Blogs
“Third-Party Posts”
3 Big Retirement Rule Changes Are Coming in 2025—How They Could Affect Your Savings
Key Takeaways Some provisions related to the Secure 2.0, a federal retirement law, will go into effect in 2025. Workers ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 will be able to make catch-up contributions of up to $11,250 in 2025. Workplace retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b)...
read more
Retirement Vs. Resignation: Which Is Better?
Retirement Vs. Resignation: Which Is Better? There is a big difference between retirement and resignation. However, both involve leaving your place of work. If you choose to retire, you may be entitled to some social benefits such as pension and healthcare, which can...
read more
6 End-of-Year Retirement Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss for 2024
Navigate these tax and retirement milestones to optimize savings and avoid penalties. Staying on top of year-end tasks helps you avoid penalties and take full advantage of tax benefits. Key Takeaways Contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s must be made by...
read more
Three Changes Coming for Social Security in 2025
The Social Security Administration has announced the 2025 final COLA, wage cap, and amount needed to earn SS credits. Anticipating changes coming to Social Security in 2025 can help you start planning for the new year and identify any adjustments you can make to...
read more
7 Things You’ll Be Happy You Downgraded in Retirement
Downsizing for retirement is a good way to simplify your life and cut down on expenses. Making some key changes, like moving into a smaller home, could reduce financial strain and improve your quality of life. It could also give you room to grow in new, unexpected...
read more
Why Your Current Retirement Plan May Not Be Enough in 2025
Retirement: the wonderful time of life when you no longer have to work for your money. Instead, your money is finally working for you. If you’re well on your way to retirement, kudos to you. Today, more Americans are retiring than ever before. According to...
read more
Key change coming for 401(k) ‘max savers’ in 2025, expert says — here’s what you need to know
Key Points Many Americans face a retirement savings shortfall, but setting aside more could get easier for some older workers in 2025. Enacted in 2022, the Secure Act 2.0 ushered in several retirement system improvements, including higher 401(k) plan catch-up...
read more
What the Fed’s Rate Cut Means for You
The Federal Reserve just reduced interest rates for the first time in four years. Here’s how it will impact borrowers and saver What goes up must come down, and after four years, that’s finally true about interest rates. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate on...
read more
Social Security COLA 2025: How Much Will Payments Increase Next Year?
With inflation cooling, analysts estimate benefit boost could come in around 2.5% The second of three numbers the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use to determine the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is in, and it points to a more modest increase in...
read more
3 Big Retirement Rule Changes Are Coming in 2025—How They Could Affect Your Savings
Key Takeaways Some provisions related to the Secure 2.0, a federal retirement law, will go into effect in 2025. Workers ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 will be able to make catch-up contributions of up to $11,250 in 2025. Workplace retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b)...
Retirement Vs. Resignation: Which Is Better?
Retirement Vs. Resignation: Which Is Better? There is a big difference between retirement and resignation. However, both involve leaving your place of work. If you choose to retire, you may be entitled to some social benefits such as pension and healthcare, which can...
6 End-of-Year Retirement Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss for 2024
Navigate these tax and retirement milestones to optimize savings and avoid penalties. Staying on top of year-end tasks helps you avoid penalties and take full advantage of tax benefits. Key Takeaways Contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s must be made by...
Three Changes Coming for Social Security in 2025
The Social Security Administration has announced the 2025 final COLA, wage cap, and amount needed to earn SS credits. Anticipating changes coming to Social Security in 2025 can help you start planning for the new year and identify any adjustments you can make to...
7 Things You’ll Be Happy You Downgraded in Retirement
Downsizing for retirement is a good way to simplify your life and cut down on expenses. Making some key changes, like moving into a smaller home, could reduce financial strain and improve your quality of life. It could also give you room to grow in new, unexpected...
Why Your Current Retirement Plan May Not Be Enough in 2025
Retirement: the wonderful time of life when you no longer have to work for your money. Instead, your money is finally working for you. If you’re well on your way to retirement, kudos to you. Today, more Americans are retiring than ever before. According to...
Key change coming for 401(k) ‘max savers’ in 2025, expert says — here’s what you need to know
Key Points Many Americans face a retirement savings shortfall, but setting aside more could get easier for some older workers in 2025. Enacted in 2022, the Secure Act 2.0 ushered in several retirement system improvements, including higher 401(k) plan catch-up...
What the Fed’s Rate Cut Means for You
The Federal Reserve just reduced interest rates for the first time in four years. Here’s how it will impact borrowers and saver What goes up must come down, and after four years, that’s finally true about interest rates. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate on...
Social Security COLA 2025: How Much Will Payments Increase Next Year?
With inflation cooling, analysts estimate benefit boost could come in around 2.5% The second of three numbers the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use to determine the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is in, and it points to a more modest increase in...
Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group (Ed Slott Group) is a membership organization owned by Ed Slott and Company, LLC. Logos and/or trademarks are property of their respective owners and no endorsement of (Northern Financial Alliance) is stated or implied. Ed Slott Group and Ed Slott and Company, LLC are not affiliated with JD Financial Solutions & Insurance Group, Inc..
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Inherited IRAs – Bankruptcy Protection?
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Just over 10 years ago, in June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously, 9-0, that inherited IRAs are NOT protected in bankruptcy under federal law. The primary issue before the Court was whether an inherited IRA is a...
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RMDS FOR ANNUITIES AND SPOUSAL BENEFICIARY RULES: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: I have an IRA holding an immediate annuity as well as other IRAs. With the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, l understand that I may be able to apply my monthly annuity payments against my RMD requirement for all of my IRAs....
read more
What Are My Contribution Limits If I Participate in Two Company Savings Plans?
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst You probably know there’s a limit on the amount of pre-tax and Roth contributions you can make to your company savings plan each year. The 2025 elective deferral limit is $23,500 for 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans and is either...
read more
Are HSAs Going Roth?
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Many of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. There are currently a number of proposals in the works in Congress to extend these tax cuts. A serious hurdle is how...
read more
Rollovers and Inherited IRAs: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: I have a large non-qualified 457 deferred compensation plan and I am required to take distributions. I am looking to minimize taxes. Can I roll over these funds to an IRA? Answer: Unfortunately,...
read more
529-to-Roth IRA: False Alarm
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst When the “check engine” light comes on in a vehicle, most people are rightfully concerned that something is wrong. When a fire alarm blares through a building, it is wise to take stock of your surroundings. And when a member...
read more
One Roth IRA Rule Congress Should Do Away with Now
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Today is Inauguration Day. A new administration has arrived. We also have a new Congress. With the arrival of newly elected officials, many will have hopes of legislative change. When it comes to retirement...
read more
The Pro-Rata Rule and Roth Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: My wife has two after-tax traditional IRAs at two separate institutions. We are hoping to consolidate them, then convert to a Roth in the next 18 months. She is already retired. She also has an inherited IRA (from her...
read more
IRS Issues Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Regulations
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the more controversial rules in the 2022 SECURE 2.0 Act is the requirement that plan catch-up contributions by certain highly-paid employees be made on a Roth basis. Last Friday, (January 10, 2025) the IRS issued proposed...
read more
Inherited IRAs – Bankruptcy Protection?
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Just over 10 years ago, in June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously, 9-0, that inherited IRAs are NOT protected in bankruptcy under federal law. The primary issue before the Court was whether an inherited IRA is a...
RMDS FOR ANNUITIES AND SPOUSAL BENEFICIARY RULES: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: I have an IRA holding an immediate annuity as well as other IRAs. With the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, l understand that I may be able to apply my monthly annuity payments against my RMD requirement for all of my IRAs....
What Are My Contribution Limits If I Participate in Two Company Savings Plans?
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst You probably know there’s a limit on the amount of pre-tax and Roth contributions you can make to your company savings plan each year. The 2025 elective deferral limit is $23,500 for 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans and is either...
Are HSAs Going Roth?
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Many of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. There are currently a number of proposals in the works in Congress to extend these tax cuts. A serious hurdle is how...
Rollovers and Inherited IRAs: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: I have a large non-qualified 457 deferred compensation plan and I am required to take distributions. I am looking to minimize taxes. Can I roll over these funds to an IRA? Answer: Unfortunately,...
529-to-Roth IRA: False Alarm
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst When the “check engine” light comes on in a vehicle, most people are rightfully concerned that something is wrong. When a fire alarm blares through a building, it is wise to take stock of your surroundings. And when a member...
One Roth IRA Rule Congress Should Do Away with Now
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Today is Inauguration Day. A new administration has arrived. We also have a new Congress. With the arrival of newly elected officials, many will have hopes of legislative change. When it comes to retirement...
The Pro-Rata Rule and Roth Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: My wife has two after-tax traditional IRAs at two separate institutions. We are hoping to consolidate them, then convert to a Roth in the next 18 months. She is already retired. She also has an inherited IRA (from her...
IRS Issues Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Regulations
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the more controversial rules in the 2022 SECURE 2.0 Act is the requirement that plan catch-up contributions by certain highly-paid employees be made on a Roth basis. Last Friday, (January 10, 2025) the IRS issued proposed...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Equity and fixed-income markets sold off for the second consecutive week as the Federal Reserve delivered an expected twenty-five basis-point rate cut but pivoted to a much more hawkish stance for 2025, where the committee now expects only two...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The Nasdaq eclipsed the 20,000 level for the first time this week as investors reengaged in buying the mega-cap technology names. Amazon, Google, Tesla, and Meta hit new highs for the year as investors heard about more advances in AI and quantum...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 forged another set of all-time highs as investors embraced the idea of an economy running at a pace appropriate for the Fed to consider further rate cuts. Leadership in the market toggled back to the mega-cap technology issues, with the communication...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The holiday-shortened week saw the S&P 500 and Dow rise to new all-time highs. Investors cheered the nomination of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, who is seen as a fiscal hawk and someone who will support Trump’s trade policies. US...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Markets bounced back as investors reengaged the pro-growth Trump 2.0 trade. President-elect Trump continued to fill out his cabinet and, late Friday announced Scott Bessent as his nominee for Treasury Secretary. Wall Street has endorsed Bessent,...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA US equity markets pulled back last week as investors took profits from the outsized move higher seen following the US election. Sticky inflation prints, coupled with solid retail sales and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chairman J. Powell,...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The S&P 500 notched its 50th all-time high of 2024 as investors piled into equities after a decisive US election. Wall Street embraced the idea that President-Elect Trump would enact several pro-growth policies to bolster corporate profits. ...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA It was a very busy week on Wall Street as investors analyzed a deluge of corporate earnings reports and a full economic data calendar. The S&P 500 traded lower for the second consecutive week and could not close out October with a gain,...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Global markets pulled back last week as investors took the opportunity to reduce some risk before a very close US Presidential election. In the US, nearly 20% of the S&P 500 reported earnings. Generally, results came in better than expected;...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Equity and fixed-income markets sold off for the second consecutive week as the Federal Reserve delivered an expected twenty-five basis-point rate cut but pivoted to a much more hawkish stance for 2025, where the committee now expects only two...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The Nasdaq eclipsed the 20,000 level for the first time this week as investors reengaged in buying the mega-cap technology names. Amazon, Google, Tesla, and Meta hit new highs for the year as investors heard about more advances in AI and quantum...
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 forged another set of all-time highs as investors embraced the idea of an economy running at a pace appropriate for the Fed to consider further rate cuts. Leadership in the market toggled back to the mega-cap technology issues, with the communication...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The holiday-shortened week saw the S&P 500 and Dow rise to new all-time highs. Investors cheered the nomination of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, who is seen as a fiscal hawk and someone who will support Trump’s trade policies. US...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Markets bounced back as investors reengaged the pro-growth Trump 2.0 trade. President-elect Trump continued to fill out his cabinet and, late Friday announced Scott Bessent as his nominee for Treasury Secretary. Wall Street has endorsed Bessent,...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA US equity markets pulled back last week as investors took profits from the outsized move higher seen following the US election. Sticky inflation prints, coupled with solid retail sales and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chairman J. Powell,...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The S&P 500 notched its 50th all-time high of 2024 as investors piled into equities after a decisive US election. Wall Street embraced the idea that President-Elect Trump would enact several pro-growth policies to bolster corporate profits. ...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA It was a very busy week on Wall Street as investors analyzed a deluge of corporate earnings reports and a full economic data calendar. The S&P 500 traded lower for the second consecutive week and could not close out October with a gain,...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Global markets pulled back last week as investors took the opportunity to reduce some risk before a very close US Presidential election. In the US, nearly 20% of the S&P 500 reported earnings. Generally, results came in better than expected;...
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Sarasota, FL 34240
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