How to Avoid Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Many people are surprised to learn that their Social Security benefits can be subject to federal taxation. Whether your benefits are taxed depends on what is known as your “provisional income.” This is your adjusted gross income (not counting Social Security benefits) plus nontaxable interest and half of your Social Security benefits. For people filing […]
Protecting Yourself Against the High Cost of Long-Term Care
Thanks to improvements in medical science and healthier lifestyles, Americans are living longer than ever before. Unfortunately, many of us will require long-term care at some point in our lives, and one in five of us will require long-term care for at least five years. According to Genworth Financial, the median cost of long-term […]
If You’re Thinking About Downsizing Your Home in Retirement, Avoid These Common Mistakes
Perhaps you have considered selling your current home, buying a smaller one, and using the difference to help fund your retirement. A recent article on Investopedia.com explores this approach and details the mistakes you must avoid. Here are some of the highlights. Overestimating Your Current Home’s Value Many people overestimate how much their current home […]
Do You Need a Revocable Living Trust?
One of the first questions many clients ask is whether they need a Revocable Living Trust? It’s a great question, but it leads to another: What do you want your plan to accomplish? Let’s begin with a brief discussion of what trusts are and how they work. Then we’ll explore their benefits, which should give […]
