into their 401(k) retirement plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as a way to get cash to pay the bills. That money probably gave you a short-term cushion, but it also has long-term tax consequences, particularly for those who were under the age of 59 ½ at […]
Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Investing
Q: I am 26 and behind in the investing game. My bank offers a Roth IRA and i’m going with that. I was thinking about going with Edward Jones for a 401(k). Is this a good idea? A: Congratulations on getting started investing. You’re not too late to the investing game: you’re right on time. A […]
How to Benefit From Opening a Non-deductible IRA
You are correct in your assumptions. Yes, you can open two IRAs (one for 2009 and one for 2010), and safely convert them into a Roth this year because of the removal of the income limits on Roth conversions. I double-checked with an expert on this, David Mendels, who is a Certified Financial Planner and the President-Elect of the New York Chapter of the Financial Planning Association. David is also an adjust faculty member at New York University, as well as the head of the fee-based financial planning firm, Creative Financial Concepts, LLC. So he is very well-credentialed and I’m confident in his knowledge ane expertise. He told me to offer you two caveats, just to make sure your efforts go smoothly.
Should I Roll Over My IRA Account into a ROTH IRA?
Q: Should I roll over $30,000 in my traditional IRA account into a ROTH IRA? I am 50 years old. A: Although the earnings in both types of retirement accounts grow tax-deferred, for longer-term financial planning, I like the benefits of the ROTH IRA over the Traditional IRA. Additionally, recent changes governing IRAs make it more financially […]