Don't Let Pro Rata Rules Trip Up Your Retirement Plan
Failing to understand these rules can force investors to pay more in taxes than they expected.
Christine Benz
Christine Benz is Morningstar's director of personal finance and author of 30-Minute Money Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Finances and the Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds: 5-Star Strategies for Success. Follow Christine on Twitter: @christine_benz.
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10 IRA Contribution Mistakes to Avoid
Escape analysis paralysis when it comes to selecting the right IRA and getting the money invested.
How Retirees Can Protect Themselves From Inflation
Christine Benz looks at some asset classes that might help retirees hedge against rising prices.
Teaching Loved Ones About Money? Here's a Tool Kit
Pssst: Your financial and investment life shouldn't be complicated. Pass it on.
How the Tax Changes Affect Deductions
Michael Kitces reviews what the curtailment of many deductions means for taxpayers.
2 Areas Where the Tax Code Got More Generous
Taxpayers with large medical expenses or those making significant charitable contributions could benefit under the new tax law, says Michael Kitces.
TSP Is Near Ideal, but Faults Remain
Christine Benz breaks down the pros and the cons of the Thrift Savings Plan for government workers.
Should Your Clump Your Charitable Donations?
A higher standard deduction means investors should consider clumping several years of charitable donations into a donor advised fund to help reduce tax burden, says Michael Kitces.
The Do-Over for IRA Conversions Is Done. Now What?
What you need to know about the death of IRA recharacterizations.
5 To-Dos for Retirees as Volatility Returns
Christine Benz shares her top tips for investors in retirement or about to retire wondering what to do amid the sell-off.
Don't Forget About These Costly Areas in Retirement
Christine Benz says some expenses tend to sneak up on even those with a good idea of what their cost of living will be.
How a Falling Dollar Affects Your Portfolio
Taking stock of the direct and indirect effects.
Are Deductions Less Valuable Under the New Tax Laws?
Itemized deductions may be less beneficial, but above-the-line deductions still will be.
How Rising Interest Rates Affect Retirees
Bond prices, cash yield, and debt are all issues retirees should consider as interest rates rise, says Christine Benz.
Don't Overlook the Valuable Intelligence in Your Tax Forms
As you review your W-2 and 1099s, here are some key data points to pay attention to.
Building a Portfolio That's Right for You
Christine Benz explains how investors can use her model portfolios to develop their asset allocations and help with security selection.
An Aggressive Retirement Saver Portfolio
We employ actively managed mutual funds and a stock-heavy portfolio mix.
A Moderate Retirement Saver Portfolio
Its allocations illustrate that even 40-somethings should be mostly in stocks.
A Conservative Retirement Saver Portfolio
Even with retirement on the horizon, our portfolio maintains a sizable equity weighting.
Tax Efficiency Still Key Amid New Law
Christine Benz says taking advantage of tax-sheltered vehicles is the best way to reduce drag on your portfolio.
Are You Holding Your Assets in the Right Types of Accounts?
Taking care with asset placement can result in big tax savings.
Conduct a Tax Audit of Your Portfolio
Future market returns may be muted. That makes 'small ball,' like tax-efficient investing, more important.
Conduct a Cost Audit of Your Portfolio
We look at some investment-related expenses and share tips for avoiding them.
Do Your Retirement Investments Need an Upgrade?
Take these steps to see if your holdings could use some sprucing up.
Improve Your Portfolio by Streamlining
Christine Benz says investors should reduce complexity by consolidating accounts or holdings within accounts.
How the Tax Changes Affect Financial Advisors
Financial planning expert Michael Kitces discusses pass-throughs and RIAs after the passage of the new tax law.
Backdoor Roth Strategy Still an Option
The new tax law didn't close the loophole that allows high-income investors to contribute to a Roth IRA, explains financial planning expert Michael Kitces.
6 Retirement Asset-Allocation Pitfalls to Avoid
Make sure your portfolio's stock/bond mix factors in your risk capacity, nonportfolio income sources, and nonretirement goals.
Risk Capacity and Asset Allocation Go Hand in Hand
When checking your mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, keep your time horizon for the money top of mind, says Christine Benz.
The Big Picture: Is Your Retirement Plan on Track?
Christine Benz says using an online calculator can help assess your portfolio's viability, but investors should also watch their savings and withdrawal rates.
Who Deserves Manager of the Year Honors for 2017? Readers Weigh In
A veteran manager whose fund offers a smooth ride racks up the most votes. Again.
IRA Recharacterizations: What You Can and Can't Do Now
Michael Kitces explains how the new tax law affects Roth contributions and conversions.
How the Tax Changes Affect Estate Planning
The estate tax may now impact fewer people, but that doesn't mean estate planning shouldn't be a priority.
What Do Low Market Return Expectations Mean for Your Plan?
Near-term forecasts matter the most for investors whose spending horizons are close at hand; others, not so much.
How the Tax Changes Affect College-Savers
Baird's Tim Steffen explains how 529 plans could impact savings strategies.
Will 2018 Be Another Up Year for Stocks? Readers Say Yes
While forecasting robust gains for the year, many readers believe the going will get bumpy in the second half.
How the Tax Changes Affect Retirees and Pre-Retirees
Baird's Tim Steffen says the new rules on itemizing and the elimination of Roth "do-overs" are most likely to affect retirees.
Experts Forecast Long-Term Stock and Bond Returns: 2018 Edition
High starting valuations, low yields prompt muted return projections at most firms.
4 Pitfalls to Avoid in a Lofty Market
Christine Benz says retirees should guard against these areas amid a buoyant year for the market.
Tips for Managing Debt in Retirement
Baird's Tim Steffen says retirees and pre-retirees should pay attention to loans to children, mortgages, and home equity lines of credit.
3 Underdiscussed Tax Changes
Baird's Tim Steffen explores how the Pease Limitation, AMTs, and pass-through changes may affect investors.
Take Action on These Tax Tasks Now
With tax law set to change in 2018, Baird's Tim Steffen says investors should consider these moves before the end of the year.
What the Tax Package Means for Your Financial Plan
Implications for taxable investors, Roth IRA converters, college savers, and more.
Tips for Avoiding Costly RMD Missteps
Christine Benz outlines a few strategies for handling your required minimum distributions.
Special Report: Year-End Portfolio To-Do List for Retirees
In this hourlong webcast replay, Christine Benz shares what should be on your punch list as 2017 winds down.
Creating a Durable Estate Plan
Christine Benz says retirees should keep some key documents on hand to help stay organized.
How to Create a Succession Plan for Your Portfolio
Even dedicated do-it-yourselfers should follow these key steps.
Planning for Healthcare and Long-Term Care in Retirement
Carolyn McClanahan of Life Planning Partners shares her tips on budgeting, Medigap policies, healthcare inflation, and more.
75 Must-Know Statistics About Long-Term Care
Sobering data on usage, cost, insurance products, and the toll on unpaid caregivers.
How Social Security and Healthcare Impact Your Portfolio
Setting aside a bucket for long-term care expenses is a good way to prepare for healthcare needs that may arise.