As part of a new series, we share more about our financial advisors. In this article, we interview Heidi Rose, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. At Carnegie Investment Counsel, every office location has access to a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™team member through virtual teams. Here is our interview with Heidi Rose: 

If you are getting close to your retirement, you might be worrying about whether the money you have set aside is going to last. It’s a legitimate concern, especially considering that the average life expectancy continues to increase. There is a good chance that you’ll live longer, but will your money last longer? 

The answer is yes, it is possible to stretch savings. With a smart investment strategy, a realistic view of healthcare costs, and a commitment to living within your budget, you can make your money outlast your retirement. Let’s take a look at some ways you can improve your financial outlook with a little foresight and planning. 

Do you own your employer's publicly traded stock in your qualified retirement plan? And are you planning to retire soon? If yes, then the use of Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) may represent a significant tax planning opportunity for you. 

For many Americans today, Social Security is one of their most substantial retirement assets. In fact, nearly all U.S. workers and their families will qualify for some benefits under the system, originally enacted in 1935. Social Security benefits can be viewed as a portion of the “replacement income” that people need once they decide to retire.

While it is certainly a topic that is difficult for many of us to contemplate, what happens when we succumb to the inevitable and depart this life? What benefits under the Social Security program are available for surviving partners and children? Do parents of the deceased qualify for benefits?

Intern Peggy M. interviews portfolio manager Razmig Pounardjian for thoughts on what teens should do with their summer savings accounts. Here is Peggy’s post.

You’ve worked hard your entire life. Now it’s time to look forward to your retirement. After all your dedication, your golden years should be everything you hoped for. But along with the excitement of impending retirement, there also comes the responsibility of sound financial management.

Updated June 23, 2020

[Text in BOLD below are updates reflecting IRS Notices 2020-50 and -51]

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. A portion of the Act is intended to loosen access to retirement plan funds and provide relief for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is a summary of the retirement-related provisions of the Act:

The retirement landscape for many Americans was altered significantly in December 2019 when the SECURE Act became law. Several facets of the legislation were intended to increase access to tax-advantaged accounts for many Americans. Another provision, though, aims to prevent older retirees from outliving their retirement assets.

In the 85 years since the Social Security Act established a new means for Americans to prepare for life after their working days, the retirement landscape has changed significantly. There has been a dramatic reduction in defined-benefit pension plans and a migration toward defined-contribution plans like the 401(k). Life expectancies are longer and the full retirement age has crept higher.

Questions about paying for college? Despite the ups and downs of the world today, a college education provides a significant advantage in today’s job market for your child or grandchild. In fact, it is known to provide higher earnings potential throughout your child’s entire working life.  But how to pay for college with rising costs today?