As you enter retirement, your financial advisor may bring up the topic of Roth Conversions. Converting some of your traditional retirement savings into Roth accounts can offer significant tax advantages and financial flexibility during retirement.

Every year millions of workers who are either retiring or changing jobs struggle with a difficult decision regarding their old employer’s 401(k). They know they don’t want to cash in their account because of the income taxes, and potential penalties. But they’re unsure whether to leave their money in the old 401(k) plan, roll it into a new employer’s defined-contribution plan if available, or roll it over into an individual retirement account. Each option has its benefits and disadvantages, depending on their situation.

One of our investing tools at Lawrence Financial Planning is a bond ladder. We always want to make sure our clients have available cash to take care of their needs.

Yes, we all know the rules about paying off a mortgage: if she had a low interest rate mortgage she could take the extra cash and earn more in the market. At the time she still received a tax break for having mortgage interest. She wouldn’t want to be house rich and cash poor, and a mortgage is a hedge against inflation.

You’re leaving your current employer because you’ve got a new job, but it may be some time before you get your first paycheck from your new employer. Or perhaps you’ve become a victim of downsizing, and are just now beginning a job search. In either case, you might be facing a short-term cash crunch. When you review the options available to you for your existing 401(k) plan, “cashing out” your vested 401(k) balance might seem like the perfect solution.

Not talking about money is the number two reason couples divorce according to Marriage.com. But couples who discuss money matters regularly act as a team and report greater levels of satisfaction with their partners. In today’s episode, Kathleen and Julie Lawrence, CFP®, examine the myth that couples don’t need to talk about finances before getting married. Listen in and learn some tips for talking about money with your honey!