Savant Blog
Savant offers perspective on a variety of topics. Entries range from current events to timeless insights in the world of finance and investments.
01
Sep
September 01, 2016
Retiring or changing employers is a big transition for most people. One way to maximize this time of change is to utilize a unique opportunity to roll your 401(k) monies from your old employer’s plan into an IRA. Doing so provides you with more flexibility and control over your retirement savings.
When leaving an employer you generally have three options for your 401(k) monies:
Leave your funds in the 401(k) plan
Take a direct distribution of the funds (penalties may apply if you
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02
Aug
August 02, 2016
Let’s face it…summer is almost over. You can blame Earth’s axis for not standing up straight, but you’re probably too busy trying to soak up the last of the sun’s warmer rays. While relaxing pool side, check out these 10 tips to help you gear up for college this fall.
1. Call the Financial Aid Office
Did you fill out the FAFSA? Make sure your college has an updated version to ensure your financial aid is current and not delayed. Check out
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27
Jul
July 27, 2016
You may be a fan of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. A visit to Home Depot or a search through Pinterest shows the popularity of a wide variety of DIY projects. Many folks are taking the DIY approach with their estate plan. Online document preparers offer a low-cost solution for simple estate planning. But beware of many pitfalls to this approach.
Complexities are often hard to detect.
You might not realize what complexities exist in your situation. Family circumstances, asset characteristics, net worth, and
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19
Jul
July 19, 2016
Many in the financial media tout the benefits of the early paydown of the home mortgage as one of the best financial strategies a family can implement. Unfortunately, this is one of those cases in which the rule of thumb can be completely wrong, particularly when it is not adapted for individual circumstances. Similar to consulting with a doctor before starting an exercise regimen, families should consult with a qualified financial professional before launching an accelerated mortgage paydown
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07
Jul
July 07, 2016
For charitably inclined individuals, many strategies exist that allow you to meet your philanthropic goals while creating tax savings. One strategy to consider is a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. QCDs are distributions that come directly from your IRA to a qualified charity of your choice. This type of IRA distribution is not included in the taxpayer’s AGI. QCDs became permanent with the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, and this strategy allows individuals to
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