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03 Jan '24
How to Retire with $10 Million
Continue readingHow realistic is it for a new college graduate to retire with $10 million? Turns out, a million dollars isn’t what it used to be. The movie “How to Marry a Millionaire” was released back in 1953. It seems at that time—70+ years ago—being a millionaire was the epitome of financial success. Yet today, instead […]
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01 Nov '23
Net Worth by Age in the U.S. – Financial Voyeurism Part 2
Continue readingThe household net worth in the United States varies significantly across different age groups. Understanding the average net worth of households at different stages of life is essential for financial planning; and makes for good financial rubbernecking. To gain insights into this complex topic, we turn to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), […]
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06 Sep '23
The HSA Tax-Advantage Triple Play (Health Savings Accounts)
Continue readingA Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account designed for individuals and families with high-deductible health insurance plans (HDHPs). HSAs are intended to help people save money for qualified medical expenses while also offering tax benefits. Here are some key features and benefits of HSAs: High-Deductible Health Plan Requirement: To be eligible for […]
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16 Aug '23
How Much Wealth Should You Have by Age 55?
Continue readingToday, we’re focusing on a pivotal age: wealth at age 55. At this stage of life, you’ve likely been building your financial foundation for decades. It’s important to gauge your progress, compare your wealth, and evaluate your investments to ensure a secure retirement. Let’s dive into what you should have accumulated by age 55, keeping […]
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21 Jun '23
Taking Advantage of New 529 to Roth IRA Rule
Continue readingFunds in a 529 college savings plan can be transferred, or rolled over, into a Roth IRA (a 529-to-Roth IRA transfer) starting next year. Key Points about 529-to-Roth IRA Transfers The 529-to-Roth IRA Transfer Rule Limitations on 529 to Roth IRA Conversions Understanding 529 College Savings Plans How Does the 529-to-Roth IRA Work? An Illustration […]
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17 May '23
The Ultimate Guide: Converting US Savings Bonds to a 529 Plan
Continue readingParents can avoid taxes by rolling over savings bonds to a 529 plan. We will discuss how to convert United States savings bonds into a 529 plan, without paying Federal tax on the earnings. If you are a long-time Wealth45 reader, you know we have touted the high interest rates paid on Series I savings […]
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27 Apr '23
10 Finance Numbers to Know
Continue readingTen finance numbers to know as you navigate the complex world of personal finance. Understanding key numbers can be crucial to making informed decisions and securing your financial future. From retirement savings to credit scores, here are ten important finance numbers to know. 10% Fraction of your income to save for retirement throughout your […]
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27 Oct '22
When to Sell RSUs for Tech Employees
Continue readingWhen is the optimal time to sell my RSUs? Many technology company employees receive grants of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). This form of equity compensation may be in the form of a one-time hiring bonus, a reward for exceptional performance, or part of the annual compensation program. Regardless of how you received your RSUs, everyone […]
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11 Oct '22
Retirement Spending
Continue readingAre you saving enough for retirement? Can your investments support your retirement spending desires? These are difficult questions to answer. It boils down to how much money you need in retirement to maintain an acceptable lifestyle. Unless you are close to retiring, you likely don’t have a good grasp of your retirement spending needs. How […]
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13 Mar '22
Live the FIRE Movement
Continue readingThe FIRE movement is about Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). Generate enough “income” from your investments to cover your expenses, so you no longer needing to work to pay your expenses (all prior to traditional retirement age). The core principals include: Dramatically reduce expenses Save aggressively and funnel savings into investments Accumulate enough assets to […]
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01 May '21
Savings Bonds – Inflation Hedge Series
Continue readingArguably, the simplest of all investments—U.S. Savings Bonds—may be the best current hedge against inflation available. As discussed in my prior post, Are TIPS a Good Investment, TIPS are nearly the perfect inflation hedge. Your return is fully protected from inflation since the bonds yield is adjusted based on actual inflation experienced. You receive a […]
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02 Feb '21
Financial Rubbernecking – Part 3: Retirement Accounts
Continue readingHow do your retirement savings stack up? Are you accumulating retirement assets faster than your peers? This is the third posting in a series exploring these types of questions. (See Part 1 – Income; See Part 2- Net Worth) Every three years I look forward to the latest Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances […]