Scott Hanson, CFP
Scott Hanson, CFP, answers your questions on a variety of topics and also co-hosts a weekly call-in radio program. Visit HansonMcClain.com to ask a question or to hear his show. Follow him on Twitter at @scotthansoncfp.
Latest articles by Scott Hanson, CFP
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With Finances, Keep It Simple, Stupid (Even If You’re Rich)
investing The hot hedge fund or investment property your golf buddy is bragging about may sound tempting. But before you bite, understand the cons of complicated strategies.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Baby Boomers are Rewriting Retirement History
retirement Can you a remember a time when retirement didn’t exist? It wasn't that long ago. And we might be heading that way again, because today's "retirees" have a lot they still want to accomplish.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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This Tax Overhaul Will Be Final Straw for Many Californians
taxes Get ready to see a lot of moving vans headed out of high-tax states, like California, New Jersey and Maryland. But for people in high-tax states, there are a few things they can try (other than moving).
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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The True Cost of Gray Divorce
retirement Typically, the longer you've been together, the more assets you've acquired, and the more expensive the process. I've seen couples spend $200,000 in legal fees. And you have less time to recover financially from divorce the closer you are to retirement.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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7 Places to Find Income Once You Retire
Making Your Money Last Try these sources of income in retirement to help cover expenses from health care to spoiling your grandchildren.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Why Trump’s Move to Dismantle Rule Protecting Investors Isn’t a Bad Idea
Financial Planning Don’t get me wrong: The fiduciary standard is laudable, but the Department of Labor’s rule is flawed. We can do better.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Financial Planning -
4 Ways to Create Your Own Pension
Financial Planning Most of us can't count on a defined benefit plan from our employers, but you can still find a way to generate enough income to support you through a comfortable retirement.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Financial Planning -
The Key Mistakes Investors Make in Retirement
Making Your Money Last After they retire, most people completely change some of their investment habits—and risk depleting their wealth.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Making Your Money Last -
Many Americans Don't Enjoy Retirement
retirement But if you make a plan for your senior years (that goes beyond money), you can make it the best time of your life.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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What Life Is Really Like In Retirement
Financial Planning The average retiree spends 32 hours a week watching TV. Craft a retirement plan to avoid that fate.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Financial Planning -
What's the Right Asset Allocation for Your Portfolio?
Financial Planning Forget the traditional measurements and general rules of thumb. The right answer depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon and other factors specific to your situation.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Financial Planning -
Don't Rush to Roll That 401(k) Into an IRA
Making Your Money Last The rules get tricky for people aged 55 to 59 ½ who leave a workplace but are unsure of their future work plans. Beware of bad advice.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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6 Keys to True Financial Independence
Financial Planning Having peace of mind when it comes to your money depends on much more than your net worth.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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It Pays to Know Your Pension Options
Making Your Money Last You may get to choose from several options for receiving your pension. Here’s how to think it through.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Making Your Money Last -
The Value of Having a Trusted Financial Adviser When a Spouse Is at Death’s Door
Financial Planning When both partners have a relationship with a family adviser, the transition after the death of a spouse can be far less painful. Here’s why.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
Financial Planning -
Just Say No to Universal Life Insurance as a Retirement Fund
life insurance For every one person I see who is maximizing the tax benefits, I see 10 other folks who could do a lot better by purchasing term insurance and investing the difference.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Which Retirement Savings Plans Are Best for Teachers?
IRAs It’s probably best to have a diversified approach to your tax planning for retirement in the same manner you would have a diversified approach to your investments.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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The Biggest Oversight in Most Americans' Retirement Planning
retirement Don't squander your retirement watching TV. Use the skills you have learned over a lifetime to open a new era of creativity. Start a business. Write a book. Go back to college.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Asset Allocation Advice for Older Retirees
Making Your Money Last Your age is just one factor in determining the right mix of investments.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Don’t Be Sentimental with Inherited Stocks
investing Honor your beloved relative’s memory by diversifying as soon as possible.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Should I Take the Lump Sum on My Pension?
retirement Depends on your health, and whether you could get a better return by reinvesting it in an IRA. Here are the key factors to consider.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Can I Give An Inherited Retirement Account to My Mom?
retirement Your best bet may be to have the funds transferred into a “beneficiary IRA,” without you ever taking possession of the money.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Surprising Social Security Advice for High-Income Retirees
retirement If you have a high net worth and retirement income, the surest bet may be taking benefits ASAP.
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
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Using an IRA to Make the House Payment
IRAs Before you tap your IRA to pay off a mortgage, remember the money hasn't been taxed yet. Instead, consider a "mortgage IRA."
By Scott Hanson, CFP Published
IRAs