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...
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...
The Pro-Rata Rule and the Still-Working Exception: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I just wanted to verify that a 403(b) plan is not subject to the pro-rata rule when doing a Roth IRA conversion. Can you please let me know if this is correct? Thanks! Lynn ANSWER: Lynn, You are correct. When doing a Roth...
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...
Trump Accounts: Weird Stuff Keeps Happening
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst From its onset, I have been a fan of the concept of Trump accounts. Created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), this new savings vehicle for children is now up and running as of July 4, 2026. At their core, Trump accounts...
Treasury Announces Initial Trump Account Investment Options
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst On July 1, 2026, the Treasury Department announced the investment options for initial Trump account contributions. In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Congress imposed strict investment restrictions on Trump account contributions...
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...
The Pro-Rata Rule and Non-U.S. Citizen Beneficiaries: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: If someone has a SIMPLE IRA and is interested in doing a backdoor Roth IRA conversion, does the SIMPLE IRA count under the pro-rata rule? Answer: The pro-rata rule that determines the taxation of a backdoor Roth IRA conversion...
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...
IRS Provides Fix for Trump Account Gift Tax Issue
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education In just a few days, on July 4, Trump accounts will be available. As we come down to the wire, the IRS has stepped in to provide a safe harbor to address concerns about potential gift tax issues with contributions....
“The Law of the Plan is the Law of the Land”
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst When it comes to the rules governing specific workplace retirement plans like a 401(k), there are the foundational rules dictated by law, and there are “in-house rules” put into place by the plan itself. Plans can choose to be far...
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. ...
Ready To Take
THE NEXT STEP?
For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a meeting today.