2024-04-02 12:53
The Fed is slated to cut interest rates, which may likely raise bond prices. Here’s what to know.
The post Ask the Adviser: What’s predicted to happen with bonds in 2024? appeare… Read More
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Rodgers & Associates Blog
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Insight and analysis from financial planners specializing in planning for wealth protection in retirement.
2024-03-19 12:55
These five strategies can minimize the taxes you’ll pay on Social Security and help extend the life of your nest egg.
The post How to Reduce (or Avoid!) Taxes on Social Security Benefi… Read More
2024-03-05 13:49
While it’s no longer possible to deduct advisory fees outright, we’ll explore other tax-efficient ways to cover them.
The post Ask the Adviser: Are my investment advisory fees ta… Read More
2024-02-20 13:47
Younger generations are lagging behind on target goals for retirement savings. Here, we will look at some simple strategies for catching up.
The post Retirement Savings and How to Make Time… Read More
2024-02-06 13:47
An annuity creates an income stream while also incurring costs within the plan. We’ll evaluate the pros and cons.
The post Ask the Adviser: Should I opt for an annuity inside my 401(k)… Read More
2024-01-16 13:56
This past year, we covered topics ranging from inflation and legislative changes to RMDs and asset allocation. Here is an overview.
The post Recapping Market Highlights and Most-Read Article… Read More
2024-01-02 13:43
Assuming you’ve determined that you can contribute financially without hindering your own retirement plans, you should carefully consider how you may be able to help.
The post Ask the… Read More
2023-12-19 13:55
We reviewed the tax code updates for 2024. Here’s what to know about contributing to a variety of retirement accounts.
The post How Retirement Savings are Changing in 2024 appeared fir… Read More
2023-12-05 13:55
Whether you’ve inherited property or other assets, here’s what to know about settling the tax bill in Pennsylvania.
The post Ask the Adviser: How do I handle the taxes on inherit… Read More
2023-11-21 13:58
Surprises on vacation can be stressful. Here’s how to plan ahead so your next trip is memorable in the right ways.
The post Nine Tips for Safer Travel appeared first on Rodgers & A… Read More
2023-11-07 13:52
The guidance varies depending on the document. We’ll look at what to consider with bank statements, tax returns, and other common file types.
The post Ask the Adviser: How long should… Read More
2023-10-17 12:30
How much do you know about the tax implications of investing? This quiz tests your knowledge and gives you a chance to brush up on the basics.
The post A 10-Question Pop Quiz to Test Your Ta… Read More
2023-10-03 15:18
"New Grandparent Syndrome”—and the doting it inspires—is real. Here’s how you can balance generosity with practicality.
The post Ask the Adviser: Should I begin makin… Read More
2023-09-19 12:55
When your financial life is complex, decreasing your tax liability requires a strategic plan. Here is where to start.
The post Your 2023 Guide to Year-End Tax Planning appeared first on Rodg… Read More
2023-09-05 20:38
While there’s no magic formula for balancing a portfolio, there are some key factors to consider—from asset allocation to sector concentration.
The post Ask the Adviser: Is my po… Read More
2023-08-15 12:50
Real Estate Investment Trusts offer a way to invest in real estate without having to actually manage property. Yet it’s wise to understand the taxation first.
The post What to Know Whe… Read More
2023-08-01 12:59
ESG ratings evaluate how socially conscious a company is, serving as guideposts for selective investors. And their impact is only growing.
The post Ask the Adviser: What is ESG investing and… Read More
2023-07-18 12:47
While more investment choices may be appealing, there are some issues to be aware of before taking this direction.
The post The Pros and Cons of Self-Directing Your Employer-Sponsored Retire… Read More
2023-07-05 12:42
If you have a large estate, these strategies can help you avoid a high estate tax bill when the current exemption expires in a few years.
The post Ask the Adviser: What can I do to prepare f… Read More
2023-06-20 12:54
You've brought in a regular income and made wise investments throughout your life. Now you're facing the transition from generating income to drawing down your savings.
The post You’ve… Read More
2023-06-06 16:36
Understanding how different investment accounts are taxed—and how they balance each other—is a great place to start.
The post Ask the Adviser: How can I build tax diversity into… Read More
2023-05-16 12:45
The IRS is not trying to discourage charitable giving. It is tightening requirements to limit abuses.
The post Are You Maximizing the Tax Benefit of Your Charitable Gifts? appeared first on… Read More
2023-05-02 13:02
As an investor, you do not need to worry if you’re covered—if you have your investments through a SIPC member brokerage firm, coverage is automatic.
The post Ask the Adviser: How… Read More
Whether You Are Retiring Now Or In 10 Years, The Consolidated Appropriations Act Could Help You Save
2023-04-18 12:58
Some changes take effect this year, and others are delayed until 2024, 2025, 2026, or even 2033.
The post Whether You Are Retiring Now or in 10 Years, the Consolidated Appropriations Act Cou… Read More
2023-04-04 12:59
Much like caring for a vehicle, financial planning is an ongoing process—not a once-and-done event.
The post Ask the Adviser: How can I best maintain my financial plan? appeared first… Read More
2023-03-21 12:43
Want to design a tax-efficient retirement? Learning how and when to take required minimum distributions (or RMDs) can be a key part of your overall strategy.
The post Understanding RMDs Can… Read More
2023-03-07 13:37
The asset allocation of your portfolio is a key driver of performance and returns. Do you have the right mix of stocks and bonds in your portfolio?
The post Ask the Adviser: When should I ch… Read More
2023-02-21 13:51
A home is both an asset and a liability. It can be sold like an asset at some point in the future, but there are ongoing expenses that come with homeownership.
The post Homeownership: The Go… Read More
2023-02-07 13:48
Looking for ways to make your cash work for you without committing to a long-term investment? There are plenty of options available.
The post How do I shop for the best rates on my cash? app… Read More
2023-01-17 13:52
Discover several ways to offset inflation through tax-efficient saving in 2023.
The post Don’t Overlook These Inflation-Related Opportunities appeared first on Rodgers & Associates… Read More
2023-01-03 14:04
There are two ways to satisfy the year-round tax payment obligation for retirement income. Taxes can be withheld from your benefits, or you can make estimated payments to the IRS.
The post A… Read More
2022-12-20 13:57
Minimizing your tax exposure requires a strategic and holistic plan. Here, we will look at various tactics and consider important tax-law changes for 2022.
The post Your 2022 Guide to Year-E… Read More
2022-12-06 13:58
However, this doesn’t mean that you should never sell during a market decline. Here are three scenarios when doing so may be a shrewd move.
The post Is it ever okay to sell investments… Read More
2022-11-15 13:10
Wondering whether to close out your home loan ahead of schedule? We’ll look at the benefits of doing this—and when it might be better to invest in bonds instead.
The post The Pro… Read More
2022-11-01 12:53
After a large increase in Medicare Part B premiums for 2022, the cost is now dropping. We’ll look at a surprising reason why.
The post Ask the Adviser: Why are Medicare Part B premiums… Read More
2022-10-18 12:47
Wondering whether to make changes to your Medicare coverage? Here’s what to consider as we head into open enrollment (October 15 to December 7).
The post Medicare Open Enrollment: Eval… Read More
2022-10-04 12:46
The Inflation Reduction Act extends premium tax credits through 2025—and expands who’s eligible.
The post Ask the Adviser: What does the Inflation Reduction Act mean for my ACA s… Read More
2022-09-20 12:48
How much do you know about inflation? Take our simple quiz to find out, and learn about the factors driving inflation today.
The post The Fundamentals of Inflation and How We Recover appeare… Read More
2022-09-06 13:14
Pennsylvania is one of only six states that requires inheritance tax. Here, we look at a variety of ways residents can reduce the tax on passed down assets.
The post Ask the Adviser: What ca… Read More
2022-08-02 12:43
Series I savings bonds combine relatively high returns with minimal risks—as long as inflation remains elevated.
The post Ask the Adviser: What are the pros and cons of Series I saving… Read More
2022-07-20 12:51
With the top marginal tax rate now at 37%—and the Medicare surtax on investment income adding another 3.8%—tax efficiency is more important than ever.
The post Year-Round Tax Pla… Read More
2022-07-06 12:44
Opportunistic tax planning can help extend the life of your retirement savings. Here’s how.
The post Save Early, Save Often, and Save Tax Efficiently appeared first on Rodgers & As… Read More
2022-06-29 12:40
Making charitable gifts from your IRA instead of your checkbook can be an excellent tax management strategy. Doing so helps you to fulfill your required minimum distribution while reducing t… Read More
2022-06-22 12:51
Here, we offer further strategies for heirs of retirement accounts to maximize the after-tax value of their funds.
The post More Ways to Lessen the Impact of the SECURE Act appeared first on… Read More
2022-06-08 12:42
This strategy of diversifying bonds can help smooth out the ups and downs of the market.
The post What’s a Bond Ladder and How Does It Work? appeared first on Rodgers & Associates Read More
2022-06-01 12:45
When the market is in decline, we take these proactive steps with our clients.
The post How to Make the Most of a Downturn appeared first on Rodgers & Associates Read More
2022-05-25 12:58
Less restrictive than budgeting, spending plans are a proactive and flexible way to anticipate cash needs in retirement.
The post Every Retiree Needs a Spending Plan: Here’s Where to S… Read More
2022-05-11 12:45
Learn how a combination of outside income, investments, and retirement accounts can help cover regular expenses.
The post Creating a Steady Paycheck in Retirement appeared first on Rodgers … Read More
2022-05-04 12:42
Here, we break down the IRS pro-rata rule—a calculation that helps distinguish pre-tax and after-tax funds.
The post Follow This Formula When Converting an IRA to a Roth appeared firs… Read More
2022-04-27 12:41
Withdrawing money early from a retirement account is meant to be a last resort—and can come with consequences. Make sure you know these penalties and exemptions first.
The post Hardshi… Read More
2022-04-14 13:00
Follow these strategies to design a distribution plan with tax efficiency in mind.
The post You Inherited an IRA under the SECURE Act—Now What? appeared first on Rodgers & Associat… Read More
2022-04-06 12:46
An adviser can help you balance today’s wants with tomorrow’s needs. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether to partner with one.
The post Should I Consult with a Fin… Read More
2022-03-30 12:01
If you’re the beneficiary of retirement accounts or other inherited assets, it pays to learn about the IRD deduction.
The post You May Be Able to Reduce the Taxes from Inherited Assets… Read More
2022-03-16 12:56
Full of tricky timing concerns, the rules for IRA withdrawals are commonly misunderstood. Here, we explain five of them.
The post Learn These IRA Rules to Avoid Costly Penalties appeared fir… Read More
2022-03-09 14:14
You might have assets sitting at the Pennsylvania Treasury that belong to you. All you have to do is claim them.
The post Go On a Treasure Hunt: Claim Back Your Own Assets appeared first on… Read More
2022-03-02 13:44
According to a survey conducted at the end of 2021, about 88% of Americans are very worried about inflation and many say they are planning to cut back their spending.1...
The post Tips for E… Read More
2022-02-17 13:59
Protecting your portfolio from avoidable income tax is key to creating a sound income strategy for retirement.
The post Using the New Three-Legged Stool™ Strategy to Support the Weight… Read More
2022-02-10 13:48
Is that new pursuit a hobby or a business? Learn the difference and follow the corresponding tax rules to avoid penalties.
The post Know the Tax Consequences of Your Hobby appeared first on… Read More
2022-02-03 13:53
If you’re regretting the timing of starting Social Security, you may be able to rethink your strategy by restarting or suspending benefits.
The post Social Security Do-Overs: What Are… Read More
2022-01-20 13:55
The rules surrounding Required Minimum Distributions are complicated and missing them can be costly. If you have made an error, follow these steps to amend it and seek a penalty waiver
The p… Read More
2022-01-13 14:03
The best way to avoid investing bias is to learn how it commonly shows up—and to pursue an objective investment strategy.
The post Know the Biases That May Affect Your Investment Strat… Read More
2022-01-06 13:50
Finding meaning and purpose after your career is a common concern. Here, we share ideas from “Vibrant Living,” a TV segment about developing a healthy, happy retirement.
The post… Read More
2021-12-23 13:46
It may be wise to plan for retirement without full Social Security, since projections indicate the future of the benefit is unpredictable.
The post How to Avoid Overreliance on Social Securi… Read More
2021-12-16 13:54
Determining whether you need life insurance in retirement can get complicated—and it depends on your unique situation. Let these questions guide you
The post Life Insurance in Retireme… Read More
2021-12-09 13:50
Deciding when to begin Social Security benefits is complicated. Weighing these factors, and running careful tax projections, can help.
The post What to Know Before Drawing Social Security St… Read More
2021-11-25 13:56
Learn how diversifying your taxability (not just investments) is key to creating a sound retirement plan.
The post How the New Three-Legged Stool™ Strategy Helps Reduce Taxes in Retire… Read More
2021-11-18 13:51
If managing your financial accounts feels clunky or time-consuming, a money management app can help you track spending, savings, and performance. Here are three to consider.
The post Taking… Read More
2021-11-11 13:42
Taxpayers reaching age 72 should be aware that a portion of the funds in their retirement accounts starts to become taxable each year—and pitfalls are common.
The post Required Minimum… Read More
2021-10-28 12:42
Keep in mind that claiming Social Security benefits before FRA results in a permanent reduction in the benefit amount, whether you are claiming spousal benefits or your own.
The post Conside… Read More
2021-10-14 12:48
Estate tax is levied against someone's estate upon death and is based on the size of the total estate. Inheritance tax is levied against the heirs of an estate.
The post The Differences Betw… Read More
2021-09-30 12:50
With appropriate income withdrawal strategies, a retiree can lessen their exposure to IRMAA surcharges.
The post It Takes Planning to Reduce Your Medicare Premiums appeared first on Rodgers… Read More
2021-09-16 12:41
Studies have shown that some heirs ultimately end up in worse financial shape after receiving an inheritance. This is so common that psychologists call it sudden wealth syndrome, although it… Read More
2021-09-09 12:50
These misperceptions can end up costing you a lot of money, and more importantly, years of your life working for someone else rather than pursuing your passions.
The post Six Retirement Tips… Read More
2021-09-02 12:50
Trusts can be an essential part of your plan—but they are often complex and time-consuming to set up.
The post Estate Planning Essentials Part 2: Are Trusts Needed for Minor Beneficiar… Read More
2021-08-26 12:50
You may be shocked to learn that new national and state laws may have prohibited your agent’s power to act.
The post Power of Attorney Roadblocks: Can You Answer These Three Questions… Read More
2021-08-19 12:50
The mechanics of estate planning can be easy enough, but the big picture requires a lot of thought and soul searching.
The post Estate Planning Essentials Part 1: Take Time to Prepare the He… Read More
2021-08-11 16:38
You’re finally retired but the journey is not over. There is still plenty of planning left to do. We will discuss what needs to be done in Phase 4 of...
The post Phase 4 of the AGILE R… Read More
2021-08-11 16:29
Transitioning from work to retirement might be the biggest financial challenge people face. We’ll cover planning during Phase 3 of your retirement journey on this edition of Project We… Read More
2021-08-05 12:50
The good news is that there are plenty of legitimate options to avoid the penalties and taxes.
The post Other Ways to Utilize Savings in a 529 Plan Without a Penalty appeared first on Rodger… Read More
2021-07-29 13:07
Don't leave money on the table.
The post High Earners: Maximize Your 401(k) Match Using This Simple Tool appeared first on Rodgers & Associates Read More
2021-07-22 12:53
Could a happy retirement still include working, but only doing the parts of our jobs we enjoy?
The post Designing the Ideal Retirement: Keep Doing What You Love, Eliminate the Rest appeared… Read More
2021-07-15 11:00
Passing on your story provides something deeper than wealth.
The post Family Vacations as a Planning Tool appeared first on Rodgers & Associates Read More
2021-07-07 20:10
It’s just as important to diversify how funds are saved as it is to diversify how they are invested.
The post Becoming Financially Independent Part 3: Build Your New Three-Legged Stool… Read More
2021-06-30 06:00
Widows and widowers whose spouses were younger than 72 at the time of death need to examine their options carefully before rolling over their spouse’s IRA.
The post Financial Challenge… Read More
2021-06-23 18:58
Do not spend money that has been accumulated for financial independence. Invading long-term savings extends the time it will take to achieve a goal.
The post Becoming Financially Independent… Read More
2021-06-16 18:06
The new rule for adults who inherit an IRA from their parents in 2020 and beyond is that they must liquidate that account within 10 years.
The post I Just Inherited an IRA From My Parent. No… Read More
2021-06-09 18:44
Time is the most important word in our investment vocabulary. If financial independence is the goal, starting today beats waiting until tomorrow.
The post Becoming Financially Independent, P… Read More
2021-05-26 18:30
Until you reach age 59 ½, attempting to access tax-deferred retirement accounts could trigger taxes and penalties.
The post Common Traps That Could Catch Early Retirees appeared firs… Read More
2021-05-26 13:24
With the passage of the SECURE Act inherited IRAs from those who passed after December 31, 2019 are no longer allowed to stretch the withdrawals over their life expectancy.
The post How Doe… Read More
2021-05-12 18:03
If money is taken from an IRA before age 59 1/2, a 10% excise tax penalty is applied to the amounts withdrawn—unless it meets one of the twelve exceptions.
The post 12 Ways to Avoid a… Read More
2021-04-14 19:52
Only 51% of Pennsylvanians have tried to figure out how much they need to save for retirement—and just 31% are satisfied with their current financial condition.
The post Are Pennsylvan… Read More
2021-04-06 20:41
The cost of medical expenses is rising and thus users across the board (not just 30% of them) could see their premiums rise by some amount.
The post Ignore the Hype About Medicare Premiums I… Read More
2021-03-31 19:11
Take small steps, make prudent choices year after year, and watch your savings and investments grow.
The post Five Small Steps for You, One Giant Leap for Your Retirement appeared first on R… Read More
2021-03-17 19:52
Many people believe all they need to do for retirement is defer as much money as they can. This is rarely the case.
The post Cut Your Taxes in Half During Retirement? appeared first on Rodge… Read More
2021-03-10 14:41
High and low income taxpayers alike can cash in on the savings.
The post 5 Ways to Minimize Your Retirement Income and Maximize Health Insurance Tax Credits appeared first on Rodgers & A… Read More
2021-02-17 20:10
Retirement is not a date on a calendar; it is a journey that begins before our working career ends.
The post Do You Have an Accurate Vision of Retirement? If You Don’t Know Where You A… Read More
2021-02-09 11:00
A better overall strategy is to invest for total return.
The post Why Chasing Yield Is a Bad Idea appeared first on Rodgers & Associates Read More
2021-02-09 11:00
Even if the probability of success for a 4% withdraw rate is less than some thought, it's still strong when your portfolio is monitored actively.
The post Prudent Withdrawal Rate appeared fi… Read More
2021-02-09 11:00
Income earned by one spouse can be used to fund retirement accounts for both spouses.
The post Non-working Spouses Can Contribute to an IRA: Here’s How appeared first on Rodgers &… Read More
2021-02-05 18:05
Thinking of buying a vacation home? Here are some factors to consider before you make your decision.
The post Tax Implications of Owning a Vacation Home: What Everyone Ought To Know appeared… Read More
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