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“Third-Party Posts”
10 Simple Financial Tasks You Can Tackle in an Hour
You won't believe how much you can accomplish — and save — in just a few minutes Have 60 minutes to kill? You could spend it watching TV or playing games on your smartphone. Or you could spend it saving money, by ticking some easy but important financial tasks off...
read more
4 Key Decisions for Early Retirement
‘Will your money last?’ isn’t the only question to consider before retiring. I was chatting with a friend the other day about his retirement—possibly an early one. At age 60, he has worked hard, saved aggressively, and invested well. Most important, he’s pretty burned...
read more
How to Plan for Retirement Like a Veteran
Surveys show ex-service members retire with more assets, less debt and greater confidence. Here are six ways to follow their lead. When her son Corbett joined the Marine Corps right out of high school in 2013, Lara Ferguson was surprised to learn that he was required...
read more
6 things to consider when saving for retirement.
Retirement is a time to enjoy your golden years and live life to the fullest. But in order to do that, it's important to start planning early. Retirement savings can be a complex topic, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to get started. 1. Start saving...
read more
The Transition to Retirement: 11 Exceptional Tips for the Average Joe or Jane
Baby boomers were never “average.” The generation wears uniqueness is a badge of honor. However, approximately 10,000 boomers turn 65 everyday. While we each have specific goals, ideas and financial circumstances, there are some things that apply to us all. Here is...
read more
Is 2025 a Bad Year To Retire With the Stock Market in the Dumps?
2025 may seem like a bad year to retire if you're looking at the stock market alone. But that's not the only consideration. It sure seems like a bad year to retire. The stock markets are falling, taking 401(k) balances along with it, tariffs are in place, federal...
read more
5 Dos and Don’ts When Lending Money to Loved Ones
Helping friends or family shouldn’t mean hurting your finances Let’s face it: Money is tight for many people. And if you have loved ones in your life who are struggling financially, you may feel inclined to help them. If you do, proceed with caution. According to a...
read more
11 Mistakes Retirees Make at the Supermarket
It’s not just inflation. Your bad habits may explain why you’re paying too much for groceries. Retirees living on fixed incomes have been feeling the pinch of rising grocery costs. Grocery prices in February rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, according to the U.S....
read more
Retire with confidence: Master your finances and lifestyle
Discover steps to help you prepare for retirement Imagine this: After decades of hard work and dedication, you’re just 12 months away from the retirement of your dreams. Exciting, right? But hold on, this final stretch is crucial. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared...
read more
10 Simple Financial Tasks You Can Tackle in an Hour
You won't believe how much you can accomplish — and save — in just a few minutes Have 60 minutes to kill? You could spend it watching TV or playing games on your smartphone. Or you could spend it saving money, by ticking some easy but important financial tasks off...
4 Key Decisions for Early Retirement
‘Will your money last?’ isn’t the only question to consider before retiring. I was chatting with a friend the other day about his retirement—possibly an early one. At age 60, he has worked hard, saved aggressively, and invested well. Most important, he’s pretty burned...
How to Plan for Retirement Like a Veteran
Surveys show ex-service members retire with more assets, less debt and greater confidence. Here are six ways to follow their lead. When her son Corbett joined the Marine Corps right out of high school in 2013, Lara Ferguson was surprised to learn that he was required...
6 things to consider when saving for retirement.
Retirement is a time to enjoy your golden years and live life to the fullest. But in order to do that, it's important to start planning early. Retirement savings can be a complex topic, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to get started. 1. Start saving...
The Transition to Retirement: 11 Exceptional Tips for the Average Joe or Jane
Baby boomers were never “average.” The generation wears uniqueness is a badge of honor. However, approximately 10,000 boomers turn 65 everyday. While we each have specific goals, ideas and financial circumstances, there are some things that apply to us all. Here is...
Is 2025 a Bad Year To Retire With the Stock Market in the Dumps?
2025 may seem like a bad year to retire if you're looking at the stock market alone. But that's not the only consideration. It sure seems like a bad year to retire. The stock markets are falling, taking 401(k) balances along with it, tariffs are in place, federal...
5 Dos and Don’ts When Lending Money to Loved Ones
Helping friends or family shouldn’t mean hurting your finances Let’s face it: Money is tight for many people. And if you have loved ones in your life who are struggling financially, you may feel inclined to help them. If you do, proceed with caution. According to a...
11 Mistakes Retirees Make at the Supermarket
It’s not just inflation. Your bad habits may explain why you’re paying too much for groceries. Retirees living on fixed incomes have been feeling the pinch of rising grocery costs. Grocery prices in February rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, according to the U.S....
Retire with confidence: Master your finances and lifestyle
Discover steps to help you prepare for retirement Imagine this: After decades of hard work and dedication, you’re just 12 months away from the retirement of your dreams. Exciting, right? But hold on, this final stretch is crucial. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The S&P 500 avoided a fifth straight week of losses as investors continued to assess the impact of Trump’s policies. A late rally on Friday afternoon, fueled on heavy volume from quarterly options' expiration, helped propel the S&P 500...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Investors endured the fourth consecutive week of losses in US equity markets as concerns around tariffs and their impact on the economy continued to weigh on sentiment. Several investment banks decreased their assessment of US equities and...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Economic growth concerns weighed on US financial markets as manic trade policy fostered uncertainty and volatility. It was a hectic week as investors tried to make sense of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The announcement that...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Economic growth concerns weighed on US financial markets as manic trade policy fostered uncertainty and volatility. It was a hectic week as investors tried to make sense of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The announcement that...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Growth concerns entered the market narrative as investors continued to look at policy uncertainties on tariffs and the strains on geopolitical relations. The Trump administration confirmed that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be effective...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The holiday-shortened week saw the S&P 500 hit all-time highs, but late in the week, the move abruptly succumbed to consolidation pressure. Investors are worried about valuations, trade tensions, inflation, and declining consumer sentiment. A...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Despite all of the uncertainties within the investment landscape, global markets were able to post nice gains last week. Fourth-quarter earnings continued to roll in with notable results from Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Roku, Cisco Systems, Draft...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Uncertainty about global trade continued to be at the top of investors' minds as Trump announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada while levying 10% on Chinese goods. Mexico and Canada's immediate reaction was to place tariffs on US goods. But an...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
Darren Leavitt, CFA US financial markets were extremely busy last week as a rush to download a Chinese AI platform called Deep Seek from Apple’s App Store seemingly changed the narrative around artificial intelligence in a heartbeat and on multiple fronts. Capital...
read more
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The S&P 500 avoided a fifth straight week of losses as investors continued to assess the impact of Trump’s policies. A late rally on Friday afternoon, fueled on heavy volume from quarterly options' expiration, helped propel the S&P 500...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Investors endured the fourth consecutive week of losses in US equity markets as concerns around tariffs and their impact on the economy continued to weigh on sentiment. Several investment banks decreased their assessment of US equities and...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Economic growth concerns weighed on US financial markets as manic trade policy fostered uncertainty and volatility. It was a hectic week as investors tried to make sense of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The announcement that...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Economic growth concerns weighed on US financial markets as manic trade policy fostered uncertainty and volatility. It was a hectic week as investors tried to make sense of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The announcement that...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Growth concerns entered the market narrative as investors continued to look at policy uncertainties on tariffs and the strains on geopolitical relations. The Trump administration confirmed that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be effective...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The holiday-shortened week saw the S&P 500 hit all-time highs, but late in the week, the move abruptly succumbed to consolidation pressure. Investors are worried about valuations, trade tensions, inflation, and declining consumer sentiment. A...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Despite all of the uncertainties within the investment landscape, global markets were able to post nice gains last week. Fourth-quarter earnings continued to roll in with notable results from Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Roku, Cisco Systems, Draft...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Uncertainty about global trade continued to be at the top of investors' minds as Trump announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada while levying 10% on Chinese goods. Mexico and Canada's immediate reaction was to place tariffs on US goods. But an...
Weekly Market Commentary
Darren Leavitt, CFA US financial markets were extremely busy last week as a rush to download a Chinese AI platform called Deep Seek from Apple’s App Store seemingly changed the narrative around artificial intelligence in a heartbeat and on multiple fronts. Capital...
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For the detailed requirements of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group, please visit: https://www.irahelp.com/
“IRA Distribution Confusion”
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Traditional and Roth IRA owners often get confused about the distributions they take from their IRAs. Mix-ups and misunderstandings are pervasive. With Roth IRAs, there a number of different factors to consider when withdrawing...
read more
IRS Confirms Effective Date of Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Rule
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst In final regulations issued on September 15, 2025, the IRS confirmed that company retirement plans must comply with the SECURE 2.0 Act’s mandatory Roth catch-up rule as of January 1, 2026. That rule requires high-paid employees who...
read more
PAYMENT OF THE FIRST RMD AND THE ONCE-PER-YEAR RULE: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: Hi, If my birthday is in December 2026, when I turn 73 years old, can I take my required minimum distribution (RMD) on January 2, 2026, even though I’m not yet 73 years old then? Thank you, Harvey Answer: Yes. Your first RMD is...
read more
5 Things You Need to Know About 2025 Qualified Charitable Distributions
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst If you are thinking about doing a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) for 2025, time is running out. The deadline is December 31, 2025. Many people miss out on this valuable tax break. Here are 5 things you need to know about...
read more
Participation in Multiple Retirement Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Can a person who works at two different, unrelated companies participate in the retirement plan offered by each of those businesses? Yes. Can this same person receive the maximum annual contributions into BOTH plans? Yes,...
read more
The “Still-Working Exception” and December 31 Retirement
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst As the end of the year approaches, you may have plans to retire on December 31. However, if you are using the “still-working exception” to defer required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k) (or other company plan), you may want...
read more
2025 Year-End Retirement Account Deadlines
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The end of the year always brings a flurry of retirement account deadlines and planning opportunities. This year is no different. And, new for 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings new...
read more
Qualified Distributions and Successor Beneficiaries: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Dear IRA Help, Here is my specific case. I am 84 years old. I opened a Roth IRA on March 30, 2020, with a conversion. I started withdrawing from this conversion on March 10, 2025. Did I satisfy the...
read more
Do QCDs Actually Reduce AGI?
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst It has come to our attention that confusion exists as to how qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) impact one’s taxes. It is said that QCDs can reduce adjusted gross income (AGI). But is this true? Yes, it is true…but...
read more
“IRA Distribution Confusion”
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Traditional and Roth IRA owners often get confused about the distributions they take from their IRAs. Mix-ups and misunderstandings are pervasive. With Roth IRAs, there a number of different factors to consider when withdrawing...
IRS Confirms Effective Date of Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Rule
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst In final regulations issued on September 15, 2025, the IRS confirmed that company retirement plans must comply with the SECURE 2.0 Act’s mandatory Roth catch-up rule as of January 1, 2026. That rule requires high-paid employees who...
PAYMENT OF THE FIRST RMD AND THE ONCE-PER-YEAR RULE: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: Hi, If my birthday is in December 2026, when I turn 73 years old, can I take my required minimum distribution (RMD) on January 2, 2026, even though I’m not yet 73 years old then? Thank you, Harvey Answer: Yes. Your first RMD is...
5 Things You Need to Know About 2025 Qualified Charitable Distributions
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst If you are thinking about doing a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) for 2025, time is running out. The deadline is December 31, 2025. Many people miss out on this valuable tax break. Here are 5 things you need to know about...
Participation in Multiple Retirement Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Can a person who works at two different, unrelated companies participate in the retirement plan offered by each of those businesses? Yes. Can this same person receive the maximum annual contributions into BOTH plans? Yes,...
The “Still-Working Exception” and December 31 Retirement
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst As the end of the year approaches, you may have plans to retire on December 31. However, if you are using the “still-working exception” to defer required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k) (or other company plan), you may want...
2025 Year-End Retirement Account Deadlines
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The end of the year always brings a flurry of retirement account deadlines and planning opportunities. This year is no different. And, new for 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings new...
Qualified Distributions and Successor Beneficiaries: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Dear IRA Help, Here is my specific case. I am 84 years old. I opened a Roth IRA on March 30, 2020, with a conversion. I started withdrawing from this conversion on March 10, 2025. Did I satisfy the...
Do QCDs Actually Reduce AGI?
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst It has come to our attention that confusion exists as to how qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) impact one’s taxes. It is said that QCDs can reduce adjusted gross income (AGI). But is this true? Yes, it is true…but...
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Mandatory?
Key Points While the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not mandatory, it is a 100% covered preventive service. The Annual Wellness Visit differs from the typical annual physicals you were used to with group coverage. If you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12...
read more
Retirement Happiness by the Numbers: The Top 10 Key Factors Seniors Swear By
Retirement is great – or at least it can be. However, quitting work alone isn’t enough to deliver happiness. That’s why many seniors keep working well into their golden years. For those who prefer to spend the twilight of their life enjoying the trappings of leisure,...
read more
Could Partial Retirement Be Right For You?
Key Points Partial retirement is when you retire from your full-time position, but might work part-time to produce a reduced income. You may consider partial retirement if you enjoy working and want to continue or if you need to work for the extra money. Your Medicare...
read more
What is My Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
Key Points Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday, allowing you to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare start date depends on when you enroll; if you sign up in the three months before your birthday,...
read more
Can I See Any Provider With My Medicare Plan?
Key Points Original Medicare allows beneficiaries to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medigap plan, you can still see any provider that accepts Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans may have network restrictions that can...
read more
How to Avoid Medicare Scams While Applying for Medicare
Key Points Unfortunately, seniors can be a prime target for scammers, and many will try to trick seniors into falling for their Medicare scams. Scammers use several different tactics to try and scam Medicare beneficiaries and make attempts by phone or email. Scammers...
read more
HSAs and Medicare: Things to consider when you turn 65
Retiring soon and wondering what to do with your health savings account (HSA)? You’re not alone – many people find the rules around HSAs and Medicare to be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about having an HSA after 65, spending your contributions and avoiding...
read more
12 Things Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare
Learn how to navigate the system to get the best coverage for your loved one Medicare can be complicated when you’re making your own health care decisions, but it has an extra layer of complexity when you’re trying to help a sick or aging relative navigate the system....
read more
Preparing for Future Health Care Needs
Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. But rules vary greatly from state to state. In some cases, decisions are left up to the health care providers and...
read more
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Mandatory?
Key Points While the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not mandatory, it is a 100% covered preventive service. The Annual Wellness Visit differs from the typical annual physicals you were used to with group coverage. If you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12...
Retirement Happiness by the Numbers: The Top 10 Key Factors Seniors Swear By
Retirement is great – or at least it can be. However, quitting work alone isn’t enough to deliver happiness. That’s why many seniors keep working well into their golden years. For those who prefer to spend the twilight of their life enjoying the trappings of leisure,...
Could Partial Retirement Be Right For You?
Key Points Partial retirement is when you retire from your full-time position, but might work part-time to produce a reduced income. You may consider partial retirement if you enjoy working and want to continue or if you need to work for the extra money. Your Medicare...
What is My Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
Key Points Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday, allowing you to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare start date depends on when you enroll; if you sign up in the three months before your birthday,...
Can I See Any Provider With My Medicare Plan?
Key Points Original Medicare allows beneficiaries to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medigap plan, you can still see any provider that accepts Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans may have network restrictions that can...
How to Avoid Medicare Scams While Applying for Medicare
Key Points Unfortunately, seniors can be a prime target for scammers, and many will try to trick seniors into falling for their Medicare scams. Scammers use several different tactics to try and scam Medicare beneficiaries and make attempts by phone or email. Scammers...
HSAs and Medicare: Things to consider when you turn 65
Retiring soon and wondering what to do with your health savings account (HSA)? You’re not alone – many people find the rules around HSAs and Medicare to be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about having an HSA after 65, spending your contributions and avoiding...
12 Things Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare
Learn how to navigate the system to get the best coverage for your loved one Medicare can be complicated when you’re making your own health care decisions, but it has an extra layer of complexity when you’re trying to help a sick or aging relative navigate the system....
Preparing for Future Health Care Needs
Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. But rules vary greatly from state to state. In some cases, decisions are left up to the health care providers and...
Find a JC Financial & Insurance Services Location
Topeka, Kansas
1315 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604
Office: 785-640-7233
Fax: 785-506-8061
jcfinancialks@gmail.com
