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☆ I'm 43 and have a teenager and a baby. I stopped saving for college to pay for diapers and formula.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Kelly Burch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ian is a typical teenager who would rather be playing video games with his friends than interacting with a baby. Even though I'm a Certified Financial Planner, the process of updating our finances has been intense, and it's not over yet. I stopped contributing to Ian's college savingsEach month, I spend about $600 to $900 on diapers, formula, and other baby essentials. Plus, Ian already has a well-funded 529, although he'll still be applying for financial aid for college. I've learned that financial plans need to be fluidLife doesn't always turn out how we think it should.

Persons: Sophoan Prak, Ian, Kosal, Allie, it's, he'll, I've Organizations: Service, Vanguard, Business

☆ The average 401(k) savings rate recently hit a record — how to know if you're on track
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The right retirement savings rate depends on your age, expected retirement date, cash flow, projected Social Security income, pensions and retirement plans, among other factors. However, "if you can't reach that 15%, at least try to contribute [enough] to get your full company match," Shamrell said. If you can't reach that 15%, at least try to contribute [enough] to get your full company match. 401(k) savings rates are increasingOver the years, both the individual savings rate and company contributions have continued to climb, said Shamrell with Fidelity. Automatic 401(k) contribution increases have also boosted savings rates, according to Shamrell.

Persons: Mike Shamrell, Shamrell, deferrals, Andrew Herzog Organizations: Fidelity Locations: Plano , Texas

☆ Buying a home in retirement: Here’s what it takes for retirees to get a mortgage
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Lenders’ chief focus will be on your ability to repay your mortgage with your various sources of non-paycheck income. “When you qualify for a mortgage, it’s all based on your income,” said Melissa Cohn, regional vice president at William Raveis Mortgage. That ratio falls to between 43% and 45% if you’re taking out a jumbo loan, she added. What you should consider before taking out a mortgageEven before seeking a mortgage, get a good grasp on your expected monthly income and expenses in retirement. To get the truest reading on what makes financial sense, compare mortgage expenses to your investment returns on an after-tax basis, Stork noted.

Persons: ”, Jim Stork, homebuyers, you’ve, Melissa Cohn, we’ll, Fannie Mae, ” Cohn, Cohn, Mark Luscombe, Cohen, Lori Trawinski, Trawinski, you’re, Stork, ” Stork Organizations: New, New York CNN, National Association of Realtors, William, Mortgage, Social Security, Wolters, Kluwer, Accounting, AARP Locations: New York, Illinois, Florida

☆ ‘Not all debt needs to be paid off as soon as possible,’ says CFP—what to focus on first
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A little over 40% of Americans would consider themselves financially successful if they were able to clear their debt, according to a recent Bankrate survey. That number includes mortgage debt, car loans, student loan debt and credit card debt. "Not all debt needs to be paid off as soon as possible," she tells CNBC Make It. For each debt, include the name of your lender, your outstanding balance, the minimum payment, any due dates and the interest rate. And the interest rate for federal student loans ranges from 5.5% to 8.05%, per the Department of Education.

Persons: isn't, Avani Ramnani, Francis, Ramnani, Matt Schulz, Louis Organizations: New York Federal Reserve, Francis Financial, CNBC, Federal Reserve Bank of St, of Education

☆ Mega backdoor Roth conversions can be a 'no brainer' for higher earners, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you're a higher earner and looking to boost tax-free retirement savings, there's a lesser-known strategy that could be worth considering. While Roth individual retirement accounts offer tax-free growth and other benefits, some investors earn too much for direct contributions. For 2024, the adjusted gross income limits for Roth IRA contributions are $161,000 for single filers or $240,000 for married couples filing jointly. However, so-called mega backdoor Roth conversions — which shift after-tax 401(k) contributions to a Roth account — can sidestep Roth IRA income limits for contributions. It's a "no-brainer" after maximizing other tax-advantaged options, assuming you don't need the cash for other goals, said certified financial planner Brian Schmehil, managing director of wealth management at The Mather Group in Chicago.

Persons: Roth, sidestep Roth, It's, Brian Schmehil, Schmehil Organizations: The Mather, Finance Locations: Chicago

☆ If you have this much money in your 401(k), you're doing better than most—here's how to save even more
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Still, when you're saving for something that's decades away, such as retirement, it's easy to feel like you're not doing enough or that you're falling behind without some context. Even if you're not doing as well as you'd like, you may be doing better than most. "Automating savings ensures consistency and discipline, making it easier to stick to your retirement savings goals." It's "essentially free money that can significantly boost your retirement savings," says Basso. "Don't treat your retirement savings like Vegas and go all in on something.

Persons: you've, Ashton Lawrence, Alyson Basso, Basso, couldn't, Andrew Herzog Organizations: Fidelity, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Hayden Wealth Management, CNBC Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Middleton , Massachusetts, Plano , Texas, Vegas

☆ These dividend payers helped lift the Dow to fresh heights. How you would have fared if you bought and held them
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

However, investors can boost their performance when accounting for reinvesting dividends. The stock has a dividend yield of 4.2%, which is just a snapshot of how much it pays currently. The stock has a dividend yield of 3.1%. If you're a long-term investor, you're dollar-cost averaging," she said. Names on her radar these days include Amgen , which is yielding about 3%, and Southern Copper , which has a dividend yield of 3.2%.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Dow, it's, Kim Abmeyer, Abmeyer, — CNBC's Chris Hayes Organizations: Dow Jones, UnitedHealth, Microsoft, Abmeyer Wealth Management, Dow, CNBC Pro, Chevron, Pfizer Locations: Wednesday's, Dallas, Chevron

☆ The generation that may never retire: Why some millennials are behind on savings — and how they can catch up
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

However, the average millennial reported roughly $63,000 in retirement savings so far. While millennials will need more money to retire comfortably, many are far away from the savings milestone experts suggest. What's more, the future of the US Social Security system is uncertain, and longer expected lifespans — while a positive development — will require more retirement savings. How to figure out how much retirement savings you needTiffany Bell, a 36-year-old business management professional based in Houston, didn't always take retirement savings seriously. How millennials can get their retirement savings back on trackWhile some millennials are struggling financially, it's not all doom and gloom when it comes to their retirement prospects.

Persons: Nathaniel Hudson, Hartman, millennials, Tiffany Bell, didn't, Bell, she's, they're, Chris Chen, Chen, Judi Leahy, it's, Leahy, NerdWallet, Bell —, —, X, What's, Nilay Gandhi, Roth, Rita Assaf, Assaf, Gandhi Organizations: Business, Northwestern Mutual, Pew, US Social Security, Fidelity, Financial, Citi, Wealth Management, Vanguard, Big, CFP, Roth IRA, Fidelity Investments, Savings, Hudson Locations: Portland, Houston, New York, Montana

☆ Roth conversions are up in 2024 — but it's not always a 'slam dunk,' accountant says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Roth individual retirement account conversions are up in 2024 — but there are key things to know before converting funds, experts say. There was a 44% year-over-year increase in the number of Roth conversions during the first quarter of 2024, according to data from Fidelity Investments. Roth conversions transfer pretax or nondeductible individual retirement account funds to a Roth IRA, which provides future tax-free growth. However, "it isn't a slam dunk for everyone" because it takes time for tax-free growth to exceed your upfront tax bill, said Marianela Collado, a certified financial planner and CEO of Tobias Financial Advisors in Plantation, Florida. Here’s how much you can saveInvestors need "sufficient assets" outside of retirement accounts to cover the upfront tax bill, warned Collado, who is also a certified public accountant.

Persons: Roth, Marianela Collado, Collado, You'll Organizations: Fidelity Investments, Roth IRA, Financial, Finance, Medicare Locations: Plantation , Florida

☆ You could score a tax break for hiring your own kids this summer — if you follow the rules
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"If your child's income falls within the limits, they may not owe any income tax, which can be a win-win," said Lovison, who is also a certified public accountant. If your child's income falls within the limits, they may not owe any income tax, which can be a win-win. What to know before hiring your kidsBefore hiring your children, it's important to know state and federal labor laws, along with tax rules, experts say. "Some states pretty much ban you from hiring children under the age of 14 under any scenario," Lovison said. Payments to children are subject to income tax withholding regardless of the child's age, according to the IRS.

Persons: Sean Lovison, Lovison, Roth, Carol Fabbri Organizations: Social, Advisors, IRS Locations: Philadelphia, , Colorado

☆ This retirement account can be 'triple-tax efficient' for teens this summer, advisor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If your kids are working summer jobs, it's a prime opportunity to help them open a retirement account and start saving for the future, experts say. Roth individual retirement accounts can be "triple-tax efficient" for teenagers, according to certified financial planner Carol Fabbri, managing partner of Fair Advisors in Conifer, Colorado. Plus, Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth on investments, and withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free, Fabbri explained. Of course, the power of long-term compound growth, or returns on your returns, only magnifies the sooner you start saving and investing, experts say. More than 8 in 10 teenagers are already thinking about retirement, but most mistakenly think savings is the best long-term strategy, according to a recent survey from Junior Achievement and MissionSquare.

Persons: Roth, Carol Fabbri, Roth IRAs, Fabbri, Gen Zers Organizations: Advisors, Finance, Junior Locations: , Colorado

CFP Daniel Masuda Lehrman says the two biggest contributors to poverty are housing and cars. I spoke with certified financial planner Daniel Masuda Lehrman founder of Masuda Lehrman Wealth, a Honolulu, Hawaii-based financial planning firm, on how Asians living in poverty can handle several money challenges at once. That's because housing is usually the biggest expense in your budget, says Masuda Lehrman, who specializes in multigenerational wealth. If you have credit card debt, see what hardship options the card issuer offers. Consider a credit card balance transferCredit card debt is expensive.

Persons: Daniel Masuda Lehrman, Masuda, Masuda Lehrman, there's, —, doesn't Organizations: Pacific Islander Heritage, Pew Research Locations: American, America, U.S, Honolulu , Hawaii

☆ This investment account offers 'rare triple-tax benefits' that are easily overlooked—and you can contribute even more next year
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Health savings accounts are vastly underused as a retirement investment tool by people who have them, even though thousands of dollars can be invested every year. Crucially, HSA funds aren't strictly limited to medical expenses, since they can be withdrawn for any reason after age 65 without triggering a 20% penalty on non-medical expenses. In effect, HSAs are potent retirement investment accounts, too. But despite the benefits, only about 13% of people invest the funds in their HSAs, according to recent data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Here's a look at how HSAs work and why you might want to invest the funds in that account.

Persons: Ben Smith Organizations: IRS, Research Institute Locations: Milwaukee

☆ 1 in 3 millennials, Gen Zers plan to tap into retirement savings to buy a home. They 'really shouldn't,' advisor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Some young retirement savers say they might raid their 401(k) accounts to buy a home. To compare, only 25% of Gen X homebuyers and 16% of baby boomers plan to withdraw retirement funds for a home. "You really, really, really, really shouldn't be taking out your retirement for a house," said Stacy Francis, a certified financial planner and president and CEO of Francis Financial in New York City. Generally, early withdrawals from retirement accounts can trigger taxes and a 10% penalty, unless the account owner meets a listed exception. For both individual retirement accounts and 401(k)s, qualifying first-time homebuyers may be able to take up to $10,000 penalty-free.

Persons: Zers, X homebuyers, Stacy Francis, Roth, Francis Organizations: Real, BMO Financial Group, BMO, Francis Financial, Finance, CNBC Locations: Millennials, New York City

☆ Creating an income-producing portfolio
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

A lot goes into creating and managing an income-producing portfolio that works for you. Knowing your expenses will give you a good sense of the income you’ll need. Ways to generate incomeTake the income you think you’ll need and subtract from that the income you expect. For example, if you need $65,000 a year but will only bring in $40,000, you’ll need to generate the other $25,000. • For money you’ll need in three to five years, use short-term corporate bonds as well as longer-term CDs.

Persons: it’s, Will, David Seufer, you’ll, Marguerita Cheng, ”, David Edmisten, Edmisten, Cheng, ” Seufer, “, ” Edmisten, Seufer, they’re, ” Cheng Organizations: New, New York CNN, Gravitas, Social Security, Blue, ” Capital, Social Locations: New York

I've been working with wealthy clients for nearly 15 years, and I've noticed a few common habits. I've been advising wealthy clients for nearly 15 years, and I'm often asked for the secret sauce, or the commonalities I see in my wealthiest financial-planning clients that make them successful. My most successful clients lean on us to help them separate those emotions and make sound financial decisions. My most successful clients value receiving comprehensive financial plans specific to their goals and situations. My most successful clients value receiving comprehensive financial plans specific to their goals and situations.

Persons: I've, —, I'm, that's, they've, doesn't Organizations: Service, Everest, Google, Jobs, Relief, Economic Security Locations: Policygenius

☆ Here are some options to reduce taxes on your savings interest this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Many Americans are earning more on cash after interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve — and that income can trigger a surprise at tax time. "So many people were shocked by their cash interest earned" and taxes owed, said Boston-based certified financial planner Catherine Valega, founder of Green Bee Advisory. Interest from savings accounts or certificates of deposits incurs regular or "ordinary income" taxes, depending on your federal income tax bracket. Some investors also owe state taxes on interest. Meanwhile, some of the biggest money market funds were paying north of 5% as of that date, according to Crane Data.

Persons: Catherine Valega, Trump Organizations: Federal Reserve, Green Bee, IRS, Finance, Biden, Data Locations: Boston

I asked a financial planner how I can grow my passive income since I can't work more in a week. It felt like the only way to continue to expand and earn more money would be to introduce passive income streams. But in 2024, I found myself eager to find a few new passive income streams. "Audit what you're already working with and see how you can turn it into a passive income stream." After a month, I was able to bring in $390 in passive income just through those ads.

Persons: —, I've, Jeff Rose, Rose, it's, It's, you've Organizations: Service

☆ Warren Buffett thinks taxes are on the way up. Why selling stocks in advance may not be a good call
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

That's because the amount of money that's converted is subject to ordinary income tax – which can be as high as 37%. Even for those who are taxed at a lower rate, a sufficiently large conversion might bump them into a higher tax bracket. Long-term capital gains taxes have three tiers, depending on an investor's income: 0%, 15% and 20%. In a higher tax environment, "tax loss harvesting will become more important, and doing it in a performance-neutral way," said Jerrod Pearce, a certified financial planner and partner at Creative Planning in Overland Park, Kansas. Don't sell highly appreciated assets to generate cash if you're donating to charity.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett, Trump, Tim Steffen, Baird, Roth, Steffen, that's, Jerrod Pearce Organizations: Creative Planning, Mutual Locations: Berkshire, Washington, Overland Park , Kansas

☆ Your home sale could trigger capital gains taxes. Here's how to calculate your bill
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

You can reduce your home sale profit by adding often-forgotten costs and fees to your basis, which minimizes your capital gains tax liability. For example, you can start by tacking on fees and closing costs from the purchase and sale of the home, according to the IRS. The average closing cost nationwide is $4,243, according to a report from Assurance, but fees vary widely. That includes your real estate commissions and closing costs. The 'best way' to reduce capital gains taxesYou can further increase your home's basis by tacking on the cost of eligible upgrades, experts say.

Persons: Thomas Scanlon, Raymond James, Scanlon, tacking, Paul Fenner Organizations: Westend61, tacking, Tamma Locations: Manchester , Connecticut, New York, California, Commerce Township , Michigan

☆ Is it time to rethink the 4% retirement withdrawal rule? Experts weigh in
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

TIAA has launched a new metric to show why the 4% rule combined with an annuity can provide a higher amount of income than just using the 4% rule alone. For example, if a retiree has $1 million in total savings, the 4% rule would provide them with $40,000 in their first year of retirement. That is based on the combined income of the annuity and a 4% withdrawal on the remaining $666,667 portfolio. The first-year withdrawal of the annuity strategy — $52,667 versus $40,000 — is 32% higher and $1,056 more per month than just using the 4% rule. When withdrawal rates may be higherThe 4% rule has its blind spots when applied to today's retirees, according to recent research from Blanchett.

Persons: TIAA, Benjamin Goodman, Colin Gerrety, Goodman, Blanchett, Morningstar Organizations: Istock, Getty, Social Security, TIAA Institute, Wealth, Inflation Protection Securities, Security Locations: Corner , Virginia

☆ What to know before you buy a house overseas — and 3 steps to smooth the process
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

But it's not a decision one should make on whim; multiple factors can easily complicate the process, experts say. But in most cases, the U.S. buyer will need to open a bank account in the country they're buying real estate. 'Understand what your needs are'It will be important for you to "understand what your needs are," Boisson Aries said. "Buying these direct properties for that purpose is something that comes with far more risks than people realize," he said. And if you do decide to use the property for rental or commercial use, you may have additional tax burdens in that country, Boudreaux said.

Persons: Jude Boudreaux, it's, Boudreaux, Bojan Mujcin, Mujcin, Erin Boisson Aries, Douglas Elliman, Boisson Aries Organizations: Planning, Coldwell, CNBC, Sotheby's Locations: New Orleans, U.S, Barcelona, Costa Brava, Spain

☆ You just heard your college-bound child is getting less aid than you hoped. Now what?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —The good news is your child got into college and is preparing to enroll this fall. The bad news is that you’ve just learned the aid package your child’s school is offering is much smaller than you’d hoped. Over four years of college, students can take out a total of up to $27,000. “That’s cash-flow friendly while your child is in college,” Walker said. Also, Bogardus suggests checking to see if your state offers a tuition aid plan or subsidized loan rates for educational expenses.

Persons: you’ve, sobering, ”, Beth Walker, “, ” Walker, they’ve, Joseph Bogardus, it’s, Bogardus, Skip, Walker, you’ll Organizations: New, New York CNN, College Board, Center for College Planning Solutions, College, ”, Stafford, PLUS Locations: New York, New England, Stafford

☆ Money market funds yielding more than 5% won’t last. Where to deploy idle cash instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Money market funds' siren song has become a little louder: With the timing of Federal Reserve rate cuts shaky, yields on cash are still hot – for now. Here's how to decide where and when to redeploy some of your idle cash into fixed income. Taxes are also a key consideration as you build out your fixed income sleeve. Interest income from Treasurys, meanwhile, is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. A gradual entry toward fixed income You don't have to build out your fixed income allocation in one day.

Persons: Rob Williams, Charles Schwab, Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, Williams Organizations: Mariner Wealth Advisors, Mutual Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Treasurys, New York , New Jersey, California

☆ This is the 'sweet spot' for Roth individual retirement account conversions, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you're weighing a Roth individual retirement account conversion, you could save on taxes by leveraging a limited window of time, experts say. Roth conversions transfer pretax or nondeductible IRA money to a Roth IRA, which kickstarts future tax-free growth. After you stop working, but before you start required withdrawals from retirement accounts, is "the sweet spot" for Roth conversions, according to JoAnn May, a Berwyn, Illinois-based certified financial planner at Forest Asset Management. Plus, many investors want to leverage lower income tax brackets through 2025 before provisions could sunset from former President Donald Trump's signature tax overhaul, she said. After a Roth conversion, you'll owe regular income taxes on the converted amount.

Persons: Roth, JoAnn May, IRAs —, Donald Trump's, you'll Organizations: Roth IRA, Asset Management, Finance Locations: Berwyn , Illinois

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