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 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 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 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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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 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
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 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 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…
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
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 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 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…