MarketWatch & Florida Today
October 2, 2026
Can you write a check to max out a 401(k)? No, but here are alternatives
Key Points- Employees cannot make a lump-sum deposit into their 401(k) via a personal check.- Contributions to a 401(k) plan, known as "employee deferrals," must be made through payroll deductions.-…
September 4, 2026
What are the best ways to manage investment risk before you retire?
Key points:- Retirees cannot eliminate all financial risk; reducing one type often increases exposure to another.- To maintain purchasing power in retirement, investments need to outpace both inflation and taxes.-…
August 31, 2026
Why would someone lock up money by rolling it into a 401(k)?
When done right, rollovers can be a great toolDear Dan, I understand why someone might roll funds out of a 401(k) plan, but why would anyone under 59½ ever roll…
August 7, 2026
Know financial risk when it comes to TIPS and building your nest egg
Key Points: Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are government bonds designed to provide a return that outpaces inflation. TIPS can have tax drawbacks, as both the interest payments and the inflation-based…
July 19, 2026
Can former employers withhold money from your 401(k) when you’re laid off?
There are two main ways to move money from your workplace retirement plan when you leave your job. One can cost you.Dear Dan, I was waiting at a bar for…
July 10, 2026
How much gold should you buy in retirement? Or do you need it at all?
Key Points: Gold's reputation as a hedge against inflation is inconsistent, with its value fluctuating significantly over different decades. While sometimes promoted as a safe haven, gold's price can be…
June 30, 2026
Will this refinancing strategy reduce the tax bite from RMDs?
I want to offset RMD income with a mortgage interest deduction Dear Dan, I want to reduce the tax bite once I start taking required minimum distributions. I was looking…
June 12, 2026
Estate tax exemptions are permanent now. What does that mean for trusts?
Q. Dan, now that the estate tax exemptions are permanent, do we need to keep our trust? — Steve in Satellite Beach A. Steve, estate taxes are only one reason people set up trusts, so I wouldn’t rush to scrap yours. …
May 21, 2026
Local firm named as a leading financial advisory firm
USA Today recently named Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, which has an office in Brevard County, to its list of the Best Financial Advisory Firms in the United States in 2026. The publication teamed with…
May 17, 2026
You’ve inherited an IRA. What comes next and what can you do with it?
Key Points- An inherited IRA cannot be directly gifted to another person, such as a son.- To give the money to their child an inheritor must first withdraw the funds…
May 12, 2026
What to know about investing in SpaceX — or any company — before it goes public
IPOs often come with great stories, optimism and tons of media coverage Dear Dan, I’m pretty excited that SpaceX is going public. Can I get in on it before the…
April 20, 2026
Do I earn too much to contribute to an IRA?
You may not be eligible — here are your options Dear Dan, I’m single, 46, and put the max $7,000 into my IRA in June, thinking I’d be able to…
April 17, 2026
Should you convert to a Roth IRA? Here’s how to figure it out
Key Points- Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA accelerates taxes rather than avoiding them.- The best time to consider a Roth conversion is before Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)…
March 20, 2026
Holding a large share of company stock? Have a plan which suits you
Q. Dan, I enjoyed your article on the coming SpaceX IPO. As a SpaceX employee, would it make sense to sell some on opening day especially if there is a…
March 18, 2026
I’m rethinking my retirement plan. How can I judge the best investments?
Overreliance on ‘past performance’ can send you down the wrong path Dear Dan, Near the end of your article about Roth catch-up contributions, you suggested, “This is a good time for…
February 20, 2026
Here’s what potential investors should consider about a SpaceX IPO
Q. Dan, I understand SpaceX is finally going public. I can’t wait to jump in and invest. How much will shares sell for? — John in Indian Harbour Beach A. John, indeed, reports indicate that in a few months anyone who…
February 14, 2026
My employer is forcing me into a Roth 401(k). Is there anything I can do?
High earners have to pay tax on their catch-up 401(k) contributions and deposit them into workplace Roth accountsDear Dan, I just got my first paycheck of the year, and it shows…
January 23, 2026
Yes, you can have multiple IRAs — but do you need more than one?
Q. Dan, I came across one of your articles in which one of the questioners stated, “I have three IRAs.” Is that normal? Why would anyone need more than one?…
January 21, 2026
Can I leave my 401(k) with my employer when I retire?
There are a few options for your 401(k) when you leave a job — some are better than others. Dear Dan, One of my coworkers is retiring next month, and…
December 26, 2025
Business Q&A: Let’s have a conversation about Roth conversions
Key Points- The primary factor in a Roth IRA conversion decision is the difference between the tax rate at conversion and the future tax rate at distribution.- Tax-free growth in…
December 9, 2025
My RMD starts next year. Should I convert my whole IRA to a Roth?
The most important variables are the tax rates Dear Dan, I’m 72 years old and have my IRA in stock. I start required minimum distributions next year so I want…
November 29, 2025
What should taxpayers know about a new deduction for charitable gifts?
Q. Hi, Dan. I don’t understand why people are talking about the new deduction for charitable gifts next year. Haven’t charitable gifts always been deductible? — Carl in Rockledge A. Carl, for millions of Americans, donations to…
November 12, 2025
What’s the right time of year to take my RMD?
An important factor is what you plan to do with the money once it is out of your IRADear Dan, I usually take my required minimum distribution from my IRA…
October 31, 2025
How does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affect your charitable donations this year?
Key Points- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) introduces new rules for charitable donation tax deductions.- Individuals 70½ or older can still make tax-free Qualified Charitable Distributions…
October 23, 2025
CNBC has named Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo to its top 100 financial advisors list
Local financial firm gets national recognition Dan Moisand Provided by Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo CNBC has named Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo to its 2025 Financial Advisor 100 list of the top 100 financial advisors in…
October 14, 2025
Can I put my RMD into my Roth IRA?
It’s Required Minimum Distribution season. What you can — and can’t do with them.Dear Dan, I am taking my first Required Minimum Distribution next year. After taxes are taken, can…
October 5, 2025
Long-term care: What is it, how does it work and how can you plan to pay for it?
In my 34 years of advising retirees and those transitioning into retirement, I have not seen a stock market drop cause anyone with a properly managed and diversified portfolio and…
September 29, 2025
When is the best time to do a Roth IRA conversion?
Pay attention to the tax rate now and the expected tax rate in the futureDear Dan, I found your column “Do Roth IRA conversions still make sense with the passage…
September 21, 2025
Make sure loved ones are protected and wishes honored with proper Florida estate planning
Key Points- A comprehensive plan can protect loved ones from legal disputes, minimize estate taxes, and preserve family harmony.- Key components of an estate plan include a will, trusts, health…
September 5, 2025
Thinking of starting a business in retirement? There’s much at stake: Know the risks
In my last column, I wrote about how in my 34 years of advising retirees and those transitioning into retirement, stock market drops have not caused anyone with a properly…
August 11, 2025
Do Roth IRA conversions still make sense with the passage of the GOP tax law?
The new tax law has added some wrinkles to considerDear Dan, If I understand correctly, Roth conversions are good when you expect tax rates to rise. With the new GOP…
August 10, 2025
Don’t flunk retirement: pitfalls to avoid | Opinion
In my last two columns. I wrote about investment disasters. In my 34 years of advising retirees and those transitioning into retirement, I have never seen anyone with a properly…
July 23, 2025
Investment disasters: What defines them — and how do I head these storms off at the pass?
Key Points- Market timing, involving shifting large portions of investments based on short-term market forecasts, often leads to poor outcomes.- Concentrating investments in a single security, such as company stock,…
July 14, 2025
Opinion: Are ETFs better than mutual funds?
There’s a lot to like about exchange-traded funds, but they aren’t all created equalDear Dan, I see a lot of people that tout ETFs over traditional mutual funds. What makes…
June 14, 2025
Give it to me straight: What’s the worst-case scenario for stocks right now? | Dan Moisand
Key Points- Predicting the stock market's worst-case scenario is unreliable, as market fluctuations are constant.- Diversification and a long-term investment strategy are key to mitigating risk and achieving positive returns.-…
June 13, 2025
I rolled over my 401(k) and was taxed and charged a penalty. What happened?
Watch out for this ‘mandatory’ ruleDear Dan, I rolled over my 401(k) last year and my company automatically withheld $15,000 for taxes. I got the remainder (about $60,000) into my…
May 6, 2025
Can I use investment losses to offset taxes on an IRA withdrawal?
To encourage investment, the tax code provides an incentive to soften the blow of a lossDear Dan, I have had carryover losses for years now, only being able to deduct $3,000 a…
April 22, 2025
Opinion: I have a huge tax bill because of capital gains. Could there be a mistake?
Don’t panic, this may be a common brokerage errorDear Dan, I’m doing my taxes and I have a huge tax bill because of capital gains. Last year, I sold some…
April 5, 2025
Leading financial planners on trip to Argentina offers unique view of life outside US
Over the years, I have been blessed to get to lead delegations of financial planners on goodwill trips to Russia, China, India and Australia. Mixing traditional tourism with a chance…
March 23, 2025
A flood wiped out my employer, can I tap into my Roth or regular IRA without penalty?
There should be some funds available to you on a more tax-friendly basisDear Dan, I lost my job when a flood wiped out the store where I worked. I am…
March 22, 2025
Taking stock of your financial moves? What everyone’s doing might be all wrong for you
Q. With the S&P 500 index down more than 10% from its recent high, it seems everyone is selling, and I wonder if I should too.? — Dave in Cocoa…
March 17, 2025
Taking stock of my financial matters: Is it time to sell? Or not sell? | Dan Moisand
Q. I see a lot of people saying not to sell out of stocks now but also a lot saying selling is good for tax purposes. I can’t simultaneously sell…
February 22, 2025
Financial Q&A: What’s the right time of life to invest in age-based funds?
Key Points- Age-based funds are generally good for college savings plans but not for retirement savings.- Retirement planning is more complex than college savings due to varying retirement lengths, health…
February 15, 2025
Opinion: With Trump back, are Roth conversions less attractive?
The wisdom of Roth conversions depends on your household’s circumstancesDear Dan, Now that Donald Trump is back in office, it looks like tax rates won’t go up. Does this make…
February 7, 2025
Levanti named communications manager for CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia
Key Points- Sarah Levanti is the new communications manager for CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia.- Dan Moisand was named to InvestmentNews' Hot List for the second consecutive year.- Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo…
January 24, 2025
I’m about to retire: How do I handle 401(k) and those required minimum distributions?
Q. Dan, I’m 75 and still working so I have not had to take required minimum distributions (RMD) from my 401(k) at work. However, I think it’s time to step…
January 3, 2025
Questions on multiple IRAs? Those RMDs? Here’s what to know about the conversion alphabet
Recently, I received a host of questions about Roth conversions. So instead of answering one question, I’m going to tackle several today. Q. Dan, what can I do if I…
December 6, 2024
Donations, distributions, limitations, deductions: Learn how to make them work for you
Q. Hi Dan. In your answer to Hank in your column about how to make charitable donations from an IRA, you said donating that was “… better than paying yourself…
November 30, 2024
I want to move $90,000 around before taking my RMD in two years. What should I do with it?
Consider tax-smart and charitable optionsDear Dan, I have over $1 million in IRA accounts, my government Thrift Savings Plan, and $100,000 in Roth accounts. I will be 71 this year. I’m…
November 13, 2024
Opinion: What should my wife do with my Roth IRA when I die?
Beneficiary designations are not the answer in every situationDear Dan, My IRAs are all Roth IRAs. My wife has no IRA. I am younger than my wife, but I’ll probably…
November 9, 2024
Required distributions? Charitable donations? Check the ABC’s of QMD, RMD, IRA and more
Q. We don’t need all the cash we get from our Required Minimum Distributions so we are interested in these charitable donations from an IRA I’ve been reading about to…
October 21, 2024
Opinion: Is it better for my taxes if I donate shares or cash to charity?
You get the biggest benefit by getting rid of the biggest potential tax liability.Dear Dan, I have the cash to make a charitable donation but I caught your article about…
October 13, 2024
I need cash: Is there a way to get money out of my IRA without losing big bucks? | Moisand
Q. I could use some cash, but my only savings is in an IRA. Is there a way to get money out of my IRA without a lot of taxes?…
September 22, 2024
Is there a wrong way to do an IRA rollover?
IRAs, Roth IRAs, RMDs: There are plenty of rules, make sure you follow them Dear Dan, I read your column: I accidentally overfunded my IRA last year — how much…
September 13, 2024
I’m at ‘that age’ when I have to take funds out of my IRA: School me on the rules, please
Q. I just turned 70 in August so I’ll be 70½ in 2025. I know I have to start taking funds out of my IRA and pay taxes on those…
September 4, 2024
Will the election impact what happens with my taxes and the stock market?
Emotions can run high in an election yearDear Dan, I’m worried that if Harris wins in November, she will raise taxes. That can’t be good for stocks. How much of…
August 24, 2024
I accidentally overfunded my IRA last year — how much trouble am I in?
Act fast and the damage should be minimalDear Dan, Due to a missing form, I had to file for an extension on my tax return. My understanding was that gave…
August 20, 2024
I’m about to start my first ‘real’ job. Is it worth it to enroll in the 401(k) right away?
“It all seems so complicated”Dear Dan, I’ll be graduating in December and starting my first “real job” in January. They offer a 401(k) so I’ve been reading about them. There…
August 17, 2024
Just like life, investing has its ups and downs — and the ride can be rocky or rewarding
Q. I know that buying stocks and holding on for a long time has produced good results but with all the uncertainty in the world, it sure looks like a…
August 16, 2024
I own stocks with my wife. Should we wait until one of us dies to sell them?
Make sure your estate documents reflect your wishesDear Dan, We have some stocks in a joint account with rights of survivorship that we’ve held for decades. A friend tells me…
July 20, 2024
How long is long-term when it comes to investing that won’t come up short?
Q. In your response to Steve in Satellite Beach you wrote “Investing should be a long-term endeavor … in the long run you should be better off learning to be…
July 20, 2024
I don’t need the money from my IRA right now — should I do a Roth conversion to avoid RMDs?
A pension, Social Security and military retirement pay cover our expensesDear Dan, I will be required to start taking withdrawals from my IRA in 2028. My wife and I don’t…
June 21, 2024
Business Q&A: Should I jump head-first into the stock market? Or wade in slowly?
Q. I inherited a large sum of money from my mother and want to invest it but with markets near highs and the state of the world a mess, I’m…
June 20, 2024
Opinion: I’m being pressured to buy an immediate annuity although I’m in poor health. Is this a bad idea?
The potential for loss makes buying an immediate annuity scary, especially for people with health issues.Dear Dan, I am getting pitched by a local acquaintance an “immediate annuity” that pays…
June 17, 2024
I have two pensions and Social Security. Should I do a Roth conversion on my IRA?
The reader is weighing whether to take RMDs or sidestep them with a Roth conversionDear Dan, I will be required to start taking withdrawals from my IRA in 2028. My…
May 25, 2024
Think about your family’s needs as well as your own when it comes to finances
Q. Hi, Dan. A group of friends of mine were sharing our worst financial mistakes. We are all retired after pretty nice careers and doing fine financially but everyone has…
May 18, 2024
Will I forfeit my 401(k) if I leave my job in fewer than five years?
Workplace retirement plans may have a vesting schedule. Here’s how it works.Dear Dan, I just started a new job and for the first time will have a 401(k) after a…
May 9, 2024
Financial firm Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo honored by two national publications
USA TODAY has named Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC to its list of America’s Best Financial Advisory Firms. Also, for the fifth time since 2019, it was named one of the 75 Best…
April 28, 2024
Business Q&A: If you have IRA questions, here’s what to know about the pro-rata rule
Q. Hi Dan. In your last column you wrote about “… a rather infamous provision dubbed the ‘pro-rata rule.’” One of my IRAs is non-deductible, so I need to know what…
April 27, 2024
Can I contribute to a Roth 401(k) if I earn a high salary?
The rules are different for Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) accountsDear Dan, I keep seeing things about Roth 401(k) accounts but aren’t you cut off from a Roth if you…
April 15, 2024
I want to tap in to my 401(k) early. What ways are allowed?
There are a few new possibilities, thanks to Secure 2.0Dear Dan, In your column “I want to access my 401(k) early. Is a loan the only way?,” you talk about…
April 6, 2024
I’m 74. If I went back to work, could I stop taking my RMD?
‘I would be partially unretired’Dear Dan, I’m 74 and in great health. A friend of mine works as an usher at a nearby theater and loves it. It’s not a…
March 22, 2024
MAGI, IRA, tax alphabet soup: What am I missing about deducting contributions?
Q. Hi Dan. I’m looking at making an IRA contribution for 2023 for my wife. We are both in our 40s. I save in a 401(k) but my tax software…
March 22, 2024
I was in the hospital and didn’t take my RMD last year. How can I fix it?
The reader would prefer to pay the lesser of the two penaltiesDear Dan, In a recent column you wrote: “The “Secure Act 2.0” reduced the penalty from the long standing…
March 9, 2024
I used my RMD to give to charity but my accountant says I messed up and have to pay a penalty
There are some rules you must follow when using a QCDDear Dan, I had a required minimum distribution of $73,657 for 2023. To satisfy that, I wrote $30,000 of checks…
February 24, 2024
You’re looking at retirement and want to boost savings: Which IRA is the best choice?
Q. Dan, I’m 52, single, make $110,000 and want to crank up my savings for retirement. I’ve maxed out my contributions to my 401(k) the last three years (love the…
February 17, 2024
Can my employer automatically enroll me in the 401(k)?
Plans with automatic enrollment features typically have higher participation ratesDear Dan, A co-worker was telling me that starting this year, we must contribute a minimum percentage to our 401(k) through…
January 12, 2024
What are the rules for taking a 401(k) hardship distribution?
Plans are not required to allow hardship withdrawalsDear Dan, In your article “I want to access my 401(k) early. Is a loan the only way?” you wrote that hardship distributions…
December 16, 2023
Are there ways to give to charity and keep the money in the family?
Dear Dan, This time of year, I read article after article about charitable donations. That makes sense with the Dec. 31 tax deadline approaching but most seem to be about…
December 4, 2023
What happens if a husband names someone other than his wife the beneficiary of an IRA?
There are guardrails in place to keep someone from completely disinheriting a surviving spouse.Dear Dan, What if a husband is married but names someone other than his still living wife…
November 18, 2023
What’s the smartest way to donate stock to charity?
Donating appreciated shares is a good tax move, but the nature of shares is different than cash. Here’s what to watch out for.Dear Dan, Your article, “What’s the best way…
November 4, 2023
I’m getting laid off. Should I roll my 401(k) into an IRA?
Dear Dan, A bunch of us are getting laid off and most of my co-workers are hot to rollover their 401(k)s to an IRA. Our HR person says we do…
October 21, 2023
What’s the best way to give to charity?
Dear Dan, I heard a speaker at a community impact conference I attended recently imploring the audience to give to charity but then he said “Never give cash. Always give…
October 7, 2023
I just got a raise. How can I max out my 401(k)?
This seems like a good time to increase my savings and I won’t even feel it.Dear Dan, I found out I will get a nice raise starting in November. Since…
September 23, 2023
Is an inherited IRA the best option when a spouse dies?
Dear Dan, You wrote a while back that rolling a deceased spouse’s IRA into one’s own IRA was the most common choice surviving spouses make but it wasn’t always the…
September 23, 2023
As I retire, 60% of my savings is in company stock. I’m hesitant to sell it: Is that wise?
Q. I’m 67 and about to retire. I don’t have all of the $2 million I have accumulated in my company stock but 60% is. I need to draw about…
September 15, 2023
Can get a tax break on charitable contributions from my IRA?
Dear Dan, Due to a K-1, we extended the filing of our tax return. I just got it back from my CPA and it didn’t have any adjustment for charitable…
September 8, 2023
I want to access my 401(k) early. Is a loan the only way?
The rules are to discourage people from accessing funds before retirementDear Dan, I must be missing something. I don’t want to take a loan against my 401(k) because the interest…
August 30, 2023
Why do people use trusts for estate planning?
Taxes in trusts are much higher than for individuals. What’s the advantage?Dear Dan, I understand trusts pay taxes on a harsher schedule than people. What I don’t get is why…