Blogs
“Third-Party Posts”
The information and opinions contained herein are provided by third parties and have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we make no representation as to their completeness or accuracy. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned.
The Retirement Mistake Nobody Talks About: Having a Plan But Never Updating It
Many Americans spend years preparing for retirement. They contribute to their 401(k)s, open IRAs, purchase insurance, and work diligently to build their nest egg. Yet one of the biggest mistakes retirees and pre-retirees make isn't failing to create a financial...
Mid-Year Financial Checkup: Why June Is the Perfect Time to Reassess Your Financial Plan
As we reach the halfway point of the year, many people take stock of their health, careers, and personal goals—but often overlook one of the most important areas of their lives: their finances. Just as an annual physical helps identify potential health concerns before...
Retirement Isn’t Just About Saving Money—It’s About Creating Income You Can Count On
For many Americans, retirement planning begins with one simple question: "How much money do I need to retire?" While building savings is important, a more critical question is often overlooked: "How will I create a reliable income throughout retirement?" Retirement...
7 Financial Mistakes That Can Derail Your Retirement — And How to Avoid Them
Retirement should be a time filled with freedom, confidence, and peace of mind — not uncertainty and financial stress. Yet many people unknowingly make decisions during their working years that can create major challenges later in life. The good news is that most...
Retirement Planning in 2026: Building Confidence for the Years Ahead
Retirement is no longer viewed as simply “stopping work.” For many individuals and families, retirement is about creating freedom, protecting the lifestyle they’ve worked hard to build, and gaining peace of mind for the future. With rising healthcare costs, market...
Understanding Fixed Indexed Annuities: Balancing Growth Potential and Protection
In today’s unpredictable financial environment, many retirees and pre-retirees are searching for ways to protect their savings while still maintaining the opportunity for growth. One financial tool that continues to gain attention is the Fixed Indexed Annuity, often...
Why Retirement Planning Should Start Earlier Than Most People Think
When people hear the words “retirement planning,” many immediately picture someone in their 60s preparing to leave the workforce. The reality is very different. The most successful retirement strategies often begin decades before retirement is even on the horizon....
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan
For many people, financial confidence is not about having millions of dollars or a perfect investment strategy. It is about feeling secure, prepared, and in control of what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. Expenses appear unexpectedly, markets fluctuate, health...
Protecting Your Wealth Through Every Stage of Life
When people think about financial planning, they often focus only on retirement accounts or investment strategies. While these are important pieces of the puzzle, true financial security comes from creating a complete plan that protects your wealth through every stage...
“Third-Party Posts”
The information and opinions contained herein are provided by third parties and have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we make no representation as to their completeness or accuracy. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned.
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 was unable to make it a 10th straight week of gains as the market pulled back sharply late in the week amid a sense that the AI trade may have gone too far, too fast. Technology issues were absolutely hammered on Thursday and Friday after...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global equity markets rallied in May and received a final boost in the final week of the month on optimism that the US and Iran were close to extending the current ceasefire agreement. However, the negotiations between the two parties were described as “clear as mud”...
Weekly Market Commentary
Happy Memorial Day weekend, and thank you to all the brave men and women who have served our country to ensure our freedom. Markets took a step forward last week in what I would consider a complete reversal of the prior week's action. A broadening-out trade could...
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. Hotter-than-expected inflation data, coupled with increased tensions in the Middle East, sent US Treasury yields significantly higher. The US-China summit ended with both sides with no real incremental...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets hit record highs as Q1 earnings continued to exceed expectations. Despite continued tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, investors bought mega-cap technology issues alongside Semiconductor companies. AMD posted...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets had mixed results last week as headlines about the US-Iran conflict continued to affect trade. Conflicting reports of the US and Iran meeting to negotiate a ceasefire came and went without the two sides meeting. The Strait of Hormuz continued to be...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets continued to rally in hopes of an extended ceasefire and Friday’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the rally will be tested on Monday after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, with the ceasefire ending on Tuesday. Negotiations...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets rose for a second week as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. The two sides met in Pakistan on Saturday to negotiate an end to the war, but talks ended without a resolution. The fragile ceasefire will be tested on Monday as markets reopen,...
Weekly Market Commentary
The holiday-shortened week saw US equities advance even as oil prices surged amid uncertainty about the duration of the Iranian conflict. Early in the week, investors bid up risk assets on hopes of a ceasefire. President Trump's assessment of the ongoing...
Weekly Market Commentary
US markets fell for the fourth consecutive week as the US-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 5th week. President Trump’s announcement that he would extend the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a couple of days sent markets soaring on Monday, but gains were met...
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“Third-Party Posts”
The information and opinions contained herein are provided by third parties and have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we make no representation as to their completeness or accuracy. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned.
Is there a penalty because the RMD was not taken prior to Mom’s passing?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: You recently posted an article about the “still-working exception.” Does this apply to solo 401(k) plans? Thanks, Birdie ANSWER: Birdie, The still-working exception allows participants in certain workplace retirement...
530A Trump Accounts: The Compounding Mathematical Facts
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst These days, anything with a hint of politics can be divisive. Trump accounts are no different. Public comments about this new savings vehicle are clearly rooted in the political divide that permeates our country. We are all sick up...
Not Child’s Play: How the “Kiddie Tax” Works
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst With contributions to Trump accounts having gone live on July 4, 2026, there has been lots of discussion recently about the “kiddie tax.” That’s because, once a child reaches January 1 of the year they turn age 18, they will be able to...
Does the Five-Year Holding Period Pertain to Me?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: My wife (Keiko) currently does not take a required minimum distribution (RMD) on her retirement account because the plan allows this while she is still working. Here are our questions: If she retires this December (2026), would...
What You Need to Know About the Still-Working Exception
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Tax rules require most retirement account owners who are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) to begin withdrawals at age 73. However, there is an exception to this rule for certain individuals who...
QCD Code Y: Optional Again in 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst During our recent Ed Slott and Company’s Instant IRA Success workshop in Brooklyn, NY, we were presenting information about qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) when an audible groan emanated from the crowd. Over the...
Can You Recharacterize a Roth Conversion to Avoid IRMAA?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag Thursday, July 16, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Hello, I’m married, filing jointly, and I have been converting my traditional IRA to Roth this year. If I convert too much and trigger higher Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) charges, can...
How Plan Loans Work
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst The June 15, 2026 Slott Report outlined the barriers preventing 401(k) and other plan participants from accessing their plan funds while working. The June 24, 2026 article discussed in-plan withdrawals as one way around those barriers....
The Ghost-Life Rule Explained
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act of 2019 changed many rules for inherited IRAs. However, it left intact the rules for non-living (non-person) beneficiaries, such as an estate. For these non-designated beneficiaries (NDBs), the same...
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