Sam Fawaz, CPA, CFP®, Author at FIGuide

Making Your Money Last In Retirement

Feb 15 2021

Quick Questions: How much can you safely withdraw each year from your retirement portfolio without the risk of running out of money before you run out of life? How much should you withdraw if you don’t want to leave too much money behind when you die? If you’re as perplexed about answering these questions as many financial planners are, then this article will help update you on the latest research in this area of retirement planning. Saving for retirement is not easy, but using your retirement savings wisely can be just as challenging. Withdraw too much and you run the… Read More

GameStop-Shop, Chop or Slop?

Jan 31 2021

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard or read about the whole GameStop stock market story in the news or online this past week. I realize a lot of ink has already been spilled on this topic and I am not sure I can add much value or color to the discussion. Nonetheless, perhaps my added value can be to try and explain, in the simplest terms that I can muster, this craziness in the stock and derivatives market.

Let me say that the GameStop “short squeeze” debacle has had little effect on the individual investor, because we, and the majority …

IRA and Retirement Plan Limits for 2021

Dec 31 2020

As the year comes to and end, it is good to know the limits for 2021 contributions to IRA’s and employer retirement plans. Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. While some of the limits remain unchanged for 2021, other key numbers have increased.

IRA contribution limits

The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA in 2021 is $6,000 (or 100% of your earned income, if less), unchanged from 2020. The maximum catch-up contribution for those age 50 or older remains $1,000. You can contribute to both a traditional …

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

Sep 27 2020

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the time during which Medicare beneficiaries can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them. Each year, Medicare plan costs and coverage typically change. In addition, your health-care needs may have changed over the past year. The open enrollment period is your opportunity to switch Medicare health and prescription drug plans to better suit your needs.

When does the Medicare Open Enrollment Period start?

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. Any changes made during open enrollment …

College Disrupted: Students Face High Costs and Pandemic Impact

Aug 30 2020

Even in normal times, it can be challenging for families to cover college expenses without borrowing money and/or risking their own retirement security. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the cost of in-state tuition, fees, room, and board at a four-year public college averaged $21,950, and the total for a private college approached $50,000 ⁽¹⁾.

Sadly, the college world is not immune from the health fears and financial pain inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic. More students might choose schools that are less expensive and/or closer to home, take a year off, or forgo college altogether. The American Council on Education …

Author - Sam Fawaz, CPA, CFP®

IRA contribution limits

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

When does the Medicare Open Enrollment Period start?