Making Tax-friendly Investments for Stress-free Retirement

By Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Nothing in life is permanent. Everything is transient. That is why we must be secured, especially in financial terms, in case things go out of control. We must be always prepared for the future and that is why good retirement financial planning is most practical for a safe and secured future. Financial planning is very crucial like life planning and it requires lot of calculative and methodical moves, like choosing a home involves lots of tax factors like state and local taxes. Retirees should carefully study the tax matters before formulating the retirement financial strategies.

Retirees who wish to continue with their work during their golden years should be aware that the state taxation income varies widely for them and some states support their earned income and provide them extra privileges. Some states consider the retirees income like everyone else’s and some impose tax on all the earned income. Sometimes the taxation amount varies a lot between states. Retirees shifting to new domicile should watch out for the municipal income taxes.

Income from military, government, private pension and other retirement plans are increasingly important sources of income for some retirees. Some states exempt incomes generated from such sources, while some exempt only selected ones. Some place taxable limits on such sources. Some states even tax former residents on retirement plan withdrawals and create a possibility of tax in two states. Some states strictly adhere to the federal tax formulas under the social security benefits and others follow their own specified formulas, while some don’t provide any reimbursements at all.

Retirees should also consider the sales and property taxes, as some states offer tax deductions on properties purchased by retired seniors while others provide homestead benefits. Retired seniors should also study the tax exemptions provided on clothing, food, drugs and household goods. US tax code generally deems the retirement age and sometimes you might face the ugly tax brunt while tapping tax favored retirement benefits. It is very complex to avoid federal income tax, but it is possible to avoid the 10% penalty provided you plan way ahead.

Opt for the IRA withdrawals

If you use the Roth IRA withdrawals then when you withdraw your contributions, they are federal income tax free and penalty free, but sometimes this could be tricky if the source of income is from the following three sources:

• Money from annual tax contribution
• Money generated by converting tradition IRA into Roth IRA
• Earnings accumulated from your contribution

Tax deductions apply to only the first two sources and withdrawal before the retirement age from the third source is usually subjected to income tax.

Advantage of penalty free exemptions

If you have not opted for Roth IRA than the best option would be to opt for income tax withdrawal. Whenever you withdraw, you would owe some amount to the income tax. If you wish to break the rules, then switch to qualified retirement exemptions like 401(k).

Annuitize the Account

This is normally the surest and safest technique to legitimize for a penalty-free retirement account withdrawal, before the retirement age of 59 years and 6 months.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

Attaining Fiscal Fitness After Fifty

By Anna Banks, GCDF

Body Fiscal fitness is crucial for a person´s survival due to the ever-increasing cost of living. Attaining fiscal fitness is extremely important for people in their fifties as they prepare themselves financially to spend their lives after retirement in comfort. Failing to develop saving habits right from the time you got your first paycheck may drain your finances. It is very obvious why you need to start saving from the very first day. Longevity is on the rise, thanks to advanced medical science and your retirement life may be a lot more than your work life. In addition, the cost of living grows by the day and chances are that the cost of living will double over the years. You need to therefore sock away every dollar you can so that you don´t have to compromise heavily post retirement.

If you are one of those many people who failed to save wisely in the early period of their work life, don´t panic. You may have spent most of your money due to job loss, death in the family, divorce, disability or any other reason. Now is the time to take action and raise the funds to head towards a comfy retirement. While it is expected logically to put aside ten percent of your income every month when you begin to work, those in their fifties and failed to save must start saving at least twenty percent or more. Then there are "catch-up contributions´ that enable fifty plus employees to contribute a lot more than their younger counterparts to 401(k) and IRA annually. Check with your financial advisor to see how you can these to your advantage.

Another way to beat retirement woes is to postpone retirement. Extended retirements not only help you to save more but also take care of your immediate financial retirements. Besides, companies need senior employees who can play a pivotal role in shaping their company with their experience and knowledge. Most baby boomers choose to work as long they as they are physically fit. As a result, many people continue to work and share their expertise until they hit late seventies. For many, this is the time to try a new career, something that they always wanted to pursue. Part time work opportunities are readily available today and if you are an expert in your chosen field, your previous company may love to have you in their organization as a part time consultant. Many people have also managed to transform their hobbies into a booming business post retirement. It´s the joy of reinventing yourself that keeps you going when you are in your golden years.

If you are presently living in a city that´s known for its high cost of living, you may consider affordable alternatives to relocate after retirement. This will automatically boost your financial position and ensure fiscal fitness during old age. Relocation is a great choice for people who have built sufficient equity in their home but lack the savings to sustain retirement costs.

Diligent planning takes away the financial burden and allows you to enjoy a truly fulfilling life in your golden years.

© 2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF
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Author's Note:
Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com.