Journalists reach out to us to get our views on many topics related to financial planning and money. Here are a few recent articles.
Ask Bob: Retirement ColumnRetirement Daily / TheStreetIn this Retirement Daily column on TheStreet.com, a reader asks whether her husband should file for regular Social Security benefits or disability benefits. Kathleen replies with a brief explanation of the rules for Social Security claiming.
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Ask Bob: Retirement ColumnRetirement Daily / TheStreetIn this Retirement Daily column on TheStreet.com, a reader asks about a tax strategy that might help with inherited IRA income. Kathleen answers with an explanation about Required Minimum Distributions, also referencing the rules for deducting IRA contributions on tax returns.
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Ask Bob: Social Security/Medicare columnRetirement Daily / TheStreetIn the Retirement Daily column on TheStreet.com, a reader needs help to determine how best to coordinate spousal social security benefits with the benefits based on the reader’s own work record. Kathleen provides the answer, including calculation information for benefit claims before full retirement age.
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Ask Bob: Social Security/Medicare columnRetirement Daily / TheStreetIn the Retirement Daily column on TheStreet.com, a reader asks about contributing to a Roth IRA account after age 70. Kathleen answers the question, with updated information based on the recent SECURE Act changes to contribution rules.
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Countdown to Retirement: A Five Year PlanNew York TimesDuring most of our working lives, retirement seems like a long way off. But once we hit our 50’s or 60’s, it’s time to start taking some important steps. In this article, author Peter Finch details moves up to five years out. James Moore recommends that two years out, clients start practicing retirement.
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Financial Advice Suitability Standard Does Not Mean What You Think It DoesThePublicOpinion.ComRick Kahler, of Kahler Financial Group in South Dakota, cautions investors to be aware of how their adviser is paid. The advice you get may not be impartial if the adviser is held only to a “suitability” standard. He quotes Kathleen’s recent comment in a Bob Veres story that often the advice is suitable for the adviser but not for the client.
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Know Your Numbers / Maximum Retirement ContributionWoman’s DayIt’s important to always be aware of certain numbers, like your credit score, pay information, and misc tax details. In this Woman’s Day personal finance section, Kathleen suggests being aware of the annually changing IRA and 401k contribution maximums so that you can take full advantage of them.
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5 Tips to Ease Investing AnxietyU.S. News & World ReportIt’s easy to be constantly focused on money and investing, but a University of California study shows this has a negative effect on mental health. In this article by Annalyn Kurtz, there are five suggestions to help investors be more prepared. James Moore suggests having an accountability partner to help you stick to your plan.
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest The Extra Money?Lifehacker.com “Two Cents” Personal FinanceIf you receive a big bonus from work or a lump sum inheritance and you have no other debt, should you pay off your mortgage or consider other options? Kathleen suggests one idea that may allow the best of both worlds.
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How Your Spouse’s Student Loans Affect YouLifehacker.com “Two Cents” Personal FinanceWith graduation from college and grad school comes the topic of student loans. In this timely article by Lifehacker’s Alicia Adamczyk, Kathleen explains how a divorce might affect student loan obligations.
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6 Great Tax Tips For The End Of The YearU.S. News & World ReportThe end of the year is a great time to do some financial housekeeping. Business Journalist Annalyn Kurtz interviewed several advisors to gather the six best suggestions. Kathleen suggests maximizing opportunities to defer tax on income, such as contributing the full amount to 401k plans, IRAs, and health savings accounts.
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You Just Inherited Some Stock. Now What?Wall Street Journal / WSJ.comUnderstanding the ins and outs of inherited stock can be challenging. In this Wall Street Journal article by Charlie Wells, Kathleen explains how cost basis is calculated according to the date of death, not according to the original purchase date of the shares.
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