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Retirement

what is a backdoor roth ira

What is a Backdoor Roth?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on March 7, 2023
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5 Min Read
A backdoor Roth IRA is a way for those earning too much to directly contribute to a Roth IRA to make an IRA contribution and convert this contribution to a Roth IRA.
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What Is the Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit?

by Jessica Martel
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Updated on March 7, 2023
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3 Min Read
If you’re not willing or able to delay your social security payments until age 70, you won’t receive the maximum benefit. Here’s what you need to know.
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What Is a Roth IRA?

by Jason Steele
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Updated on December 21, 2021
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9 Min Read
The Roth IRA is a great way to save for retirement, as you can access your savings without having to pay taxes on it when the time comes to withdraw.
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What Is a 403(B) Retirement Plan

by Elizabeth Rivelli
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Updated on January 11, 2022
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8 Min Read
If you work for a non-profit, you might have access to a 403(b) retirement plan. See how 403(b) plans work and how they differ from other retirement plans.
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457 Plan vs. 403(b) Plan: What's the Difference?

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on January 11, 2022
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5 Min Read
403(b) and 457(b) plans are tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts offered to employees of some nonprofit organizations and state and local governments.
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Traditional vs. Roth IRA

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on December 27, 2021
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5 Min Read
When it comes to individual retirement accounts, there are two options: traditional and Roth. Learn which one is right for you.
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Is Social Security Taxable?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on November 10, 2022
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3 Min Read
Social Security benefits can be subject to taxation if the recipient’s total income reaches certain thresholds.
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How Much Should I Contribute to a 401(k)?

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on November 3, 2022
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6 Min Read
Eligible workers can contribute over $20,000 to a 401(k) each year. And older workers can contribute even more. Learn the rules and exact limits for 2022.
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What is a Traditional IRA?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on December 21, 2021
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5 Min Read
A traditional IRA is an individual retirement plan that lets you save even more money for retirement. Find out how this plan works and some of its major advantages.
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What is a Roth 403(b) Plan?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on September 22, 2022
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4 Min Read
A Roth 403(b) offers high contribution limits and has no income restrictions like a Roth IRA. Roth 403(b)s are often used in conjunction with traditional 403(b)s as a planning tool.
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How to Plan for Retirement

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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6 Min Read
Planning for retirement works best when you commit to a strategy early on. Our guide explains the 4 most important steps you can take right now.
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How to Avoid Taxes on Your RMD

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on January 27, 2022
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7 Min Read
RMDs are the cost of the tax benefits you get by using a tax-advantaged retirement account to save for retirement. While there is no way to totally avoid taxes on RMDs in one form or another, there are strategies to reduce or defer these taxes that you can consider.
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Roth IRA Conversion Guide

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on February 25, 2022
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6 Min Read
A Roth IRA conversion is a great way to build up retirement assets in a Roth account. Be sure to do your upfront planning before going this route.
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Mega Backdoor Roth - What Is It And How To Do It

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on December 21, 2021
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7 Min Read
The mega backdoor Roth is a way to increase the amount available to convert to a Roth account with after-tax contributions to your employer’s 401(k), if allowed by the plan.
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Borrowing From 401k: Everything you need to know

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on February 3, 2022
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7 Min Read
While 401(k) plans are meant for retirement, many plans allow you to take out a loan. We discuss how to borrow, loan limits, pros & cons, and alternatives.
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What Is The Average Retirement Age?

by Jen Smith
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
When you enter retirement varies based on a number of factors including gender, household income, health, and more. Here’s the average retirement age.
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What Is Social Security?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on August 31, 2022
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5 Min Read
Social Security is a governmental insurance program providing retirement, disability and survivor’s benefits. Your benefit level is based on your earnings record while working.
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Best Retirement Plans of 2022

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 6, 2022
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8 Min Read
This guide to the best retirement plans of 2022 breaks down some (but not all) of the ways Americans can save for their golden years.
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What Is a Defined-Benefit Plan?

by Aaron Hurd
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Updated on August 31, 2022
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6 Min Read
Defined-benefit plans provide a calculated benefit to participants upon retirement. This article discusses the basics, plus the advantages and disadvantages.
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Understanding Life Insurance Retirement Plans (LIRP)

by Matthew Collister
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Updated on December 13, 2021
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4 Min Read
A life insurance retirement plan can help you save for your future while ensuring your family’s financial security. Could one be right for you?
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401(k) vs. 403(b) - What's The Difference

by Jennifer G Gregory
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Updated on April 3, 2022
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6 Min Read
By using an employer sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) plan, you can save more effectively for retirement. While money saved in both plans is tax deductible, there are key differences between the two plans.
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How to Roll Over a 401(k) to an IRA

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on December 13, 2021
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7 Min Read
In this article, we'll explain what a 401(k) rollover is, how to do it, and tips to maximize the move.
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What is an IRA?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on April 3, 2022
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5 Min Read
IRAs are tax-advantaged accounts that can provide a convenient way to save for retirement. There are a number of alternatives you can consider based on your situation.
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Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) - Everything You Need to Know

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
Self-Directed IRAs enable investors to diversify their assets into non-traditional investments that most brokerage firms do not offer.
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What Is A Fixed Index Annuity?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 27, 2022
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5 Min Read
With a fixed index annuity, savers get the benefit of principal protection in a down market without having to give up the opportunity for growth.
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What Is an Inherited IRA?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on December 27, 2021
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6 Min Read
An inherited IRA is a way to pass assets in an IRA or retirement plan to your desired beneficiaries. There are a number of rules associated that you should know and understand.
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Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) Guide

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on January 30, 2022
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6 Min Read
A QLAC can be a good way to defer taking some of your retirement account balance out as far as age 85. A QLAC can be a good way to provide an income stream to fund that latter part of your retirement.
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Defined-Benefit vs. Defined-Contribution Plan

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on January 11, 2022
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3 Min Read
Defined benefit plans are funded by employers and are based on a benefit formula. Defined contribution plans grow and accumulate based on employee and employer contributions plus any returns on the money invested
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Traditional 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k): Which One is Better?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on April 3, 2022
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5 Min Read
Where the traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) let you decide when you'll be taxed, both are valuable tools when it comes to saving for retirement. Our guide explains how these plans are similar, how they're different and how you can decide between them.
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What is a 401(k)

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on April 3, 2022
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8 Min Read
The 401(k) plan is the most popular type of retirement account out there. Find out how this account works, how much you can contribute each year, and why you should care.
Read more >

What is a SIMPLE IRA?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on April 3, 2022
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6 Min Read
There are a number of retirement plan options for those who are self-employed or who run a small business. For many of these businesses a SIMPLE IRA can be a good option to consider.
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What is a Solo 401(k)?

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on April 3, 2022
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6 Min Read
A solo 401(k) is an investment account to help business owners save for their retirement. It has a lot of similarities to a regular 401(k), as well as some key differences.
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What is 401(k) Matching & How Does it Work?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on March 31, 2022
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4 Min Read
Employer 401(k) matching means that your employer makes a matching contribution to an employee’s account based on a percentage of the amount they contribute to the plan.
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What is a 401(k) QDIA?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on March 24, 2022
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4 Min Read
QDIA stands for Qualified Default Investment Alternative. QDIAs can be used as a default investment option for 401(k) participants who don’t make their own investment selection. If the plan sponsor follows certain rules, the QDIA can provide a fiduciary safe harbor for them.
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What is a SARSEP?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on February 10, 2022
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3 Min Read
A SARSEP is a small business retirement plan that allows for both employee and employer contributions. No new SARSEPs have been allowed since the end of 1996.
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What Is A Deferred Annuity?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 27, 2022
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5 Min Read
Deferred annuities promise tax-deferred growth and guaranteed income in retirement. Find out how this type of financial product works and who it's best for.
Read more >

Annuities Guide: What Are Annuities and How Do They Work?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 27, 2022
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7 Min Read
Annuities let you invest your money once and receive guaranteed income for a specified timeline or your entire life. Read on to find out how annuities work, the types of annuities you can choose from, and the pitfalls to watch out for.
Read more >

What is a 457(b) Retirement Plan?

by Jen Smith
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Updated on January 11, 2022
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7 Min Read
Do you understand your 457(b) plan? Here’s a detailed guide to what it is, how to use it, and how it differs from other employer-sponsored plans.
Read more >

What Is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on December 27, 2021
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7 Min Read
RMDs are mandatory annual distributions from traditional IRAs and other retirement accounts. These amounts are based on the balance in the account from the prior year-end. There are steep penalties for RMD amounts not taken.
Read more >

What is the Rule of 55?

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on December 27, 2021
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4 Min Read
The rule of 55 allows working Americans to retire early and access 401(k) or 403(b) funds without paying a penalty.
Read more >

How to Withdraw Money From Your 401(k)

by Jason Steele
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Updated on December 21, 2021
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8 Min Read
How to Withdraw Money From Your 401(k) including penalties and several options for how to avoid them such as COVID early withdrawals and hardship withdrawals.
Read more >

What is a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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6 Min Read
A Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a type of retirement investment account available for U.S. government employees and members of the military.
Read more >

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Retire Early

by Jen Smith
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
Has the novelty of “dress shirts with pajama pants” worn off? Then you might want to start thinking about how to retire early. Here’s how to do it in 5 steps.
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10 of the Best Places to Retire in the U.S.

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
Find out about some of the best retirement cities in America based on factors like affordability, weather conditions and recreation.
Read more >

401(k) vs. Pension Plan: What's the Difference?

by Elizabeth Rivelli
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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4 Min Read
401(k) and pension plans are two of the most popular types of retirement plans. Learn the differences between each so you can choose the right plan for you.
Read more >

What is a SEP IRA?

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
A SEP IRA is a type of retirement investment account for self-employed individuals or small business owners with few employees to save money for the future.
Read more >

Health Insurance Options for Early Retirees

by Matthew Collister
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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4 Min Read
Planning an early retirement? Make sure those plans include health insurance until you become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Learn about some of your options.
Read more >

Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on December 13, 2021
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5 Min Read
Solo 401(k)s and SEP-IRAs are two of the best types of retirement accounts for the self-employed. Looking at the features and benefits can help you decide which one is best for you.
Read more >
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