A Roth IRA is perhaps the most tax-friendly asset that an heir can inherit. However, the rules regarding distributions can be somewhat complicated. The Q&A below provides a brief overview of the rules regarding Inherited Roth IRAs. If I inherit a Roth IRA, what are my options? Since the passage of the SECURE Act in…
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As explained in our article on “How to Evaluate a Mortgage Refinance”, the decision to refinance comes down to evaluating the benefit of the interest savings against the costs of the refi. A traditional approach to evaluating this tradeoff is to calculate a payback period, which is defined as the number of months it takes…
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With interest rates at historic lows, many homeowners are considering refinancing their current mortgage. But making the decision to refinance or not can be tricky given the costs involved. Here are some factors to consider when considering a mortgage refinancing (“refi”). Is It Worth It? The decision to refinance comes down to evaluating the benefit…
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With election time now getting closer, we are inundated with opinions and prognostications about not only who will win but what that victory will mean for the markets. When you couple the uncertainties of the election with the other trials facing our country including, but not limited to, high unemployment, the economic and personal consequences…
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Relationship Your advisor’s sole, continuous duty across your entire relationship should be to advance your highest financial interests (even ahead of their own) as a FIDUCIARY. Primary Role Your advisor should understand and account for your total wealth interests and advise you accordingly. Understanding all components of your financial situation and how they interact is…
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Beginning at the end of 2019 with the passage of the SECURE Act and then continuing with the CARES Act which was passed in response to COVID-19, there are important provisions that those with 529 plans and/or student loans should be aware of. 529 Plans Tuition Refunds In response to the pandemic and the fact…
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Given the current economic environment where companies are laying off workers and, in some cases, going out of the business, the implications for employer-sponsored retirement plans are significant. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of the pandemic and the economic shutdown is that many companies are laying off workers and, in some cases, shutting down completely.…
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There are several provisions in the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, that provide flexibility to retirement account owners. In a previous blog post, we discuss the suspension of Minimum Distribution Requirements for 2020. But perhaps the most significant change to IRAs under the CARES Act was the establishment of…
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At my core, I am a financial planner. Some may call me a money manager, or an investment advisor or a wealth manager….all terms that could apply, depending on your definition. But, I see myself as a financial planner. When I meet with someone for the first time, more times than not, they are looking…
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Global markets closed on Monday approximately 30% off of the highs reached just one month ago. The sell-off has been dramatic and breathtakingly swift. We have been getting some great questions from clients, so we thought we might share some of them along with our thoughts in the following Q&A. We hope you find it…
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