Do you need an estate plan? Estate plans are a critical element in taking care of the people you love when you’re gone. Click below to hear Jim’s thoughts on estate planning, wills, late in life planning, and more.
How have you named beneficiaries on your retirement accounts like 401(k), 403(b), IRA, etc? Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts supersede anything that is listed in a Last Will and Testament, if you have a living beneficiary. Beneficiary designations create some opportunities and some challenges. The opportunity is when you name a beneficiary, you bypass probate
Understanding the different Social Security benefits and deciding when to file can be a complicated process. In this video, Jim explains why electing to delay your benefits might not always be the best option. Jim also explains how spousal and window benefits can vary based on any number of factors, such as taxes. Click below
Listen to Jim’s latest interview with Hallerin Hill where they discussed the current state of the economy, the upcoming fiscal cliff, the effects of government stimulus on inflation, and more. Click below to listen!
We can all celebrate an increasing life expectancy as we look forward to our golden years. Over the past century, medical advancements and healthier lifestyles have led to a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of Americans. In 1920, the average life expectancy was only 53.6 for men and 54.6 for women1. According to the
The CARES Act, passed in late March, waived the requirement to take any RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) for 2020. If you are 72 years or older or have an inherited IRA, you are required to take RMDs from retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s and other qualified retirement accounts. However, many individuals had already taken
Are you getting what you are due from Social Security? An internal report released in June 2020 by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General revealed that more than 15,000 widows and widowers who are currently collecting retirement benefit on their own earnings record are entitled to receive larger benefits as survivors and have
Women can experience many financial challenges throughout their lives and some of those were intensified during COVID-19. Reasons for the lack of financial confidence during COVID-19 included layoffs, furloughs, working from home, or balancing responsibilities of homeschooling children and work. According to an April 2020 study by Transamerica, women are more likely than men to
According to a study by Fidelity, the average 65–year–old married couple will need $285,000 just to cover their health care costs in retirement. And, this does not include the cost of any long-term care needs. Fortunately, health care costs are not a lump sum cost the day you retire. Those are annual line item expenses over 20 years. A Bureau of
How can prudent investors and those with retirement financial plans take advantage of opportunities like a dip in the market? Income taxes for most of us are the largest expense we will have in our lifetime. Reducing income taxation is a key part of a successful financial plan, especially in retirement. You have more control
In Jim Brogan’s latest interview on The Bob Yarbrough Show on NewsTalk 98.7, Jim explains what black swan events are, how they and market volatility can affect your finances, the future of taxes, and much more! Click to listen!
As part of its March 2020 coronavirus response, the federal government gave tax filers 90 extra days to pay their 2019 income taxes, allowing taxpayers to delay filing their 2019 taxes until July 15, 2020. If you have not filed your taxes yet, there are a few surprising taxable items as well as some extended
