401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans 529 Plans Brokerage Account Business owners College planning Current events Employee benefits Financial Planning Inheritance Retirement Planning Roth IRA Secure Act SEP IRA Traditional IRA Updated for 2020

The Secure Act Means Major Changes to the Retirement System

The Secure Act was signed into law on December 20th, 2019, solidifying the most significant changes to the retirement system in over a decade. Though clarification on some of the finer points of the legislation will be needed from the IRS, there is plenty we already know about the Secure…

Kristin McKennaDecember 21, 2019

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Financial Planning Retirement Planning Secure Act Tax planning Updated for 2020

Should You Always Max Out Your 401(k)? The Downside of Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts

Is it always a good idea to max out your 401(k)? For wealthier retirees or individuals with a sizeable pension, maybe you shouldn't max out contributions to your 401(k). Here are some situations where maxing out your 401(k) might not make sense. (more…)

Kristin McKennaSeptember 5, 2018

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Retirement Planning Roth IRA Tax planning Updated for 2019

How to Use a Roth IRA, Even When You Earn Too Much

If you have an old 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, now may be a good time to consider converting to a Roth IRA. Diversifying your retirement savings can really pay off down the line for some investors. (more…)

Kristin McKennaApril 3, 2018

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Infographics Inheritance Roth IRA Secure Act SEP IRA Traditional IRA

What to do after inheriting a retirement account from a parent or relative

If you have just inherited a traditional IRA, SEP IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) plan from a parent, sibling, or relative, you may be unsure about what your options are and what to do next. As a non-spouse beneficiary, you will need to begin taking distributions from the account.…

Kristin McKennaMarch 18, 2018

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Employee benefits Infographics Retirement Planning Updated for 2020

What’s the Difference Between a 401(k) and 403(b)?

How is a 403(b) different from a 401(k)? (Updated for 2019). Although 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans are very similar, there are some key differences between the two. If you recently changed jobs and aren't sure how your new retirement plan compares to your old plan, this infographic may be…

Kristin McKennaNovember 8, 2017

403(b) Plans Employee benefits Investing Retirement Planning Updated for 2020

Retirement Planning with a 403(b)

Although the 401(k) retirement plan is more common, many Americans have access to a similar employer-sponsored retirement plan called a 403(b) plan. 403(b) plans are generally used for nonprofit companies or organizations, certain hospitals, public schools, state colleges and universities, and some government organizations. (more…)

Kristin McKennaSeptember 30, 2017

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Business owners Retirement Planning Secure Act Solo 401(k)Updated for 2020

Two Jobs, Two 401(k)s? Contributing to Multiple 401(k) Plans

Can I contribute to more than one retirement plan? This is a common question for individuals that have more than one job or run their own business part-time. Many workers in this situation wonder if they can contribute to two 401(k)s at once. Yes, you can have multiple active 401(k)s,…

Kristin McKennaMarch 29, 2017

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Asset Management Investing Rebalancing Retirement Planning

How Often Should You Rebalance Your 401(k)?

Like any investment account, rebalancing your 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan is an important part of a successful strategy. Without periodic rebalancing, your asset allocation (the percentage of your account that you distribute between different asset classes, ETFs, and mutual funds) will change over time, causing you to be invested…

Kristin McKennaDecember 21, 2016

403(b) Plans IRA Rollover Job Transition Retirement Planning Updated for 2020

What Happens to My 403(b) If I Get Fired or Laid Off?

If you get fired or laid off from your job, consider the options for your old 403(b). In most situations, rolling your 403(b) over to an IRA is the best option, bit it's not your only choice. Here's what happens to your 403(b) if you get fired, laid off, or…

Kristin McKennaApril 20, 2016

403(b) Plans Financial planning for physicians IRA Rollover Job Transition Retirement Planning Secure Act Updated for 2020

What Should You Do With Your Old 403(b)? Here Are Four Options.

Updated for 2020. For doctors and medical professionals, switching hospitals often means starting a new 403(b) retirement plan. Before leaving, consider your options for the old plan. In most instances, it makes sense to roll the old 403(b) plan into an IRA account. However, it is important to know what…

Kristin McKennaOctober 14, 2015