Beyond Bulls & Bears

Unwinding the 10-year rule for inherited retirement accounts
Wealth Planning

Unwinding the 10-year rule for inherited retirement accounts

Determining the age when retirement account owners need to begin taking distributions is key for heirs to understand how to implement the 10-year rule for inherited accounts. Our Bill Cass explains what beneficiaries need to know.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Navigating financial aid: New FAFSA rules and tips for families
College Savings

Navigating financial aid: New FAFSA rules and tips for families

Recent changes to the FAFSA form and process include a simpler form, fewer questions and a revised eligibility formula. Our Bill Cass highlights what you need to know to apply for federal financial aid for college.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Consider packing a legal safety net before students leave for college
Wealth Planning

Consider packing a legal safety net before students leave for college

College students may want to secure legal documents to ensure their parents can access important information and help them in medical emergencies. Our Bill Cass highlights the key documents students can prepare before leaving for college.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
The pecking order of 401(k) plan design: A bird’s eye view
Retirement

The pecking order of 401(k) plan design: A bird’s eye view

Establishing the optimal workplace retirement plan follows a pecking order, which starts by prioritizing plan design over investments. Our Mike Dullaghan discusses the process.

Mike Dullaghan |
College-bound high school juniors and seniors focus on a strong finish
Wealth Planning

College-bound high school juniors and seniors focus on a strong finish

The last two years of high school can be particularly important as students approach the final college decision. Our Bill Cass highlights some action items for students and parents.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Kick off your college planning during the first two years of high school
Wealth Planning

Kick off your college planning during the first two years of high school

Families may want to consider a comprehensive plan for college, including actions to take during the high school years, and consider how a 529 plan can help guide savings. Our Bill Cass offers details on college planning.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
From dreaming to living: What you need to know about retiring abroad
Wealth Planning

From dreaming to living: What you need to know about retiring abroad

As the number of Americans retiring in other countries continues to grow, our Bill Cass shares five considerations for individuals planning to retire abroad.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Maximizing 401(k) plans: How financial advisors can leverage the DOL’s target-date tips
Retirement

Maximizing 401(k) plans: How financial advisors can leverage the DOL’s target-date tips

The US Department of Labor (DOL) offers eight tips for advisors to use to review target-date funds. Our Mike Dullaghan illustrates how to use the DOL tips in preparation for plan review season.

Mike Dullaghan |
Final regulations deliver clarity on 10-year rule
Wealth Planning

Final regulations deliver clarity on 10-year rule

With a recent IRS announcement, heirs now have clarity on the 10-year rule for distributions from inherited retirement accounts. Our Bill Cass details the final regulations.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
New ways to avoid early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts
Wealth Planning

New ways to avoid early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts

The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced new ways to avoid a 10% early withdrawal penalty from retirement accounts. Our Bill Cass explains the implications for savers.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Workplace to wealth: Transforming retirement through meaningful action
Retirement

Workplace to wealth: Transforming retirement through meaningful action

A strategic alignment within the workplace is an opportunity for financial advisors, employers and retirement savers seeking financial planning advice. See Kevin Murphy’s views on emerging trends in workplace savings.

Kevin Murphy |
A marriage may end but not Social Security benefits
Wealth Planning

A marriage may end but not Social Security benefits

If they meet certain requirements, a divorced individual can receive Social Security benefits similar to a married spouse. Our Bill Cass explains what couples need to know when getting a divorce.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |