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.
Life Insurance in 2026: It’s More Than a Death Benefit
When many people hear the words "life insurance," they immediately think about protecting loved ones after they're gone. While that remains one of its most important purposes, today's life insurance solutions can offer much more. In 2026, life insurance has evolved...
How a Fixed Indexed Annuity Can Work for You in 2026
As Americans continue preparing for retirement in an uncertain economic environment, many are looking for ways to protect their savings while still having the opportunity for growth. With inflation, market volatility, and changing interest rate expectations continuing...
The Biggest Retirement Risk Isn’t the Market—It’s Having No Plan
When people think about retirement, they often focus on one thing: the stock market. They worry about the next downturn, the next recession, or the next headline predicting financial uncertainty. While market volatility is certainly something to consider, it may not...
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan, Not a Product
Retirement isn't built on luck—it’s built on preparation. While investment performance, insurance coverage, and market conditions all play important roles, one factor often has the greatest impact on long-term success: having a comprehensive financial plan. Whether...
Why a Retirement Income Plan Matters More Than Your Investment Returns
Many people spend decades focused on growing their retirement savings. They watch the markets, contribute to retirement accounts, and celebrate when their balances increase. But when retirement finally arrives, one question becomes far more important than, "How much...
The Retirement Tax Trap: Why Keeping More of Your Money Matters More Than Chasing Higher Returns
When people think about retirement, they often focus on growing their investments. They search for higher returns, the next great investment opportunity, or ways to outperform the market. While investment performance is important, many retirees discover that one of...
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...
“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
Markets took a step back last week despite a better-than-expected start to second-quarter earnings and benign inflation data. Semiconductor names continued to come under pressure, especially the memory names, as the sector entered into bear territory, off 20% in just...
US markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. The rotation from technology into other parts of the market reversed this week, as leadership from mega-cap tech names and semiconductors powered the market higher. News that China would allow the purchase of...
Weekly Market Commentary
The holiday-shortened week saw the end to the best 2nd quarter in six years as the S&P 500 added over $8 trillion in market value. The Semiconductor sector recorded its best quarter ever with a gain of 87.75% as AI demand for chips continued. That said the...
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets finished the week mixed, with a noticeable rotation out of mega-cap technology issues to healthcare, real estate, and consumer staples. Concerns about the return on investment from a massive capital-expenditure binge on artificial intelligence resurfaced. ...
Weekly Market Commentary
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there. The holiday-shortened week brought gains to US equities and saw the Japanese and South Korean markets forge new all-time highs. The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran extended the...
Weekly Market Commentary
It was a hectic week on Wall Street as investors contended with heightened tensions in the Middle East, awaited the largest IPO in history, and received elevated inflation readings. The US and Iran appear to be very close to extending a fragile ceasefire, but as I...
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...
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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.
An Update on State Law Tax Treatment of Trump Accounts
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst A Slott Report article from April 20, 2026, reported that a number of states intended to tax Trump accounts less favorably than they are taxed under the federal tax code, and others were undecided about state tax treatment. Since then,...
Should My Daughter Continue Contributing to Her Son’s 529 Plan or Open Up a Trump Account?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: Can I roll over my pre-tax 401(k) funds to a traditional IRA and my Roth 401(k) funds to a Roth IRA? I am concerned about the once-per-year rollover rule. Thanks, Ken Answer: Hi Ken, I have good news for you. The once-per-year...
Qualified Disaster Distributions
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Hurricane season is upon us. Wildfires are raging in the West, and many states are dealing with flooding from summer storms. Natural disasters are increasingly common. After the impact comes the cleanup…and the...
Can I Do a Roth Conversion With No Earned Income?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Can I convert my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA even though I have no earned income for this year? Answer: While having earned income or taxable compensation is a requirement for making a tax-year...
IRS Issues Guidance on Permissible Trump Account Investments
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the most important features of Trump accounts is that they must be invested a certain way during the period before January 1 of the year the child turns age 18. (The IRS calls this the “growth period.”) The IRS recently issued...
Avoid These 4 Common IRA Trust Mistakes
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can help you meet important estate planning goals. However, if you are considering this, you should proceed with caution. Here are four common mistakes with IRA trusts you...
Inherited Roth IRAs and Contributions: today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I inherited a Roth IRA from a sister who was one year younger than me. If I choose to stretch distributions over my life expectancy, which chart do I use, and whose age do I use for the first required minimum distribution...
Roth Distribution Rules: IRAs vs. Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The foundational premise of a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) is the same – after-tax dollars go into the Roth account (either via contribution or conversion), and eligible earnings are tax-free. Pretty easy. But when it comes to...
IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Account Employer Contributions
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Recent IRS guidance confirms that any employer that wishes to make employer contributions to Trump accounts must comply with several administrative requirements. Especially for small employers, these requirements are likely to be...
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