For high-income earners, backdoor Roth IRA contributions are a powerful way to build tax-free retirement savings. On a separate note, rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA can also be a smart move for better investment options and lower fees. However, when these two strategies intersect, the outcome can either work in your favor—or create an unexpected tax bill. Understanding why is critical before making a move.

A new provision in the tax bill creates “Trump Accounts” for babies born between 2025–2028, starting with a $1,000 government deposit and allowing up to $5,000/year in contributions. Invested in a stock index fund, these accounts could grow into millions by age 50 through consistent saving and compounding. With just $50/month, families can give children a powerful financial head start. Learn how to make the most of this opportunity.

Baby Step 4 of the Ramsey Plan recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. This guide explains how to structure those savings using a 401(k), Roth IRA, or taxable brokerage depending on your income, filing status, and employer plan access. Key rule: “Match beats Roth, Roth beats Pre-Tax.” Whether you're single or married, with or without a plan, there’s a strategy to fit your situation. Consult a financial advisor to create a plan that works for you.

For self-employed individuals and small business owners, SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s offer powerful, tax-advantaged retirement savings beyond traditional IRAs. SEP IRAs are simpler to set up and ideal for businesses with employees, while Solo 401(k)s allow higher contributions and catch-up options for owners with no employees. Each has unique rules and benefits—consult a Whitaker-Myers advisor to choose the best fit for your retirement goals.

What is a Roth IRA A Roth IRA is an investment vehicle  that allows people to save for retirement using after-tax dollars. Those dollars are then invested into securities like mutual funds, individual stocks, bonds, or other investable securities. The advantage of a Roth IRA is that the investment grows tax-free, and distributions can be taken tax-free after age 59 ½. This is a great way to get tax-free savings and control your tax liability in retirement. The downside is th

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As the calendar turns over, it is an excellent time to review your current tax situation and see if there are tax strategies that you can...

An In-Service Rollover Might Be Right for You Suppose you ever left an employer with a retirement plan you contributed to. In that case, you probably have been given information on how to rollover your old employer’s plan to another eligible retirement plan, like an IRA. A rollover occurs when you withdraw funds from an eligible retirement plan, like a 401(k), to another eligible retirement plan, like another 401(k) or an IRA, within 60 days. This typically occurs when you le

Roth and Traditional IRAs With a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA), money is put in after paying income tax on it, and then you get the best benefit of any retirement account: TAX-FREE GROWTH & TAX-FREE WITHDRAWALS (once you reach age 59 and a half and have had the Roth for 5 years). As I tell every person I talk to, imagine taking money out of your checking account, which you have already paid tax on, making a contribution to your Roth IRA, and sitting back to enjoy

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The SECURE ACT 2.0 and the ROTH IRA As I write this article, one quote from my kid’s favorite Christmas movie comes to mind, “keep the change you filthy animal.” The Secure Act 2.0 is being met with mixed feelings. It is viewed by some as an unexpected lump of coal, and to others as a special Christmas gift. The second edition of the Secure Act is a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill - 4,100 pages detailing dubious plans for spending that just don’t make sense to many ordina

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An all to common scenario in our office is, Client A walks in, has done an excellent job of saving money, presumably enough money to...