For Mark Roberts' Use: At around age 40, most of us begin to think about retirement planning. As you look toward the future, one of your primary concerns is probably your savings plan. Are you saving enough for retirement? Will you be well prepared for retirement when the time comes? There is no one-size-fits-all answer that [...]
For Mark Roberts' use: Because 62 is the first age at which we can claim our Social Security benefits, many people plan to retire early. They do this even though their Social Security benefits will be permanently reduced from the full amount. This is sometimes a necessity, such as when a disability or illness prevents you [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Now that January has come and gone, how are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? Did you resolve to increase your savings this year, or get your financial documents in order? Hopefully, you're making great progress toward your goals. But as you continue to get your financial life in order, consider [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Our priorities will change over the course of our lives; that's just the way it is. When it comes to retirement planning, though, it's important to think about long-term goals and balance those with your more temporary, short-term objectives. In our 20s, most of us focused on short-term goals like buying [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: With the New Year often come new career goals. You might be feeling tired of your current job path, annoyed by a commute, ready to increase your income, or eager to find more fulfilling work. Whatever the reason, you might have decided to begin looking for a new job in 2016. We [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Planning for retirement involves a web of complex decisions, and there is no single path that provides the answer for everyone. The decisions you ultimately make will depend upon many individual factors, but there is one thing everyone should consider: The tax implications of their retirement savings and income decisions. If you're [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Like most people, you might have given some thought to what will happen to your assets after your death. You have signed beneficiary forms and told close family members which possession you would like for them to inherit. However, even if everyone heeds your requests, your estate will be subject to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Have you heard the news about Social Security? Unlike most years, in which benefit checks increase slightly beginning in January, there won't be a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2016. If you're already drawing benefits, you're probably feeling a bit disappointed. If you're still planning for retirement, you should take this [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: December 31 marks the last day of the calendar year, and it also marks the deadline for taking advantage of certain tax advantages. You want to make sure you qualify for all possible credits and deductions, and you also want to avoid triggering certain penalties. Before you strap on your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As you probably already know, the burden of retirement planning falls on you. Social Security was never meant to fully fund your retirement, so you will rely upon your own savings or investments to provide the income you need once you retire. That realization can add up to a lot of [...]