Rachel L. Sheedy
Latest articles by Rachel L. Sheedy
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Traditional IRA Basics: 10 Things You Must Know
Basics A traditional IRA can be a powerful retirement-savings tool but you need to understand contribution limits, RMDs, rules for beneficiaries under the SECURE Act and more.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
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Reverse Mortgages
Mortgages Reverse mortgages can be complicated so it’s imperative that you understand how the loan is repaid, the monthly costs and potential scams to look out for.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
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401(k)s: 10 Things You Must Know About These Retirement Savings Plans
401(k)s These accounts can be a great way to save for retirement while giving you a tax break now. But beware of the fees plan providers charge for 401(k)s.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)
RMDs Here’s everything you need to know about RMDs and how to minimize your tax bill.
By Jackie Stewart Published
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Traditional IRAs
IRAs A traditional IRA can be a powerful retirement-savings tool but you need to understand contribution limits, RMDs, rules for beneficiaries under the SECURE Act and more.
By Jackie Stewart Published
IRAs -
Alternate Strategies for Stretch IRA
retirement There are still moves that IRA owners can make to help ease the transfer of their legacy to their chosen beneficiaries and save some money from the taxman.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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A Retiree’s Guide to Key Dates in 2020
Budgeting Now is the time to assess your financial situation, look ahead and mark your calendar.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Retirees, Cover Your Trip and Your Health, Too
Travel Travel insurance may protect you if have to cancel or interrupt a trip, or if you get sick while on the road.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Medicare Part B Premiums Climb for 2020
Medicare High-income retirees will experience the biggest changes.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Proposed RMD Rules Would Trim Mandated Distributions for Retirees
required minimum distributions (RMDs) Ways to get your voice heard on possible new life expectancy tables that would affect your money.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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End-of-Year Moves to Trim Your 2019 Tax Tab
tax deductions It's time to look for last-minute moves that can shrink your 2019 tax bill. But the end of the year is coming fast, so don't procrastinate.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Secure Act Threatens 'Stretch' IRA Rules That Benefit Heirs
retirement Some retirees are concerned about a provision that could require heirs to empty inherited retirement accounts within 10 years and pay a lot more in taxes.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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IRA Aggregation Rule: When Many IRAs Become One
IRAs Manage withdrawals from multiple retirement accounts carefully to avoid surprises (and penalties).
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
IRAs -
Protecting Retirement Accounts from Creditors
IRAs Degrees of legal protection differ for 401(k)s and IRAs.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Heirs Can Use NUA Tax Break for Inherited 401(k)s
retirement This tax-saving move will result in more money in your pocket if you inherit employer stock.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Time Claims to Maximize Social Security Benefits
retirement Social Security benefits have long been a critical part of Americans’ retirement income plans.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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IRS Remodels the 1040 for 2019
taxes The IRS is reducing the number of schedules and improving the form to make it less confusing.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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IRS Releases Draft Form of New 1040 Tailored for Seniors
retirement Easier-to-read form highlights retirement income streams and other tax benefits for citizens 65 and older.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Taking Advantage of Higher QLAC Limits in 2019
retirement You'll need to crunch some numbers before you contribute more toward your qualified longevity annuity contract for retirement.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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7 Midyear Moves Retirees Can Make to Trim 2019 Tax Tabs
retirement As July Fourth nears, there are fireworks to enjoy and cookouts to attend.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Secure Act Calls for Changes to IRAs, RMDs
IRAs Nixing the age cap for contributions and raising the age to start required minimum distributions could affect workers, retirees and heirs.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Inherited 401(k)s: 6 Questions Heirs Need to Ask
401(k)s An inherited 401(k) can be a lasting legacy, but the windfall needs to be handled carefully to maximize the inheritance and minimize taxes.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Ways to Avoid IRS Underpayment Penalties
taxes There are several options for penalty relief if you end up owing more in taxes than you anticipated.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
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Start Trimming Your 2019 Tax Tab Now
retirement As you complete your 2018 tax return, turn some attention to your tax plans for 2019.
By Rachel L. Sheedy Published
retirement