Articles Categorized in: Blog

Can 457 Plans Be Rolled Over to an IRA?

Both 457 plans and IRAs may share many similarities, yet their rollover dynamics contain subtle distinctions. A 457 plan may have restrictions that prevent withdrawals without penalty after separation from employment while an IRA allows distributions without incurring fees. Transitioning a 457 plan into an IRA may provide numerous advantages, including consolidating retirement savings and accessing more investment options. This article will detail key points when exploring this path. Tax-Deferred Participants retiring from a 457 plan or leaving companies offering...
Read More

Is SSDI Income Tax Exempt?

Federal income taxes do not apply to Social Security disability benefits; however, some states do impose taxes. Whether or not any SSDI income is subject to taxes depends upon your overall income level. You might be able to reduce your taxes by spreading lump sum back payments across several years. As this can be a complex process, it would be wise to consult an accountant or tax preparer prior to proceeding with this strategy. Taxes on SSDI SSDI benefits may...
Read More

Is Gold a Good Retirement Plan?

Gold investment options vary, from buying physical metal to investing in gold-related stocks. Your decision will depend on your financial goals and retirement needs. Financial advisors typically recommend allocating 5- to 10% of your portfolio to gold. A financial planner can assist in helping to determine which allocation would be most effective in your individual circumstances. It’s a hedge against inflation Gold has long been touted as an effective hedge against inflation; however, its value may not keep pace with...
Read More

How Much Tax Do I Pay on IRA Withdrawal?

The IRS mandates that you begin withdrawing minimum distributions from your IRA at certain ages. Since these withdrawals can be complex, it’s wise to seek professional financial or tax advice prior to withdrawing any money from an IRA. Withdrawals made before age 59 1/2 will usually be subject to an income tax and 10% penalty unless an exception applies. Taxes Traditional IRAs (and 401(k) plans) provide tax advantages until you take out a distribution, at which point it becomes taxable....
Read More

What Is a Non-Bank Custodian?

Custodial financial institutions serve an integral role in connecting investors or traders with their securities by safeguarding them in safe storage facilities. They form part of the registration chain linking owners with their holdings. If you plan to invest in alternative assets within your IRA, a self-directed IRA custodian must provide custody. There are various factors to keep in mind, including fees and customer service when choosing one. What is a custodian? Custodians are financial institutions that secure securities owned...
Read More

Can You Own ETFs in an IRA?

ETFs offer investors various advantages, including diversification, low fees and the flexibility to trade like stocks. Furthermore, ETFs provide transparency and tax efficiency. IRAs allow investors to invest in an array of assets. However, there are certain regulations you should keep in mind; for instance, an IRA typically cannot invest in collectibles or gold coins. Taxes ETFs may be an ideal addition to an IRA due to their lower fees compared to mutual funds and their ability to diversify a...
Read More

How to Buy Gold in Your IRA

Investors looking to incorporate physical precious metals into their retirement plans have various options available to them, including self-directed IRAs or traditional or Roth IRAs. Precious metals held in an Individual Retirement Account can grow tax-deferred until qualified withdrawals are made, providing both diversification and inflation protection benefits. Buying Gold in Your IRA Gold can act as a valuable hedge against inflation and market fluctuations, acting as an insurance against future economic instability. Although gold does not pay interest like...
Read More

Can I Own Physical Gold in My IRA?

Steps are involved in opening and managing a gold IRA, such as selecting a reliable precious metals IRA company, purchasing eligible gold from within an IRA account and placing it into storage at an institution that specializes in safeguarding gold reserves. Gold coins or bullion investments can be an excellent way to diversify your retirement portfolio and protect it against economic uncertainty, but it’s essential that investors understand all of the associated options and costs before pursuing this route. Self-directed...
Read More

How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on an Early IRA Withdrawal?

Financial emergencies may require that you tap into your retirement savings early, but do so only if necessary and only with proper knowledge. Be wary of taking short cuts that could potentially impose a 10% penalty fee on early withdrawal. You may be eligible to avoid penalties on withdrawals made from an IRA to cover qualified education expenses for yourself, your spouse or children. Furthermore, penalty free withdrawals can also be made for unreimbursed medical expenses or unemployment compensation payments....
Read More

How Do I Use My Gold For Retirement?

Gold can be an invaluable way to diversify your retirement portfolio, offering protection from inflation while increasing wealth. But investors must be wary of the inherent risks involved with holding physical precious metals. One effective strategy for investing in gold is converting your 401(k) into a Precious Metals Individual Retirement Account (PMIRA). This type of IRA enables you to hold physical gold, silver, and other precious metals. IRAs IRAs provide tax benefits and are an efficient way of saving for...
Read More