Brokerage Account Investing Updated for 2020

What is a Brokerage Account? Reasons to Use a Brokerage Account

What is a brokerage account? A brokerage account is a non-retirement investment account. Essentially, a brokerage account is the opposite of a retirement account like an IRA or 401(k) in nearly every way. There are no restrictions (income, investment options, limited additions, access, etc.) or tax benefits. Because there are…

Kristin McKennaSeptember 28, 2020

Estate Planning Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning Trusts Updated for 2020 Wealth and Family

Inheriting a Trust Fund: Distributions to Beneficiaries

If you're inheriting a trust fund, you likely have questions about how the distribution payouts to beneficiaries work and the tax implications. While general information about how trust funds work is useful, there are limitations. Trusts can be complex, highly customizable tools, so what applies to one situation may not…

Kristin McKennaAugust 31, 2020

Early Retirement Retirement Planning Updated for 2020

Should You Take an Early Retirement Package? What to Look for in a Buyout Offer

Deciding whether or not to take the offer of a voluntary early retirement package or buyout from an employer is a big decision. Taking an early retirement, perhaps at 55 or 60 years old, can have a lasting impact on your finances, even when it's the right choice. If you've…

Kristin McKennaJuly 20, 2020

Brokerage Account Tax planning Updated for 2020

What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Tax

What is a capital gains tax? When you sell an asset like a stock or a home, your gain could be taxable. The tax rate will depend on several factors, such as your holding period, type of asset, and your taxable income for the year. Depending on your income, it's…

Kristin McKennaJune 29, 2020

ISOs NQSOs Stock options Tax planning Updated for 2020

How Are Stock Options Taxed?

How are stock options taxed? If you have stock options or equity-based compensation as a large part of your income, the tax treatment of your stock options is especially important. How stock options are taxed depends on the type of options you have (incentive or non-qualified) and your sale and…

Kristin McKennaJune 24, 2020

Brokerage Account Cash Management Debt Management Financial Planning Infographics Investing Updated for 2020

What To Do With Excess Cash: 7 Ways to Use Extra Savings

What should you do with excess cash? If you are holding too much cash, consider how to use the extra money to your benefit. If you have extra cash in the bank, you may be wondering if you should invest the money or pay down debt. Assuming you already have…

Kristin McKennaMay 27, 2020

Asset Management Financial Planning Retirement Planning Roth IRA Secure Act Traditional IRA Updated for 2020

Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth Before or During Retirement

It doesn't always make sense to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Your current and projected tax rate is often a main component of the decision, but there are other issues at play. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth doesn't make sense unless you have cash to…

Kristin McKennaMay 27, 2020

401(k) Plans Financial Planning IRA Rollover Retirement Planning Roth IRA Secure Act Updated for 2020

Rolling Over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA: Should You Convert to a Roth?

What are your 401(k) rollover options? You may consider converting your 401(k) to a Roth IRA. No matter what you call it (transfer, roll over, convert, or just moving it), converting your old retirement plan to a Roth IRA is worth considering. A Roth IRA offers unique benefits unavailable in other…

Kristin McKennaMay 26, 2020

Retirement Planning Secure Act Tax planning Updated for 2020

3 Strategies to Minimize Taxes on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Updated following the passing of the Secure Act. Looking for ways to minimize taxes on RMDs? For wealthy retirees, mandatory distributions from retirement accounts can cause taxes to increase sharply. As with all financial planning, to get the best results you'll want to start early. For workers with $1M+ in…

Kristin McKennaMay 20, 2020