Retirement

Download a copy of this article When should I begin thinking about taking distributions from my retirement assets and how should I go about doing so? The answer to this question depends upon when you expect to retire and the types of financial assets you own. In general, if you are within 5 years of your projected retirement date you should begin developing a strategy for this process. The strategy would include reviewing how your portfolio is invested, the amount of annual spending you anticipate, what amount of income your portfolio can generate and what other sources of income you may have such as Social Security, a pension or investment property income...

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, 64 percent of all employees in medium- and large-sized firms are covered by an employment-based retirement plan, compared with only 34 percent at small firms. One reason cited by small businesses for not offering retirement plans is the high costs associated with set-up and administration of a retirement plan...

Download a copy of this article   Last December’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act slashed the corporate income tax rate from a top rate of 35 percent to a flat 21-percent rate (among many other tax reforms). This placed pass-through businesses — whose owners continue to pay tax at individual rates as high as 37 percent — at a disadvantage. To help level the playing field, the Act introduced a new “pass-through deduction,” which allows owners of S corporations, partnerships (including LLCs taxed as partnerships), and sole proprietorships to deduct up to 20 percent of their qualified business income (QBI). Not all pass-through business owners are eligible for the deduction, however...

Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. Recent studies have consistently shown that a majority of retirees plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years. Here are some points to consider...

You've been saving diligently for years, and now it's time to think about how to convert the money in your traditional 401(k)s (or similar workplace savings plans) into retirement income. But hold on, not so fast. You may need to take a few steps first. Evaluate your needs If you haven't done so, estimate how much income you'll need to meet your desired lifestyle in retirement...

Article originally featured in Franchising World, January 2016 issue Franchisees struggling to provide cost-effective retirement planning options for their employees should consider a multiple employer plan (MEP) for their 401(k) platform. These plans: Take advantage of economies of scale and group purchasing power to offer reduced costs and improved benefits to participating employers and employees Can relieve employers of many administrative burdens associated with sponsoring a qualified retirement plan Transfer certain fiduciary duties and liabilities from the employer to the MEP plan sponsor If you haven't considered a MEP for your 401(k) platform yet, I think those are three compelling reasons you might want to take a look. What is a MEP? A MEP is a single retirement plan – such as a 401(k) or pension plan – maintained by two or more employers...