One of the most overlooked risks that married couples face when planning for retirement is something known as the Widow’s Tax Penalty. This penalty occurs at the death of the first spouse and can have a significant impact on the surviving spouse’s financial well-being. In this post, we’ll explain how this penalty works, its potential impact on a couple’s retirement plan, and practical steps you can take to minimize it.
When choosing a financial advisor, trust and transparency are paramount. That’s why it’s crucial to investigate claims and verify information before entrusting your money to any firm. Recently, we uncovered some alarming inconsistencies about a financial services firm based in Charlotte, NC—Alloy Wealth Management.
If you're wondering if you should pay taxes early through a Roth IRA conversion—especially when that means shrinking your investment amount initially—you’re not alone. After all, conventional wisdom says to defer taxes as long as possible. But for many savers, particularly those with large traditional IRAs, Roth conversions can be a valuable strategy.
Advisors advertising free plans might claim to be fiduciary advisors, which means they’re legally obligated to act in your best interest. However, this claim can be misleading. While they may technically operate as fiduciaries at certain times, they might also recommend commission products that serve their financial interests more than yours.
Active Underperformance. A recent study by S&P revealed that approximately 90% of active public equity fund managers fail to outperform their respective indices, while 81% of active public fixed income managers also underperform their indices over a 10-year period. Another case for trusting the DFA systematic approach.
Tax planning is critical to making the most of your ESPP, consider consulting with a financial advisor to develop a strategy that aligns with your broader financial goals. At Ark Royal, we can help you create a balanced financial plan, optimizing your ESPP participation while minimizing tax implications.