Tag: Retirement
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How Your Annuity Could Be Costing You Thousands
by Clint Kraft
Annuities can seem like a safe way to secure guaranteed income for retirement, offering predictability and protection. But often when you dive into the fine print of the contract, you will find high fees, complex structures, and investment restrictions that are quietly destroying your long-term returns, sometimes costing you thousands of dollars annually without you…
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When to Take Social Security (for people aged 50-70)
by Clint Kraft
If you’re in your 50s or early 60s, chances are you’ve asked yourself:“When should I start taking Social Security?” A lot of people default to age 62 because it’s the earliest option, or 67 because that’s considered the “full retirement age.” But unfortunately, it’s not that simple, and getting it wrong can cost you hundreds…
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The Hidden Fees Draining Your Investments (and How to Spot Them in 5 Minutes)
by Clint Kraft
If you’re in you have a 401(k), IRA, or any account that holds investments, I have an important question: Do you know exactly how much you’re paying in investment fees? Most people say: “Not much. I’m just in mutual funds from Fidelity or American Funds. I don’t get an invoice from my advisor that I…
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Should I Rollover My 401(k), 403(b), or 457 Plan?
by Clint Kraft
Changing jobs, retiring, or reviewing your financial plan often brings up the question:“Should I rollover my employer retirement plan?” It’s an important decision whether it’s a 401(k), 403(b), 457, or a different plan. Like most financial decisions, the right answer depends on your situation. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider: What Are…
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Do I Have Enough to Retire?
by Clint Kraft
There’s one question I hear more than anything else.“Do I have enough to retire?” It makes total sense. You’ve worked for decades, saved, paid off debt, and probably even started contemplating what retirement could look like. Maybe you’re already in retirement, yet still have a lot of uncertainty about whether you will need more income…
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How I’ll Save a Client $20,000 in Taxes Every Year
by Clint Kraft
Smart tax planning can make a massive difference for many people, especially those with a high income. One of my clients was earning over $400K annually, but was missing out on a few key opportunities to pay less tax going forward. With a couple of strategic moves, I’ll help them save almost $20,000 in taxes…
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5 Reasons People Seek out a Financial Advisor
by Clint Kraft
Personal finance is something everyone has to deal with, yet very few people have gotten any formal education on. As your finances become more complex, you may start to feel uncertain about whether you’re making the right decisions. In these situations, many people turn to a financial advisor to help them create an organized plan,…
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3 Ways to Pay Less Tax Near or in Retirement
by Clint Kraft
As an advisor, one of the most important conversations I have with clients is about tax efficiency in retirement. Many retirees are shocked by how much tax they still have to pay even after their main working years are over. However, careful tax planning is your friend during this time, making it possible to significantly…
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4 of the Biggest 401(k) Mistakes I See
by Clint Kraft
401(k) plans are a crucial piece of retirement for many people. However, many unintentionally make mistakes that can delay their long term financial goals. It can be difficult getting advice related to your employee benefits plan as many advisors don’t discuss these assets. Throughout my meetings with new clients, I’ve identified four common 401(k) plan…
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Can I Contribute to a Roth IRA?
by Clint Kraft
The Roth IRA is one of the most powerful tools for tax-free growth and retirement savings, but not everyone can contribute through normal contributions. Understanding the eligibility rules can help you determine whether you can take advantage of this account or need to look to other strategies such as a Traditional IRA or Backdoor Roth.…