Q&A: Here are some tips for getting more retirement money into accounts with tax advantages

Dear Liz: My wife and I are about 35. I’m self-employed and contribute to a SEP IRA. My wife contributes to a workplace retirement plan. We don’t qualify to contribute to Roth IRAs. In order to get more money into retirement accounts, would you recommend doing back-door Roth contributions? What else is there to do […]

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Q&A: Identify the goal for rolled-over account

Dear Liz: I retired from civil service in 2014. Upon retirement, I requested that my Roth IRA funds be sent to a bank. The funds have been earning 0.6% interest. Is it possible to move the funds to another bank or elsewhere to earn a higher rate? Or, should I leave the funds at the […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to maximize your Priority Pass Select. Also in the news: Tap your credit cards for spring break savings, how to avoid a spring break money hangover, and why the death of the fiduciary rule is bad news for your retirement. How to Maximize Your Priority Pass Select Membership Getting the most […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t let your friends derail your finances. Also in the news: Protecting your EIF investments, how to fly with your baby, and why retailers are tracking your returns. Don’t Let Friends Derail Your Finances How to stay on track and still have fun. Are Your ETF Investments at Risk in a Market […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 7 places to get a slice of savings on Pi Day. Also in the news: Choosing between a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA, guarding your cash from debit card fraud, and credit bureaus may get a boost from Congress. 7 Places to Get a Slice of Savings on Pi Day Happy […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The most and least affordable places to buy a home. Also in the news: 3 investments that aren’t actually investments, why credit card rewards may lose their sparkle, and how to ask for a raise. The Most and Least Affordable Places to Buy a Home Some of these may surprise you. 3 […]

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How to Find ‘Advice-Only’ Financial Advisers

If you want money advice you can trust, your best bet is to hire a fee-only financial planner. The trick is finding a planner who’s willing to be hired for a reasonable fee. Fee-only planners don’t accept commissions or kickbacks and are paid solely by client fees. Most use an “assets under management” model where […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save green on St. Patrick’s Day. Also in the news: The bull market’s 9-year anniversary in 9 numbers, how to save on your destination wedding in Hawaii, and the financial and personal toll of family caregiving. Save Green on St. Patrick’s Day — No Luck Required Find your pot of […]

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Q&A: At retirement, should you roll your 401(k) into your IRA? Think about these factors

Dear Liz: I turned 70 last week and therefore I am leaving my part-time job after about 13 years. No big deal, but now that I am retiring I have a 401(k) worth about $60,000 and an IRA that is somewhere around $50,000. Should I roll my 401(k) account into my IRA or just let […]

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Q&A: How to cut back after spending a windfall

Dear Liz: I inherited a substantial amount of money when a relative died. I put most of it in retirement funds, but as a few stray accounts were found, sometimes I just deposited them in my bank account and lived comfortably on $1,000 to $2,000 over my normal income. I have no debt, but I’ve […]

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