Numbers to know for the new year. On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. 401(k)s. The salary deferral amount for 401(k)s remains the same at $19,500, while the catch-up amount of $6,500 also remains u … [Read more...] about 2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
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Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous
Thanks to a couple of factors, some investors are thinking about this move before 2020 ends. Roth IRAs have attracted retirement savers since their introduction in 1998. They offer the potential for tax-free retirement income, provided Internal Revenue Service rules are followed. Do Roth IRAs seem even more attractive these days? Perhaps. You can cite two factors: … [Read more...] about Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous
FAFSA Applications Are Now Open
Federal Student Aid opportunities are often first-come, first-served. Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federally-sourced aid, such as work-study or student loans. The applications opened on October 1, 2020, and … [Read more...] about FAFSA Applications Are Now Open
“Backdoor” Roth IRAs
If you make too much money to open a Roth IRA, you could create one this way. You can sum up the appeal of a Roth IRA in three words: federal tax benefit. Potential earnings in a Roth IRA grow tax free as long as the owner abides by the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) rules, and withdrawals are federally tax free once you reach age 59½ and have held the Roth IRA for at … [Read more...] about “Backdoor” Roth IRAs
“Mega Backdoor Roth” – The Definitive Guide
What is “Mega Backdoor Roth IRA”? It is a financial planning technique that deals with contributing funds to a Roth IRA retirement savings account. Why does my Roth IRA need a “backdoor”? Your direct contributions to Roth IRA may be limited. There are two different limitations. The first limitation deals with the amount of money you can contribute to the account. In 2018 the … [Read more...] about “Mega Backdoor Roth” – The Definitive Guide
4 Things to Know About Backdoor Roth IRA Conversions
A backdoor Roth IRA conversion is a way of funding a Roth IRA account with a traditional IRA conversion instead of a direct contribution. People with relatively high incomes are unable to directly contribute to a Roth IRA. In 2018, the limitation starts at $120,000 for single taxpayers and $189,000 for married filing jointly. To get around this issue, they can make a … [Read more...] about 4 Things to Know About Backdoor Roth IRA Conversions
Avoid Tax Consequences With a Direct 401(k) Rollover
If you've ever left a job where you had 401(k) or similar retirement plan, you've probably received a letter from the plan administrator outlining the different options you have and their tax consequences. This document is pretty straightforward from the perspective of a tax professional or someone who works in the retirement space, however, for those without this level of … [Read more...] about Avoid Tax Consequences With a Direct 401(k) Rollover
Roth Conversions Must Now Be Used Wisely
A Roth IRA is a type of retirement account that allows the owner to contribute after-tax dollars and enjoy tax-deferred growth and tax-free distributions in retirement. The tax-deferred growth experienced in a Roth IRA allows funds to compound faster because the total amount is not affected by taxes. A Roth IRA is a great way to save for retirement and protect your retirement … [Read more...] about Roth Conversions Must Now Be Used Wisely