Once you reach 591/2, you can take penalty-free distributions from either a traditional or Roth IRA at any time but you may have to pay income taxes (non-deductible contributions can be withdrawn tax-free).
In volatile times like these, your age is your best advantage. Investment choices depend largely on your time frame and feelings about risk.
As someone who believes in the power of tax-advantaged growth, I'd say having a 529 account is one of the best things you can do
Even though you'll have your hands full with the new baby, there are some administrative things you should take care of right away.
Saving is another money lesson kids can learn at a young age. I'd start now to help your daughter understand that she may have to wait to buy the things she wants.
For many young families, debt is a fact of life. But that doesn't mean it has to control your life.
Credit card debt is one of the easiest things to build up-and one of the hardest to get out of. To get on the right track, pick a single card (or one each) to use for any future charges and put any others out of reach.
Although no one wants to contemplate divorce, a prenuptial agreement gives you an opportunity to think clearly and rationally about what you'd want to do if you split up.
More and more young adults do end up living at home after college these days, which can be a great interim solution, especially if you establish some guidelines and create a plan for his eventual independence.
A lot of families don't like to talk about money, but now's the time for an open discussion with your parents about what they have, what they need and changes they may need to make.
Before I give you some guidance about how to broach this delicate subject with your brother, I want to point out that there are significant practical and tax implications when you lend money to your friends or family.
Even if your financial situation is more complex and you need the help of an accountant, being prepared can save you time and money.
Protecting yourself financially isn't just about investing. It involves looking at all the pieces of your financial life to make sure they're working together for both the short and long term.
In general, an organization must be what the IRS has designated as a qualified organization for your contribution to be tax deductible
hile leaving a 401(k) with a former employer often seems like the easiest route, it's not always the best idea in terms of making the most of your retirement savings.
Under current laws, if you sell your principal home and make a profit, you can exclude $250,000 of that profit from your taxable income. And that's just the exclusion for an individual.
A national Sallie Mae study, "How America Pays for College 2012," found that the typical family covered just 28 percent of their kids' college costs through savings and income in 2011-12.
Working for yourself means a lot of freedom, but it also means a lot of responsibility. Many of those responsibilities are financial, so you're wise to consider them carefully before you start planning your going away party.
Discussing these ideas should give your sister a bit more assurance in dealing with the financial aspects of a potential divorce.
