Oil dropped sharply and the market tried to broaden — but the Fed's tone this week changed the conversation in a way that matters more for retirement portfolios than the index numbers do.

The S&P 500 was up last week. So were the Dow and Nasdaq. But the more interesting move happened underneath the headline numbers — and it has real implications for anyone approaching or in retirement. Here's what actually shifted, and what it means for your plan.

Your social feed has probably been buzzing about it. Maybe a family member forwarded you an article. Here's the short answer: there is no "Trump IRA." An executive order was signed — but it directed agencies to study retirement savings access. No new law. No new account type. No IRS guidance. Here's what actually happened, and why the confusion itself is the planning risk.

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.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit fresh highs last week — while inflation stayed well above target. Here's what drove markets and what it means for your retirement income plan.

Tech hit fresh records while consumer confidence hit a 73-year low. This week's market commentary breaks down what both signals mean for your retirement plan.

Headline CPI came in as expected — but core CPI and every PPI index told a different story. Here's what it means for retirement portfolios when the Fed can't blink.

A SpaceX liquidity event doesn't automatically produce financial security — it produces a large pool of capital that needs to be converted into something sustainable. Here's what the gap between "liquid" and "planned" actually looks like, and how to close it before it quietly costs you.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Learn how the still-working exception affects RMDs, retirement timing, and 401(k) rollovers when retiring near year-end.

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

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.

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

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.

Learn how SEP and SIMPLE IRA creditor protection works in bankruptcy and lawsuits, and what steps may help safeguard retirement savings.

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

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.

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.

Learn how after-tax 401(k) contributions can increase retirement savings and create opportunities for Roth conversions and tax-free growth.

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.

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

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

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

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)?

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.