You′ve earned your money . . . Now here′s how to keep it!
"It′s easy for anyone to believe the government protects its citizens′ rights. But the truth is, in matters of taxes, once the IRS gets its hands on your money, you can kiss that money goodbye. You must act before that event takes place and this book will help you do it. At the end of the day, it′s what you and your family get to keep that counts."
Rick Rodgers, CFP, founder, Rodgers & Associates
Most people dream of retirement as a relaxing, worry–free time in their lives. What many do not realize is that the IRS is also looking forward to the day you retire. Our complicated tax system can mean the government is entitled to a significant amount of your retirement assets unless you protect them properly.
Now, Rick Rodgers, founder of one of the country′s top wealth management firms, helps you retain as much of your hard–earned retirement assets as possible. His unique Three–Legged Stool approach to financial security makes it both easy to understand how to achieve this retirement security and difficult to "lose balance" that is, get off–track once you′ve established your plan.
Leg One tax–deferred savings strategies
Leg Two after–tax savings strategies
Leg Three tax–free savings strategies
Plus, a closer look at:
- The all–important retirement distribution (R/D) factor
- Social Security
- Estate planning
With real–life case studies, tips, and recommendations from Rodgers′ own experiences as a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Retirement Counselor, this practical guide will help you establish a plan to build the retirement you and your family dream of and deserve.
Introduction: The Un–Funniest Story Ever Told vii
Why Would the IRS Steal Your Money? xiii
Who Am I to Give You Advice? xv
The Three–Legged Stool Approach to Financial Security xvi
Chapter One: Leg One: Tax–Deferred Savings Strategies 1
The Main Tax–Deferred Accounts: A Refresher Course 1
Prevent the IRS From Touching Tax–Deferred Distributions 11
NUAs Keep the IRS Away From Tax–Deferred Stock Distributions 33
Chapter Two: Leg Two: After–Tax Savings Strategies 39
Transfer Highly Taxed Assets into Tax–Deferred Accounts 39
Begin to Build Your Investment Plan Around Asset Allocation 44
Five Steps to Reducing the Wrong Kind of Investment Risk 50
How to Invest in a Tax–Efficient Way 65
Implement a Zero Tax Bracket Approach 72
Chapter Three: Leg Three: Tax–Free Savings Strategies 79
Understanding Roth Accounts 79
Roth IRA Conversions: Better than Any Tax Break 85
Chapter Four: Distributions: Strike an Ideal Balance Among All of Your Accounts 93
The Retirement Distribution (R/D) Factor 93
How and When to Take Retirement Savings Distributions 97
Tips for Taking Early Retirement 114
Get Guidance From a Good Financial Advisor 126
Chapter Five: Understanding Social Security 137
Social Security: A History 137
How Your Benefits are Calcluated 140
When to Begin Taking Benefits 147
The Tax on Your Benefits and How to Reduce It 150
Social Security Reform 157
Chapter Six: Keep the IRS Out of Your Estate 163
Five Reasons to Reexamine Your Estate Plan 163
Estate Tax Overview 165
Gift ing Strategies for Avoiding Estate Taxes 167
Estate Planning with a Roth IRA 177
Beneficiaries: Key to Any Solid Estate Plan 181
Appendix: How to Write a Personal Financial Plan 189
Part One: Establish Clear Advisor–Client Communication 190
Part Two: Create a Detailed Investment Plan 192
Glossary 197
About Rick Rodgers 201
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