3 Investing Tips for the New Year
A new year is the perfect time to review your investing goals. We’ve listed some simple actions that could make a big difference over time.
The Value of a Long-Term View
Similar to your home, companies have actual economic value despite their stock price on any given day. They are not just pieces of paper or a blip on the computer screen.
Coverdell ESA
Contributing to a child’s ESA will help jump‑start his savings—and give him tax‑free money later—to pay for education expenses.
Inherited IRA
If you’ve inherited an IRA, make sure you understand your options. Because of the IRS rules, your options as an IRA beneficiary depend on certain factors.
IRA and Retirement Plan Distributions
Whether your retirement is close or still a ways off, you may be ready-or required-to put your savings to use. With a retirement plan, you must satisfy certain requirements before taking a distribution, but with an IRA, you can withdraw your IRA assets anytime (subject to possible tax and penalty).
Transfers, Rollovers and Conversions
Your retirement savings accounts are portable: IRA-to-IRA, IRA-to-retirement plan, Retirement plan-to-IRA, Retirement plan-to-retirement plan.
Common Cents Planning
In an ideal world, investors should have at least six months, and as much as two years, of living expenses set aside before they invest in stocks. Although you may not be there yet, it is a worthwhile goal. Having a sufficient cash reserve – in good times and bad – should provide flexibility and allow you to make rational, unforced financial decisions.