Financial Planning Updated for 2021

5 Financial Tasks to Prioritize in the New Year

There's no better time than the present to get your finances ready for a new year. Unfortunately, for many busy professionals, there just isn't enough time in the day to tackle seemingly non-urgent matters. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I've seen how unintentional oversights and a lack of planning…

Kristin McKennaJanuary 4, 2021

401(k) Plans Forbes Inheritance Updated for 2021

If You Inherited A 401(k) From A Parent, Here’s When You Need To Take The Money—And When You Should

As part of the Secure Act, most adults who inherit a 401(k) from a parent must take the money in 10 years. Depending on your financial position and life stage, this could complicate your tax situation. After inheriting a 401(k) from a parent, consider ways to balance the benefits of…

Kristin McKennaDecember 15, 2020

Financial Planning for Couples Forbes Retirement Planning Updated for 2021

How Couples Can Save For Retirement When One Spouse Stays Home

How should married couples save for retirement with only one income? Saving for two when one spouse is the primary breadwinner or a stay-at-home parent can be challenging depending on your income. Fortunately, with proper planning, an eye on expenses, and enough time, couples can still save for retirement when…

Kristin McKennaDecember 11, 2020

401(k) Plans Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning Tax planning Updated for 2021

Inherited a 401(k) From a Parent? Tax Planning for Distributions

If you've inherited a 401(k) from a parent, you likely have questions about your options for the account and the tax impact. Luckily, non-spouse beneficiaries usually have some control over how to manage an inherited 401(k) plan. However, as part of the Secure Act, most adults who inherit a 401(k)…

Kristin McKennaNovember 23, 2020

Retirement Planning Tax planning Updated for 2021

New IRS Contribution Limits for 2021

The IRS has released the 2021 contribution limits for retirement plans and other cost-of-living adjustments. (more…)

Kristin McKennaOctober 28, 2020

401(k) Plans Employee benefits Forbes Retirement Planning Tax planning Updated for 2021

Roth 401(k) vs Traditional 401(k): Investing Pre-Tax or After-Tax

Which is better, a Roth or traditional 401(k)? The central difference between a Roth 401(k) and traditional 401(k) is the tax treatment of your contributions. Investors make traditional 401(k) contributions before tax while Roth savings occur after tax. Which is best for you will depend on your current/future tax situation,…

Kristin McKennaOctober 26, 2020

Brokerage Account Investing Updated for 2021

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 2021 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 2021

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