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“Third-Party Posts”
The Retirement Expense Many Families Forget to Plan For
Why Long-Term Care Deserves a Place in Your Financial Strategy Most people spend years preparing for retirement. They estimate how much income they may need, decide when to claim Social Security, review their investments, and think about Medicare. Yet one potentially...
read more
Your Retirement Plan May Look Complete—But Is It Truly Connected?
Most people do not build their retirement strategy all at once. They accumulate different financial products and accounts throughout their lives. A 401(k) may come from a former employer. An IRA may be held somewhere else. Life insurance might have been purchased...
read more
The Human Advantage: Why Financial Advice Matters More in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every industry, and financial services are no exception. Today, consumers have access to sophisticated calculators, retirement projections, investment research, budgeting applications, and AI-powered tools that can provide...
read more
Fixed Indexed Annuities: A Retirement Strategy Designed for Growth Potential Without Direct Market Risk
As retirement approaches, one question becomes increasingly important: How do you continue growing your retirement savings while protecting what you've worked so hard to build? For many Americans, market volatility has made that decision more challenging than ever....
read more
Life Insurance in 2026: It’s More Than a Death Benefit
When many people hear the words "life insurance," they immediately think about protecting loved ones after they're gone. While that remains one of its most important purposes, today's life insurance solutions can offer much more. In 2026, life insurance has evolved...
read more
How a Fixed Indexed Annuity Can Work for You in 2026
As Americans continue preparing for retirement in an uncertain economic environment, many are looking for ways to protect their savings while still having the opportunity for growth. With inflation, market volatility, and changing interest rate expectations continuing...
read more
The Biggest Retirement Risk Isn’t the Market—It’s Having No Plan
When people think about retirement, they often focus on one thing: the stock market. They worry about the next downturn, the next recession, or the next headline predicting financial uncertainty. While market volatility is certainly something to consider, it may not...
read more
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan, Not a Product
Retirement isn't built on luck—it’s built on preparation. While investment performance, insurance coverage, and market conditions all play important roles, one factor often has the greatest impact on long-term success: having a comprehensive financial plan. Whether...
read more
Why a Retirement Income Plan Matters More Than Your Investment Returns
Many people spend decades focused on growing their retirement savings. They watch the markets, contribute to retirement accounts, and celebrate when their balances increase. But when retirement finally arrives, one question becomes far more important than, "How much...
read more
The Retirement Expense Many Families Forget to Plan For
Why Long-Term Care Deserves a Place in Your Financial Strategy Most people spend years preparing for retirement. They estimate how much income they may need, decide when to claim Social Security, review their investments, and think about Medicare. Yet one potentially...
Your Retirement Plan May Look Complete—But Is It Truly Connected?
Most people do not build their retirement strategy all at once. They accumulate different financial products and accounts throughout their lives. A 401(k) may come from a former employer. An IRA may be held somewhere else. Life insurance might have been purchased...
The Human Advantage: Why Financial Advice Matters More in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every industry, and financial services are no exception. Today, consumers have access to sophisticated calculators, retirement projections, investment research, budgeting applications, and AI-powered tools that can provide...
Fixed Indexed Annuities: A Retirement Strategy Designed for Growth Potential Without Direct Market Risk
As retirement approaches, one question becomes increasingly important: How do you continue growing your retirement savings while protecting what you've worked so hard to build? For many Americans, market volatility has made that decision more challenging than ever....
Life Insurance in 2026: It’s More Than a Death Benefit
When many people hear the words "life insurance," they immediately think about protecting loved ones after they're gone. While that remains one of its most important purposes, today's life insurance solutions can offer much more. In 2026, life insurance has evolved...
How a Fixed Indexed Annuity Can Work for You in 2026
As Americans continue preparing for retirement in an uncertain economic environment, many are looking for ways to protect their savings while still having the opportunity for growth. With inflation, market volatility, and changing interest rate expectations continuing...
The Biggest Retirement Risk Isn’t the Market—It’s Having No Plan
When people think about retirement, they often focus on one thing: the stock market. They worry about the next downturn, the next recession, or the next headline predicting financial uncertainty. While market volatility is certainly something to consider, it may not...
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan, Not a Product
Retirement isn't built on luck—it’s built on preparation. While investment performance, insurance coverage, and market conditions all play important roles, one factor often has the greatest impact on long-term success: having a comprehensive financial plan. Whether...
Why a Retirement Income Plan Matters More Than Your Investment Returns
Many people spend decades focused on growing their retirement savings. They watch the markets, contribute to retirement accounts, and celebrate when their balances increase. But when retirement finally arrives, one question becomes far more important than, "How much...
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity markets took a step back last week in what turned out to be a very busy week. Increased yields on the long end of the curve prompted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to double buybacks of 10- to 30-year US Treasuries in an effort to temper the rise in...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 forged a new all-time high as investors recalibrated interest-rate-hike expectations after an in-line print of the Consumer Price Index and a cooler-than-expected print of the Producer Price Index. The probability of a rate hike in September fell to...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
Giddy up! US equity markets ripped higher in the first week of August as 2nd quarter earnings continued to impress. According to FactSet, 88% of the S&P 500 have reported earnings, of which 86% have beaten Earnings Per Share estimates, while Earnings Per Share...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
It was an extremely busy week on Wall Street, with investors having to assess increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East alongside a deluge of corporate 2nd-quarter earnings results, several central bank monetary policy decisions, and a full economic...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity indices declined for a second consecutive week despite a strong start to second-quarter earnings. With just over 25% of the S&P 500 reporting, top- and bottom-line growth rates have been better than anticipated. Results this week from Google, Intel, and...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets took a step back last week despite a better-than-expected start to second-quarter earnings and benign inflation data. Semiconductor names continued to come under pressure, especially the memory names, as the sector entered into bear territory, off 20% in just...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
US markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. The rotation from technology into other parts of the market reversed this week, as leadership from mega-cap tech names and semiconductors powered the market higher. News that China would allow the purchase of...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
The holiday-shortened week saw the end to the best 2nd quarter in six years as the S&P 500 added over $8 trillion in market value. The Semiconductor sector recorded its best quarter ever with a gain of 87.75% as AI demand for chips continued. That said the...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets finished the week mixed, with a noticeable rotation out of mega-cap technology issues to healthcare, real estate, and consumer staples. Concerns about the return on investment from a massive capital-expenditure binge on artificial intelligence resurfaced. ...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity markets took a step back last week in what turned out to be a very busy week. Increased yields on the long end of the curve prompted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to double buybacks of 10- to 30-year US Treasuries in an effort to temper the rise in...
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 forged a new all-time high as investors recalibrated interest-rate-hike expectations after an in-line print of the Consumer Price Index and a cooler-than-expected print of the Producer Price Index. The probability of a rate hike in September fell to...
Weekly Market Commentary
Giddy up! US equity markets ripped higher in the first week of August as 2nd quarter earnings continued to impress. According to FactSet, 88% of the S&P 500 have reported earnings, of which 86% have beaten Earnings Per Share estimates, while Earnings Per Share...
Weekly Market Commentary
It was an extremely busy week on Wall Street, with investors having to assess increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East alongside a deluge of corporate 2nd-quarter earnings results, several central bank monetary policy decisions, and a full economic...
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity indices declined for a second consecutive week despite a strong start to second-quarter earnings. With just over 25% of the S&P 500 reporting, top- and bottom-line growth rates have been better than anticipated. Results this week from Google, Intel, and...
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets took a step back last week despite a better-than-expected start to second-quarter earnings and benign inflation data. Semiconductor names continued to come under pressure, especially the memory names, as the sector entered into bear territory, off 20% in just...
Weekly Market Commentary
US markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. The rotation from technology into other parts of the market reversed this week, as leadership from mega-cap tech names and semiconductors powered the market higher. News that China would allow the purchase of...
Weekly Market Commentary
The holiday-shortened week saw the end to the best 2nd quarter in six years as the S&P 500 added over $8 trillion in market value. The Semiconductor sector recorded its best quarter ever with a gain of 87.75% as AI demand for chips continued. That said the...
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets finished the week mixed, with a noticeable rotation out of mega-cap technology issues to healthcare, real estate, and consumer staples. Concerns about the return on investment from a massive capital-expenditure binge on artificial intelligence resurfaced. ...
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Can I Do a Roth Conversion With No Earned Income?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Can I convert my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA even though I have no earned income for this year? Answer: While having earned income or taxable compensation is a requirement for making a tax-year...
read more
IRS Issues Guidance on Permissible Trump Account Investments
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the most important features of Trump accounts is that they must be invested a certain way during the period before January 1 of the year the child turns age 18. (The IRS calls this the “growth period.”) The IRS recently issued...
read more
Avoid These 4 Common IRA Trust Mistakes
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can help you meet important estate planning goals. However, if you are considering this, you should proceed with caution. Here are four common mistakes with IRA trusts you...
read more
Inherited Roth IRAs and Contributions: today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I inherited a Roth IRA from a sister who was one year younger than me. If I choose to stretch distributions over my life expectancy, which chart do I use, and whose age do I use for the first required minimum distribution...
read more
Roth Distribution Rules: IRAs vs. Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The foundational premise of a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) is the same – after-tax dollars go into the Roth account (either via contribution or conversion), and eligible earnings are tax-free. Pretty easy. But when it comes to...
read more
IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Account Employer Contributions
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Recent IRS guidance confirms that any employer that wishes to make employer contributions to Trump accounts must comply with several administrative requirements. Especially for small employers, these requirements are likely to be...
read more
The Five-Year Holding Period for Roth IRA Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: Does each conversion from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA require a five-year holding period? I have made several conversions and know that taxes are due when conversions are done. But how long must each conversion remain in the...
read more
The Look-Through Rules for Trusts
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act, the SECURE 2.0 Act, and subsequent regulations have brought us a complex set of rules for IRA beneficiaries, including trusts. Only individuals who are named on the IRA beneficiary form (or named...
read more
The Roth Conversion Transaction Custodians Dislike
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Anyone with a traditional IRA can do a Roth conversion. As long as the funds are eligible to be rolled over, they can be converted. With a Roth conversion, traditional IRA funds are moved into a Roth IRA. This movement of funds is...
read more
Can I Do a Roth Conversion With No Earned Income?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Can I convert my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA even though I have no earned income for this year? Answer: While having earned income or taxable compensation is a requirement for making a tax-year...
IRS Issues Guidance on Permissible Trump Account Investments
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the most important features of Trump accounts is that they must be invested a certain way during the period before January 1 of the year the child turns age 18. (The IRS calls this the “growth period.”) The IRS recently issued...
Avoid These 4 Common IRA Trust Mistakes
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can help you meet important estate planning goals. However, if you are considering this, you should proceed with caution. Here are four common mistakes with IRA trusts you...
Inherited Roth IRAs and Contributions: today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I inherited a Roth IRA from a sister who was one year younger than me. If I choose to stretch distributions over my life expectancy, which chart do I use, and whose age do I use for the first required minimum distribution...
Roth Distribution Rules: IRAs vs. Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The foundational premise of a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) is the same – after-tax dollars go into the Roth account (either via contribution or conversion), and eligible earnings are tax-free. Pretty easy. But when it comes to...
IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Account Employer Contributions
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Recent IRS guidance confirms that any employer that wishes to make employer contributions to Trump accounts must comply with several administrative requirements. Especially for small employers, these requirements are likely to be...
The Five-Year Holding Period for Roth IRA Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: Does each conversion from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA require a five-year holding period? I have made several conversions and know that taxes are due when conversions are done. But how long must each conversion remain in the...
The Look-Through Rules for Trusts
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act, the SECURE 2.0 Act, and subsequent regulations have brought us a complex set of rules for IRA beneficiaries, including trusts. Only individuals who are named on the IRA beneficiary form (or named...
The Roth Conversion Transaction Custodians Dislike
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Anyone with a traditional IRA can do a Roth conversion. As long as the funds are eligible to be rolled over, they can be converted. With a Roth conversion, traditional IRA funds are moved into a Roth IRA. This movement of funds is...
Can I Do a Roth Conversion With No Earned Income?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Can I convert my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA even though I have no earned income for this year? Answer: While having earned income or taxable compensation is a requirement for making a tax-year...
read more
IRS Issues Guidance on Permissible Trump Account Investments
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the most important features of Trump accounts is that they must be invested a certain way during the period before January 1 of the year the child turns age 18. (The IRS calls this the “growth period.”) The IRS recently issued...
read more
Avoid These 4 Common IRA Trust Mistakes
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can help you meet important estate planning goals. However, if you are considering this, you should proceed with caution. Here are four common mistakes with IRA trusts you...
read more
Inherited Roth IRAs and Contributions: today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I inherited a Roth IRA from a sister who was one year younger than me. If I choose to stretch distributions over my life expectancy, which chart do I use, and whose age do I use for the first required minimum distribution...
read more
Roth Distribution Rules: IRAs vs. Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The foundational premise of a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) is the same – after-tax dollars go into the Roth account (either via contribution or conversion), and eligible earnings are tax-free. Pretty easy. But when it comes to...
read more
IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Account Employer Contributions
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Recent IRS guidance confirms that any employer that wishes to make employer contributions to Trump accounts must comply with several administrative requirements. Especially for small employers, these requirements are likely to be...
read more
The Five-Year Holding Period for Roth IRA Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: Does each conversion from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA require a five-year holding period? I have made several conversions and know that taxes are due when conversions are done. But how long must each conversion remain in the...
read more
The Look-Through Rules for Trusts
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act, the SECURE 2.0 Act, and subsequent regulations have brought us a complex set of rules for IRA beneficiaries, including trusts. Only individuals who are named on the IRA beneficiary form (or named...
read more
The Roth Conversion Transaction Custodians Dislike
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Anyone with a traditional IRA can do a Roth conversion. As long as the funds are eligible to be rolled over, they can be converted. With a Roth conversion, traditional IRA funds are moved into a Roth IRA. This movement of funds is...
read more
Can I Do a Roth Conversion With No Earned Income?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Can I convert my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA even though I have no earned income for this year? Answer: While having earned income or taxable compensation is a requirement for making a tax-year...
IRS Issues Guidance on Permissible Trump Account Investments
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the most important features of Trump accounts is that they must be invested a certain way during the period before January 1 of the year the child turns age 18. (The IRS calls this the “growth period.”) The IRS recently issued...
Avoid These 4 Common IRA Trust Mistakes
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can help you meet important estate planning goals. However, if you are considering this, you should proceed with caution. Here are four common mistakes with IRA trusts you...
Inherited Roth IRAs and Contributions: today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I inherited a Roth IRA from a sister who was one year younger than me. If I choose to stretch distributions over my life expectancy, which chart do I use, and whose age do I use for the first required minimum distribution...
Roth Distribution Rules: IRAs vs. Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The foundational premise of a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) is the same – after-tax dollars go into the Roth account (either via contribution or conversion), and eligible earnings are tax-free. Pretty easy. But when it comes to...
IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Account Employer Contributions
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Recent IRS guidance confirms that any employer that wishes to make employer contributions to Trump accounts must comply with several administrative requirements. Especially for small employers, these requirements are likely to be...
The Five-Year Holding Period for Roth IRA Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: Does each conversion from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA require a five-year holding period? I have made several conversions and know that taxes are due when conversions are done. But how long must each conversion remain in the...
The Look-Through Rules for Trusts
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act, the SECURE 2.0 Act, and subsequent regulations have brought us a complex set of rules for IRA beneficiaries, including trusts. Only individuals who are named on the IRA beneficiary form (or named...
The Roth Conversion Transaction Custodians Dislike
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Anyone with a traditional IRA can do a Roth conversion. As long as the funds are eligible to be rolled over, they can be converted. With a Roth conversion, traditional IRA funds are moved into a Roth IRA. This movement of funds is...