When and How do Retirement Savings and Spousal Consent Intersect?

A marriage begins with the intention that the relationship will endure—the reality of divorce and separation statistics notwithstanding—and that a couple’s retirement years will be spent together. Consequently, it’s easy to understand why laws give special consideration to spouses when it comes to their entitlement to financial resources intended to provide retirement security.

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Choosing the Right Retirement Plan for Your Small Business: SEP, SIMPLE, or Individual (k)?

If your client owns a small business, they’re already juggling a lot. Between managing clients, balancing budgets, and keeping operations moving, retirement planning often falls to the bottom of the list. Yet choosing the right retirement plan can be a game changer, not just for the business owner, but for their employees as well.

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Help Retirees Make the Most of Their Next Chapter: Learn How to Roll Over QRP Assets to an IRA with Confidence

Retirement marks a major life transition—and with it comes a series of financial decisions that can shape your clients’ future. One of the most important choices individuals will face is what to do with money in a qualified retirement plan (QRP), such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. For many retirees, rolling those assets into an individual retirement account (IRA) offers flexibility, control, and long-term benefits.

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How to Calculate Life Expectancy Payments on Inherited IRA Assets

Financial organizations are not required to send notices to clients or report to the IRS when an annual payment must be taken from an inherited IRA. The beneficiary is responsible for knowing and taking any required life expectancy payments.

Although not required, many financial organizations assist their clients with this calculation.

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Understanding the RMD Delay: What Retirees Need to Know

The SECURE 2.0 Act has brought significant changes to retirement planning—especially for retirees aged 72 and older. One of the most significant updates is the delay for retirees to take required minimum distributions (RMDs), which now begin at age 73 (age 75 in 2033). While this offers flexibility, it also introduces new challenges that retirees should understand. 

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Successor Beneficiaries: What Are Their Distribution Options?

When an IRA owner dies, the assets are distributed to beneficiaries, whether named by the IRA owner or determined by IRA document defaults. This can sometimes be a complicated process for financial organizations. And further complications may arise when the original beneficiary dies, leaving the inherited IRA to a successor beneficiary.

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When an HSA Goes Negative: Why it Matters and How to Prevent it

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are designed to help people pay for qualified medical expenses, so it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of money going in and out of these accounts. To make it easier for account owners to pay for things like prescriptions or doctor visits, many financial organizations offer HSA debit cards or checks. While these tools add convenience, they can also create problems, especially when they lead to negative balances.

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