Our firm holds regular educational classes at the community college campus near our Ankeny, IA office. We invite folks in surrounding communities to these classes through direct-mail postcard invitations and digital invitations through Facebook. The invitations highlight several specific topics that we commonly cover during our classes. For example, strategies to optimize entitlement programs such […]
In last month’s publication we explored the complications that can arise when a retirement plan is designed for a married couple (filing taxes jointly) suddenly gets turned on its head at the passing of one of the spouses. This month we will examine the real-life challenges from the view point of fictional couple, William and […]
Monthly News and Information for Current and Future Retirees Presented by Mark Triplett – AUGUST 2020 QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” JAMES BALDWIN FIGURING OUT WHEN TO START YOUR SECOND ACT Many Gen Xers and baby boomers look forward […]
Death is never fun to talk about. However, it is an inevitable part of life. In 1789 Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” […]
Imagine you’re planning a once in a lifetime Hawaiian vacation. You’ve established a set budget of $8,000 for arranged accommodations, meals, excursions, and a rental car when you arrive. You’re feeling confident that you have planned well, and have wisely allocated nearly your entire budget for this vacation. You even splurged on a new wardrobe […]
When and how you claim Social Security benefits is one of the bigger decisions you will face as you transition from your working years into your post working years. For many folks, Social Security will be one of their largest retirement resources, and its often the most mismanaged. Irrevocable decisions could potentially add or subtract […]
Pending Legislation Could Affect Inherited IRAs in a Big Way Inherited IRAs, or “Stretch IRAs,” as we know them today could soon be history. There are two retirement bills floating through Congress that aim to overhaul America’s retirement system. The first to be passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 23rd, is the […]
Where you going? You: Mark, we’re going on vacation! Me: That’s great? Where are you going? You: “Vacation.” Me: Wonderful, where to? You: V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, Mark. Are you not listening? Me: That’s awesome, what’s your destination? You: “Vacation” is our destination! This dialogue seems a bit silly, right? However, this is a conversation that plays out […]