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Liz Weston

Q&A: Reducing taxes in retirement

March 23, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I agree with this concept of delaying Social Security to lessen overall taxes and have a further suggestion. My spouse and I are gradually converting our traditional IRA account funds to Roth IRAs. The converted funds are immediately taxable but could continue to gain in value and future distributions would not be taxable. Also, Roth accounts don’t have required minimum distributions.

Answer: Conversions make the most sense when you expect to be in the same or higher tax bracket in retirement.

That’s not the case for most people because they’re in a lower tax bracket when they stop working. Some older people, however, do face higher tax rates in retirement — typically because they’ve been good savers, and required minimum distributions from their retirement accounts will push their tax rates higher.

When that’s the case, they may be able to take advantage of their current lower tax rate to do a series of Roth conversions.

The math can be tricky, though, so it’s advisable to get help from a tax pro or financial planner. You don’t want to convert too much and push yourself into a higher tax bracket, or trigger higher Medicare premiums.

If your intention is to leave retirement money to your heirs, Roth conversions may also make sense now that Congress has eliminated the stretch IRA.

Stretch IRAs used to allow non-spouse beneficiaries — often children and grandchildren — to take money out of an inherited IRA gradually over their lifetimes. This spread out the tax bill and allowed the funds to continue growing. Now inherited IRAs typically have to be drained within 10 years if the inheritor is not a spouse.

To compensate, some people are converting IRAs to Roths — essentially paying the tax bill now, so their heirs won’t have to do so later. Heirs would still have to withdraw all the money in an inherited Roth IRA within 10 years, but taxes would not be owed.

Filed Under: Q&A, Retirement Tagged With: IRA, q&a, Retirement, Roth IRA, Social Security

Q&A: The value of waiting

March 23, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: This is a follow-up question to one you recently answered about tapping 401(k)s in order to delay the start of Social Security. I am 63 and retired early with a good pension that fully covers my basic living expenses. Any additional money would only be “gravy” for vacations and travel. Would I be taxed the same if I start taking Social Security now vs. waiting? I could easily tap my 401(k) to put off applying for Social Security.

Answer: When it comes to Social Security, if you can wait, you probably should.

Many middle-income people who have retirement funds will pay higher taxes if they start their benefits early, according to researchers who studied the “tax torpedo,” which is a sharp increase and then decline in marginal tax rates caused by the way Social Security benefits are taxed. The researchers found that many could lessen its effects by delaying the start of Social Security and tapping retirement funds instead.

If you’re married and the primary earner, it’s especially important to delay as long as possible because your benefit determines the survivor benefit that one of you will receive after the other dies.

Filed Under: Follow Up, Q&A, Social Security Tagged With: follow up, q&a, Social Security

Q&A: Now is a good time to get a financial tuneup. Here’s how

March 23, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I’m hoping you could provide recommendations, referrals or tips on how to help me manage my money. I’m seeking a financial planner who can help me pay my bills on time, learn to budget and pay off credit card debt.

Answer: When you’re struggling with the basics, a financial fitness coach or an accredited financial counselor may be a better fit than a financial planner.

Financial coaches and counselors specialize in budgeting, debt management, retirement planning and creating better money habits in general. Coaches and counselors in private practice typically charge $100 to $150 an hour, although many work on a sliding scale, said Rebecca Wiggins, executive director of the Assn. for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, which grants both credentials.

These accredited financial professionals also are employed by the military, credit unions and other organizations to provide services for free or low cost. You can start your search at https://www.afcpe.org/.

Filed Under: Banking, Financial Advisors, Q&A Tagged With: financial advisor, financial coach, financial counseling, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

March 20, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: The IRS’ new tax-filing deadline is July 15th. Also in the news: Tax traps that side hustlers should avoid, what not to do when spring cleaning your finances, and what you need to know about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The IRS’ New Tax-Filing Deadline Is July 15. Here’s What to Know Now
You have an extra three months.

Tax Traps That Side Hustlers Should Avoid
Don’t get caught with a big tax bill.

What Not to Do When Spring Cleaning Your Finances
Don’t be too drastic.

What You Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Find out how you benefit.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Families First Coronavirus Response Act, financial spring cleaning, IRS, July 15th, side hustles, tax filing deadline, tax traps

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

March 19, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Relief checks may be coming, but scammers are already here. Also in the news: 3 ways credit cards can help you ride out a crisis, your student loan bill is still due during a pandemic, and how to save energy while you’re stuck at home.

Relief Checks May Be Coming, but Scammers Are Already Here
Scammers never miss an opportunity.

3 Ways Credit Cards Can Help You Ride Out a Crisis
Preserving your cash.

Your Student Loan Bill Is Still Due During the Pandemic
Interest is halted, but you still need to pay.

How to Save Energy When You’re Stuck at Home
Keeping your electric bill in check.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Coronavirus, Credit Cards, energy saving tips, relief checks, scams, Student Loans, tips

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

March 18, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: IRS tax payments are now due in July. Here’s what that means for you. Also in the news: Taking your banking online during social distancing, why a used EV should be your teen’s first car, and what to do about your rewards travel plans.

IRS Tax Payments Are Now Due in July. Here’s What It Means for You
You still need to file by April 15th.

Social Distancing During the Coronavirus? Take Your Banking Online
It’s both convenient and safe.

Your Teen’s First Car: A Low-Cost, Low-Upkeep Used EV
A combination of factors make it an ideal choice.

What to Do About Your Rewards Travel Plans
Sorting through the confusion.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: first car suggestions, IRS, online banking, reward travel plans, tax payments, teens and driving

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