Markets staged their best week in nearly a year following a US-Iran ceasefire — but inflation just hit a four-year high and consumer sentiment is at an all-time low. Here's what happened, what we're watching, and what it means for your retirement plan.

Most investors believe they must choose between the scale of large financial firms and the personalization of smaller advisors. In reality, a different structure exists. This article explores how separating advice from infrastructure—through independent advisors and custodians like Schwab—can deliver both institutional capability and tailored planning, and why that matters for building a coordinated retirement strategy.

The tax season is upon us. This is the time when many people consider contributing to a retirement account.

With job loss can come questions about what to do with retirement savings such as your 401(k) plan. A rollover to an IRA may be a good move for you.

If you contribute to more than one retirement plan, understanding how contribution limits apply across accounts is more nuanced than it appears. This article explains how deferral and overall limits work together—and where confusion often arises.

When a spouse inherits an IRA, the decision may seem straightforward. But depending on how and when that transition is handled, it can create outcomes that weren’t intended. This is one example of how timing—not complexity—often shapes retirement results.

These days many Americans are still working long beyond what has traditionally been retirement age. There are some big benefits to extending a career.

U.S.–Iran strikes, oil volatility, and inflation risks—what it means for markets and how a structured retirement plan protects affluent investors.

Despite any repercussions, certain IRA and retirement plan transactions simply cannot be unwound. As a follow-up to the March 2 entry, here are a few more “fatal errors” that cannot be fixed.

Starting January 28, 2026, the TSP, a 401(k)-like retirement savings plan for federal civilian employees and uniformed services members, will also begin offering in-plan conversions.

Thinking about leaving your job? Make sure you understand the vesting schedule that applies to your retirement plan.

When it comes to IRAs and other retirement accounts, the Grinch’s favorite things are penalties and missed opportunities. Here’s a coal-stuffed stocking full of transactions that are now too late to get done.

Rising prices are a significant risk to retirement. That’s why it’s critical to save as much as you can and invest it to keep pace with or beat inflation over time.

Smart tax planning isn’t just about meeting deadlines — it’s about making your money last longer and work harder for you and the people you love.

With all the tax changes made by the 2025 OBBBA, it’s no surprise that the IRS has made significant changes to the 2025 Form 1040 and supporting schedules and forms.

The holidays are here and the countdown to year’s end has started. For many retirement account owners, this means that an important deadline is fast approaching.

On November 13, 2025, the IRS announced the 2026 COLA limits for IRAs and retirement plans. Here are the 2026 limits for SIMPLE IRAs.

The year 2025 has been a turbulent time for the economy; the result is that more and more retirement account funds are on the move.

The IRS has released the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement accounts for 2026, and many of the dollar limits will increase next year.

At CRA, we’re proud that Chris Cordoba is a member of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ — a distinction earned by only a select group of advisors nationwide.

For those who are fortunate enough to have access to multiple retirement plans, the ability to put away a significant amount of money is there…if the cards are played right.

If you are using the “still-working exception” to defer required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k) (or other company plan), you may want to delay your retirement into 2026.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). What does it mean for your retirement account?

As a recent case shows, for ERISA plans, there is one rule that trumps the beneficiary designation form: The spousal beneficiary rule.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings new considerations, especially for Roth conversion planning.

Here are 5 random retirement account trivia questions to test you...

When retirement account funds are on the move, things do not always go as planned.

If you’re in a 457(b) plan and are nearing retirement, there's an often-overlooked rule that could allow you to defer twice the usual annual elective deferral limit three years before retirement.

If you are among the growing number of savers choosing to use Roth accounts for retirement savings, you may have questions when it comes to moving your money.

There is no “SECURE 3.0” in this legislation. It does NOT contain any changes DIRECTLY related to IRA or retirement plan rules.

Retirement account rules are incredibly complicated, and we all have our blind spots. The still-working exception is one of those tricky rules.

Many retirement plans base employer contributions on employee compensation. The compensation limit increases most years based on inflation.

Recent turmoil in the markets has hit many retirement savers hard as they see their IRA and 401(k) balances rapidly shrinking.

There is still time beyond the April 15 deadline. Here are three retirement account moves for the 2024 tax year that are still available to make in 2025.

Make your 2025 IRA contribution by April 15, 2026. Learn limits, rules, and deductions to maximize your retirement savings.

After-tax contributions are worth considering as they can significantly boost your retirement savings and can sometimes be funneled into Roth accounts while you’re still working.

If I retire in the year when I turn 73 (or older) and want to directly roll over my 401(k) funds to an IRA, do I have to first take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from my 401(k)?

In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that inherited IRAs are NOT protected in bankruptcy under federal law, citing three primary characteristics of inherited IRAs were not features of a “retirement” account.

A recent survey found that about one-third of Americans plan to retire in their current city. A key factor in decisions about where to retire is financial security.

Here are a handful of creative “detours” that retirement account owners may be forced to take in order to reach their intended goal.

Personal finance includes managing your money as well as saving and investing. It encompasses budgeting, banking, insurance, mortgages, investments, and retirement, tax, and estate planning.

Monday was Inauguration Day. We also have a new Congress. When it comes to retirement accounts, one rule that the new Congress should consider changing immediately is the income limit rule that applies to Roth IRA contributions.

When the ball dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, a number of new retirement account provisions became effective.

The year 2025 is upon us! There is no doubt that this will be an eventful time for retirement accounts.

Planning an IRA rollover across calendar years? Learn how to report it, avoid tax mistakes, and stay within rollover limits to protect your retirement savings.

For some retirement account owners and beneficiaries, a very important deadline is looming. December 31 is the deadline to take 2024 required minimum distributions (RMDs) for many individuals.

Explore Roth IRA conversion rules, tax planning strategies, and common mistakes to avoid when converting retirement accounts.

When planning for retirement, there is a risk that is sometimes overlooked—the possibility of cognitive decline.

Discover the IRS tax relief and retirement withdrawal options for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Learn about penalty-free IRA withdrawals, extended tax deadlines, and SECURE 2.0 benefits.

Starting in 2025, older employees can make larger catch-up contributions to retirement plans. Learn who qualifies and how much more you can save.

401(k) plans can now match student loan repayments under SECURE 2.0, providing valuable contributions toward retirement savings starting in 2024.

Both retired and working participants were concerned that significant changes in Social Security may be ahead. They're not wrong to be concerned.

So that everyone knows which end is up, here is a spiked punch bowl of common retirement-account-related acronyms.

The issue is whether a retirement account beneficiary subject to the 10-year payout rule who inherits from an IRA owner after the owner had started RMDs must continue annual RMDs during the 10-year period.

While you have been saving for retirement, you may not have thinking about what happens to your IRA after your death.

More and more Americans have retirement savings in Roth 401(k)s. With their rising popularity come some complicated tax issues.

Retiring at age 73 or later? Learn how 401(k) RMD rules apply before rolling over to an IRA and how to avoid excess contribution penalties.

Prepare for the seven key life events that impact baby boomers' finances and investments. Learn about estate planning, health care, retirement, and managing multiple income sources. Consult a financial advisor to secure your future.

Understand Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA rollover rules, 5-year clocks, and tax implications to avoid costly mistakes and maximize retirement savings.

Discover when a reverse rollover from an IRA to a 401(k) makes sense. Learn how this strategy can help you minimize taxes and maximize retirement benefits.

Learn how to avoid rollover mistakes with your required minimum distribution (RMD). Understand the rules, common errors, and steps to correct excess contributions to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Get expert advice to manage your retirement savings effectively.

Learn the essential facts about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for your IRA. Understand RMD rules, deadlines, calculations, and penalties. Get expert advice to manage your retirement savings effectively.

After more than two years, we might actually be getting answers from the IRS on several important unanswered questions concerning RMDs for those who inherit IRAs or company plan accounts. Learn about the upcoming IRS Beneficiary RMD Final Regulations, changes from the SECURE Act, and how they impact your retirement account inheritance planning.

If you don’t like where you’re at, do everything in your power to change it, because fantasyland retirement will not mystically appear at age 65. By sticking to the long-term plan, short-term gratification opportunities should present themselves.

SECURE 2.0 expands in-service withdrawal options for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans. Learn what’s changed and how these rules affect access to retirement funds.

Explore four ways to reduce taxes on your required minimum distributions. Keep more of your retirement savings with smart planning.

Participating in more than one retirement plan? Learn how elective deferral and overall contribution limits apply when you're in two plans in the same year.

When it comes to our retirement accounts, we frequently complain about the negatives, such as the many IRA rules that are way too complicated and confusing. Let's change it up and take a few moments to give thanks for those IRA rules that work well and help us save for our families’ futures.

Spending on healthcare in the United States grew more slowly than usual during the pandemic, rising just 2.7 percent from 2020 to 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The SECURE 2.0 Act contained over 90 sections and included numerous IRA and retirement account changes. Here is a list of 10 items from the Act scheduled to come on-line in 2024.

Learn how the 3-year statute of limitations affects missed RMD penalties and what SECURE 2.0 means for your retirement distributions.

If you’re facing the unpleasant prospect of paying college bills for the fall semester, you may be thinking of tapping into your retirement savings to help with the costs. If you’re under age 59 ½, there is an exception to the 10% early distribution penalty for higher education expenses. But there are several rules you need to follow.

Rolling over to an IRA can offer many advantages, but everyone’s situation is different. Think carefully and weigh your options.

While celebrating, same-sex couples may want to take this opportunity to consider plans for their retirement accounts. Since the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 have overhauled the rules, it may be time for a new strategy. Here are 5 retirement account planning tips.

Understand required minimum distributions (RMDs), IRS updates, tax penalties, and smart withdrawal strategies for inherited retirement accounts.

Explore 457(b) plans: rollovers, creditor protection. Know differences in governmental and top hat plans for a secure retirement. Read more.

A creative metaphor or simile can help the reader grasp a concept. Here is a 6-pack of random summertime similes and other retirement account comparisons.

The biggest advantage that a spouse beneficiary of an IRA has over other beneficiaries is the ability to do a spousal rollover. With this, inherited retirement account funds become the spouse beneficiary’s own.

Employees with very high compensation cannot have their retirement plan benefits based on all of their pay. Instead, the tax code allows only compensation up to a certain dollar amount to be taken into account.

Explore potential impacts of not raising the debt ceiling by the deadline, with insights from investment managers, economists, and retirement planners. Learn how this could affect your financial strategies and retirement plans.

With Financial Literacy Month upon us, it's time to review some basic financial concepts. Here are some tips to help you become more financially confident.

SECURE 2.0 has changed the way RMDs work in retirement planning. Read to see these changes.

Retiring is both an exciting and emotional time for everyone, and public safety employees are no exception.

Contained in this article is a list of 5 major changes to retirement accounts courtesy of SECURE 2.0.

Confused about SECURE Act 2.0? Take a look at our rundown of the new legislation and how it changes your retirement.

This article contains changes made to retirement accounts from SECURE 2.0, more specifically in the 401(k) category.

Delaying RMDs can be a beneficial step in successful retirement planning. See how things have changed under SECURE 2.0.

Annuities can bring you guaranteed income in retirement - but should you wait until retirement age to purchase one?

Surprise! Retirement is an exciting & validating time but there are many surprising facts that you may not be aware of when planning. Take these 6 things to heart.

SECURE 2.0 is designed to increase savings in IRAs and company plans for retirement planners and savers.

As you work with your financial planner to create a withdrawal strategy throughout retirement, you’ll want to consider the differences between two of the most popular strategy types: systematic withdrawal and the bucket approach.

Ask these 10 essential questions to ensure your financial advisor has the expertise to manage your retirement and IRA planning confidently.

With the multiple plans available to retirement planners, it can be daunting deciding which one is right for you.

Retirement is a momentous chapter in your life and deciding where to spend it should be equally exciting.

Before you turn in your two-weeks notice, consider the different ways you can make your life a bit easier before you officially start your new and exciting chapter.

Should frugality be a cornerstone of your retirement savings plan? Before changing your quality of life today for your future retirement goals, here's what you should consider first.

Many contribution limits have been increased for 2023. Read this article to find out all the details regarding these changes.

Your employer may offer you a Roth 403(b) plan. Before you start contributing, it’s important to understand where your money’s going and the tax implications this type of account will have on you now and into retirement.

Deciding to live out your golden years following a passion of owning your own business is no easy feat, but it is possible. Follow these 10 steps to get started.

With the abundance of rules and regulations regarding retirement accounts and savings strategies, it's no wonder people have so many questions. Here are your answers!

While there are many tricky aspects to financial planning and retirement funding, here are some that are straightforward and greatly beneficial.

Even with a good income, there are some big mistakes that can foul up your retirement. And the effects won’t be realized until it’s too late to make financial repairs.

When considering limits in your retirement plan, it can often get confusing to understand how they operate. This article clears the air on this subject.

Retirement planning is about much more than just saving. It's time to create a more detailed plan towards a retirement date you can live with.

If you're retired, a market crash is cause for concern. Here are 4 things you can do to help make positive financial decisions in the wake of a market downturn.

This article will share some fun hobbies for retired people that might be out of their normal expectations.

RMDs are a major part of the retirement process, which can lead to penalization if not understood carefully.

This article will be about the unique considerations and tactics that military families should keep in mind when approaching retirement planning.

You know you need to be able to cover expenses in retirement, but have you determined how you'll do it? As you consider, here are 4 potential ways to help fund retirement.

Each pension plan has their pros and cons, which one is right for your situation? Find out here.

The government is attempting to strengthen retirement plans so that they last.

Everyone wants to be comfortable and financially stable as they age. Here are few tips to help you secure retirement in your 50s and 60s.

Having an HSA is crucial for the retirement planning process, so make sure that you understand the rules for HSAs.

Vesting rules are used to give a benefit amount according to how long you've been with a company. Find out how to calculate yours!

The three financial plans discussed here encompass what to expect when putting away money for retirement. Find out how they differ!

Wealth alone does not determine how much you will enjoy retirement. It’s a combination of health and wealth that can help you get the most out of your independence and freedom in retirement.

You want to enjoy your retirement, which is why it's so important to start planning now. Top stress-reducing tips on when planning for your future.

The IRS has released record high contribution increase for 2023. This article details the changes.

Retiring early to become a full-time caregiver is a huge life milestone and requires careful planning. Read more here.

There's plenty to consider when determining if you're financially prepared to leave the working world. Consider each of these 5 factors carefully before taking this next step in life.

Help your clients and contacts to understand the whens and wherefores of adjusting their retirement strategies with our new article.

Let your clients and contacts know about what a big job retirement strategy represents, and what a help you will be in setting it into motion. Factoring in longevity is a big part of that.

Learn how to find lost 401(k) accounts and reclaim forgotten retirement funds. Step-by-step guide, search tools, and rollover options explained.

RMDs feel like they creep up on you as you near retirement age, even if you're still working. But there are ways to delay the taking of these RMDs while you're still working.

While the idea of taking retirement dollars early is appealing, there are some stipulations that must be followed or you can be penalized.

Strategizing how you can use RMDs at a time that is most beneficial to you takes knowledge that this article will help you gain.

There are many different abbreviated terms that a retiree should understand that will help them in every facet of their retirement.

Inflation can have a detrimental effect on retirement savings. However, there are several approaches you can take to protect your retirement from inflation. Here's how.

Before you can begin to claim any Social Security benefits be sure you're checking these 6 things off your list to start your retirement off on the right foot.

The answer to "How much?" varies from individual to individual. An overview of how to calculate the size of your retirement.

Just because you've retired doesn't mean you have to stop working. However, working income may affect your social security earnings.

You've imagined your dream retirement, but how can you know if you’ll be able to afford it? Estimating your Social Security benefits is an important component to any retirement plan.

If you're a little behind on retirement savings, don't panic. Here's three ways you can catch up and bulk up your account.

Retirement is about enjoying your financial independence, but it doesn't mean you have to stop working. In fact, there are a few reasons why you may want to consider it.

Making the dream of early retirement a reality requires a particular strategy. What to think about when strategizing for early retirement.

Selecting the right investment options for retirement can help you stay prepared for unexpected expenses and a longer life expectancy. Learn more about your options and important considerations as you navigate retirement.

Compare 403(b) vs. 457(b) plans to determine the best retirement savings option. Learn about contribution limits, tax benefits, and plan eligibility.

Mega backdoor Roth IRAs are complicated retirement savings strategies. But for the right person, they could offer a big tax advantage.

You know you need to start preparing now for a peaceful retirement, but sometimes it's hard to know where to start. If you're uncertain about your next steps, here are 6 things to start doing differently right now.

Deciding to wait or claim Social Security benefits is a personal decision. Here are some important factors anyone nearing or in retirement should consider now.

When planning your retirement income, you should include healthcare costs. Here are some of the top healthcare costs in retirement to consider.

The retirement strategy has changed over the years, culminating in a plan that will ensure that you are living your happiest years during your retirement. Find out what this new strategy is!

Whether you are already retired or just beginning to consider your retirement years, the question "Will I outlive my money" is most likely a top concern

A retirement lifestyle is more than just saving money; it's also deciding how you want to spend that extra time. Here's a look at what you want to consider.

Catch-up contributions can be a great way to make up for lost time when it comes to retirement savings. Are you eligible?

Retirement changes everything. Has your money mentality changed with it?

If you’re experiencing financial hardship or emergency, knowing the rules of the road for penalty-free retirement plan withdrawals is important.

This article will outline some of the factors to consider when readers are determining how "retirement-ready" they are.

Finding an annuity that meets your long-term objectives requires time and research but may be the key to boosting your financial success in retirement.

Did you know you may be able to take your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan and roll it into another type of retirement account while you are still working? Let’s look at how these rollovers can happen and the pros and cons of making them.

Business transition planning can often be one of the most overlooked sources of retirement income for small business owners. Here are 5 tips to consider when creating your transition strategy.

You might be able to plan for many of your retirement expenses, but there are likely going to be unexpected things that come up.

The uncertainty surrounding the economy and workforce makes early retirement seem all the more appealing - but it's not as simple as it seems. Before settling for an early retirement, consider these crucial factors.

It’s always fun to have a movie night, especially watching films that celebrate the fun, friendships, and possibilities of retirement. Here are a few classic favorites about exploring the unexpected.

You’ve probably been hearing about “The Great Resignation” as more Americans than ever are leaving their jobs. We examine why this is happening in our latest informative article.

The Social Security Administration announced a 2021 Cost of Living Increase of 1.3% on Oct. 13, 2020. Whether you’re currently working or enjoying retirement, here’s how you may be affected.

If you're an educator, take some time to review your 403(b) retirement plan while there's still time to strategize and save. Plus consider a note of caution on how you get your advice.

Traditional retirement planning is less effective when spouses stop working at different ages. Here are a few things to take into account as you prepare for this next chapter.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts were suspended in 2020, as part of the federal government’s effort to keep the economy afloat despite medical and financial turmoil. Now they’re back, so most people who are 72 or older in 2021 will have to take at least as much as IRS tables dictate from their retirement accounts this year, and pay the resulting tax. Many IRA owners delay RMDs until yearend, but there are good reasons to act sooner rather than later.

Now that required minimum distributions from retirement accounts are back for 2021 after being waived in 2020, you should look before you leap if you’ll owe RMDs this year. I’ll outline three commonly overlooked strategies by many retirement advisors, investment advisors, and financial consultants alike, that are good for you to at least know about especially if you own a large IRA. Note that this recommendation applies not only to most account owners who are 72 or older in 2021 but also to retirement account beneficiaries subject to RMDs.