For Mark Roberts' Use: Tax time is here, and that means we're all pulling out our checkbooks with a feeling of dread. You may already have some idea of whether you'll owe the IRS or draw a refund. You definitely know that you need to file your taxes or ask for an extension by April 15. [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: You already know that participating in your company's 401(k) savings program is a great way to save for retirement while reducing your income tax liability. But to make the most of your 401(k) savings plan, remember these five rules: Know your default savings rate. When you first started working for your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We're all aware that marriage and divorce are not just matters of the heart; they're matters of the checkbook as well. If you're retired or soon to be retired, you might be wondering how your marriage or divorce impacts Social Security benefits. In complicated situations, it's best to speak directly with [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As you know, your retirement fund needs to provide a sufficient income for two or three decades. Budgeting for retirement is no small feat in itself, but there are also many pitfalls you should avoid if you don't want to lose a significant chunk of your nest egg. The four most [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We tend to think of saving money as an arduous task. Not to mention, it's usually more fun to spend than it is to save! However, it isn't so much fun when you reach retirement and realize you don't have enough money to live. The following tricks can help you save [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Tax season has begun, and that means most of us are busily preparing our returns. Tax time can bring a lot of anxiety, because no one wants to have their return rejected or audited. The good news is, most problems can be avoided by watching out for these very common tax [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We're often told that communication is key in any relationship, and that we must talk about our expectations when it comes to chores, major purchases, and other issues. After all, your partner can't read your mind. However, one thing many couples are not discussing, with regard to their future together, is retirement! [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: A common trend among competitive companies these days is to offer employees a profit sharing plan. It's one of the best ways to recruit and keep valuable employees, because profit sharing offers bonus pay and an incentive to stay with the company. For workers, profit sharing options can be utilized to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Sometimes it happens: you've been faithfully saving for retirement for years, even decades, and then catastrophe strikes. You're experiencing hard times and you wonder if withdrawing some money from your retirement account might be the answer. Naturally, you're worried about being charged penalties. There are indeed some penalties for early withdrawals before [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If you talk about fixed annuities in a room full of investors, you're likely to receive a mixed reaction. A fixed annuity is, in layman's terms, an insurance contract that guarantees a lifetime income. The immediate appeal is obvious: even an IRA or 410(k) does not guarantee income, and many people worry [...]