Why Working With a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional is Important

Jan 19, 2024 | Retirement Planning

WHY WORKING WITH A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONAL IS IMPORTANT

What is the difference between a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (OR CFP®) professional and a financial advisor?

A CFP® professional is one of many types of financial advisors. A financial advisor must earn the right to call themselves a CFP® professional

Most people think all financial planners are “certified,” but the fact is: anyone who is licensed to sell these products and give advice can use the title “financial planner.” Upon learning this, I found myself feeling disheartened – especially since I am studying to earn the CFP® designation so that I can better serve you.

A CFP® professional holds an expertise in financial and investment planning and earned their marks from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

Working alongside my fellow financial advisors, Gordon and Jill, I’ve seen how the CFP® designation sets them apart from other financial advisors in areas such as educational background, proven qualifying experience, and commitment to ethical standards. Being able to serve our clients in that way helped drive me to complete the requirements, coursework, and testing to earn my CFP® designation in 2024.

Are you working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, or looking to work with one? Here’s what you should know:

- What is the difference between a CFP® professional and a financial advisor?
- What percentage of financial advisors are CFP® professionals?
- Is my financial advisor a CFP® professional?
- How does a financial advisor become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional?
- What is the CFP Board’s financial planning process?
- Is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® a fiduciary?
- How can I learn more about the CFP® certification?

What is the difference between a CFP® professional and a financial advisor?

A CFP® professional is one of many types of financial advisors. A financial advisor must earn the right to call themselves a CFP® professional.

Here are a few considerations to why one might consider working with a CFP® professional.

Credentials

A financial advisor that earns the rights to use the CFP® marks shows an expertise towards financial planning, a level of professionalism, and distinguishes themselves for their clients. If working with a financial advisor with additional training in retirement planning is important to you, you may want to consider speaking with a CFP® professional.

Education

A CFP® professional is required to show a commitment towards continuing education. There is no requirement for a financial advisor to earn a college degree or receive advanced financial planning education, although all individuals licensed to sell securities or give advice must complete yearly continuing education as required by regulators and their firms. If working with a financial advisor dedicated to ongoing education is important to you, you may want to consider speaking with a CFP® professional.

Experience

While there are many financial advisors with years of experience, a financial advisor must accumulate approximately three years of work experience before using the CFP® marks.

Ethics

All financial advisors must adhere to a higher ethical standard and serve clients as a fiduciary throughout the advisory engagement. CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct reflects the commitment that all CFP® professionals make to high standards of competency and ethics. A copy can e found here: https://www.cfp.net/ethics/code-of-ethics-and-standards-of-conduct.

How can I learn more about the CFP® certification?

“CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is the standard of excellence in financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow.”

– The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

What percentage of financial advisors are CFP® professionals?

About 29% of financial advisors in the United States are CFP® professionals.

- There are approximately 612,457 registered representatives eligible to sell securities in the United States, according to FINRA. ¹
- There are 95,137 CFP® professionals in the United States according to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. ²

Is my financial advisor a CFP® professional?

You can determine if your financial advisor is a CFP® professional by going to the CFP Board’s verification page.

The wealth advisors at Cornerstone Financial have committed to hold the CFP® designation or be working to complete the rigorous certification process. The CFP® designation is considered the standard of excellence in financial planning. Gordon earned his CFP® in 2000, Jill earned her certification 2016, and Andrew earned the designation in 2024.

How does a financial advisor become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional?

According to the CFP Board, it typically takes 18-24 months to become a CFP® professional. To become a CFP® professional, a financial advisor must meet requirements for education, exam, experience, and ethics.

Education: To satisfy the education requirement, a candidate must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Then, a candidate must complete a CFP board education program consisting of classes focused on financial planning process, insurance, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning and employee benefits, estate planning, and financial plan development. Certain individuals may qualify for an accelerated education path.

Exam: To satisfy the exam requirement, a candidate must pass the CFP® exam consisting of a six-hour multiple choice exam.

Experience: A candidate must accumulate 6,000 hours of professional experience related to financial planning.

Ethics: A candidate must adhere to the high ethical and professional standards for the practice of financial planning found in the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. A Copy can be found here: https://www.cfp.net/ethics/code-of-ethics-and-standards-of-conduct.

What is the CFP Board’s financial planning process?

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional must follow the CFP Board’s seven-step financial planning process.

Understanding the Client’s Personal and Financial Circumstances
Identifying and Selecting Goals
Analyzing the Client’s Current Course of Action and Potential Alternative Courses of Action
Developing the Financial Planning Recommendation(s)
Presenting the Financial Planning Recommendation(s)
Implementing the Financial Planning Recommendation(s)
Monitoring Progress and Updating

¹ FINRA Statistics as of 12/31/2021
² CFP Board Professional Demographics as of 01/01/2023
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Code of Ethics

Helping you build a financial plan to achieve what’s truly possible is what we do. Empowering you to pursue greater dreams is who we are. I’d love to visit with you about your dreams. Feel free to contact our office at 605-357-8553 or email me at cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Andrew Ulvestad and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

CSP #388978 Exp. 1.17.25

Subscribe to our Weekly Market Update

Time is Running Out for 2023 QCDs

Dec 15, 2023 | Retirement Planning

Time is Running Out for 2023 QCDs

Cornerstone is pleased to bring you this article by Ed Slott and Company, LLC, an organization providing IRA education and analysis to financial advisors, institutions, consumers, and media across the country. Our association with this organization helps us stay up to date on the latest developments in IRA and tax law. As always, give us a call if you’d like to discuss!

If done correctly, a QCD can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year and help reduce your income taxes

If you are charitably inclined and have an IRA, you might want to consider doing a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) for 2023. If done correctly, a QCD can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year and help reduce your income taxes. The deadline for a 2023 QCD is fast approaching – December 31, 2023. Many custodians have even earlier cutoffs. Don’t miss out on this valuable tax break. Here is what you need to know.

You must be age 70 ½.

IRA owners who are age 70½ and over are eligible to do a QCD. This is more complicated than it might sound. A QCD is only allowed if the distribution is made on or after the date you actually attain age 70 ½. It is not sufficient that you will turn 70 ½ later in the year.

You can be a beneficiary and do a QCD.

QCDs are not limited to IRA owners. An IRA beneficiary may also do a QCD. All the same rules apply, including the requirement that the beneficiary must be age 70 ½ or older at the time the QCD is done.

QCDs are only allowed from IRAs.

You may take QCDs from your taxable IRAs funds. QCDs are also permitted from SEP and SIMPLE IRAs that are not ongoing. An ongoing SEP and SIMPLE plan is defined as one where an employer contribution is made for the plan year ending with or within the calendar year in which the charitable contribution would be made. QCDs are not available from an employer plan.

There is a $100,000 annual limit for 2023.

QCDs are capped at $100,000 per person, for 2023. For a married couple where each spouse has their own IRA, each spouse can contribute up to $100,000 from their own account.

You can satisfy your RMD with a QCD.

A QCD can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. A QCD can be more than the RMD amount for the year as long as it does not exceed the $100,000 annual limit.

Only taxable IRA funds are eligible.

QCDs apply only to taxable amounts. No basis (nondeductible IRA contributions or after-tax rollover funds) can be transferred to charity as a QCD. QCDs are an exception to the pro-rata rule which usually applies to IRA distributions.

You must do a direct transfer.

If you want to do a QCD, you must make a direct IRA transfer from the IRA to the charity. If a check that is payable to a charity is sent to you for delivery to the charity, it will qualify as a direct payment.

New rules allow QCDs to split interest entities.

A QCD can be made to a charity which is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions under IRS rules. The QCD rules are not available for gifts made to grant-making foundations or donor-advised funds. The contribution to the charity would have had to be entirely deductible if it were not made from an IRA. A taxpayer does not have to itemize deductions, but the gift to the charity still has to meet all of the deductibility rules.

New rules for 2023 allow a QCD to a split interest entity such as a charitable gift annuity. This can only be done in one year of your lifetime and is limited to $50,000 for 2023.

The charitable substantiation requirements apply.

You should have documentation to substantiate the donation (something in writing from the charity showing the date and amount of the contribution and a statement that you received nothing of value in return).

You must report the QCD on your tax return.

The IRA custodian will not be separately reporting the QCD. There is no code or box on the 1099-R to identify the QCD. It will be up to you to let the IRS know about the contribution by including certain information on your tax return.

5 Areas of Comprehensive Financial Planning

Are you aware of – and taking advantage of – every opportunity to reduce your tax burden?

By coordinating all five areas of wealth management, a Cornerstone Plan gives you the confidence to achieve the dreams calling to you. We would be honored to help you with:

Retirement Planning, including 401k analysis
Tax Strategies, including tax planning for business owners
Investment & Portfolio Management
Estate planning, including business succession & exit strategies
Insurance Planning

Get #CornerstoneConfident – book a financial planning strategy appointment today by calling 605-357-8553.

Membership in Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group™ is one of the tools our advisors use to help you avoid unnecessary taxes and fees on your retirement dollars. Gordon attends in-depth technical training on advanced retirement account planning strategies and estate planning techniques. And semiannual workshops analyzing the most recent tax law changes, case studies, private letter rulings, Congressional action and Supreme Court rulings help keep attendees on the cutting-edge of retirement, tax law and IRA distribution planning. Through his membership, Gordon is immediately notified of changes to the tax code and updates on retirement planning, and he has 24/7 access to Ed Slott and Company LLC to confer with on complex cases.

This information, developed by an independent third party, has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Copyright ©2023, Ed Slott and Company, LLC Reprinted from The Slott Report, December 13, 2023 with permission. Author: By Sarah Brenner, JD, Director of Retirement Education, Ed Slott & Company. https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/time-running-out-2023-qcds. Ed Slott and Company, LLC takes no responsibility for the current accuracy of this article. Raymond James is not affiliated and does not endorse Ed Slott and Company, LLC, The Slott Report, The Elite Advisor Group™, or Sarah Brenner, JD.

CSP #361807 Exp 12.15.24

Confusion over RMD Distribution

Nov 7, 2023 | Retirement Planning

Confusion Over Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

To the surprise of many, the IRS released proposed SECURE Act regulations last year requiring beneficiaries (on some occasions) to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the 10-year payout period.

In the past, most non-spouse beneficiaries could “stretch” RMDs from inherited accounts over their own single life expectancy. RMD rules for 2023 are more confusing, thanks to the 2019 SECURE Act passed by Congress, and IRS proposed regulations of Feb. 23, 2022.

The 2019 SECURE Act included the 10-year payout rule, requiring most retirement account beneficiaries for deaths in 2020 or later to empty the retirement account by the end of the 10th year following the year the account owner died.

The IRS issued proposed regulations on February 23, 2022, taking the position that when death occurs on or after the required beginning date (RBD), a non-eligible designated beneficiary must take annual RMDs and empty the account under the 10-year rule.

The rule requiring annual RMDs when an account owner dies on or after her RBD is sometimes called the “at least as rapidly” (ALAR) rule. While it does not require the beneficiary takes the same amount that the IRA owner was taking, it does require that the process of taking RMDs continue. This interpretation surprised many who thought the 10-year rule would apply like the pre-SECURE Act 5-year rule, which did not require annual RMDs.

How has the IRS responded to RMD confusion?

The IRS has waived some RMD penalties when certain beneficiaries fail to take an RMD due to a reasonable error. Waivers are only applicable to RMDs within the 10- year period and you are usually required to file Form 5329 to request a waiver. For 2023, SECURE 2.0 reduces the penalty from 50% to 25% of the amount not taken. The penalty is further reduced to 10% if the missed RMD is taken and the penalty is paid during a 2-year correction window.

Last year, the IRS issued Notice 2022-53, which waived penalties for missed 2021 and 2022 RMDs within the 10-year period, for deaths that occurred in 2020 or 2021. Recently, the Service released Notice 2023- 54, extending the penalty waiver to cover missed 2023 RMDs when the death occurred in 2020 or 2021. It also excuses the penalty for missed 2023 RMDs when the death took place in 2022.

Although the Notice does not state this directly, it appears that since the penalty is waived, the 2023 RMD, like 2021 and 2022 RMDs within the 10-year period, doesn’t have to be taken. It also appears that these missed RMDs within the 10-year period will not have to be made up. (Note that if these RMDs were already withdrawn, they cannot be returned or rolled over.)

Example:

Lola died in 2020 at age 75 with a traditional IRA. Her adult daughter, Anabella, is a non-eligible designated beneficiary subject to the 10-year rule under the SECURE Act.

WHY? The proposed regulations say that because Lola died after her RBD, Anabella must take RMDs based on her single life expectancy during years 1-9 of the 10-year period. However, Notice 2022-53 says that if Anabella failed to do so for 2021 and 2022, there is no penalty on the missed RMDs. Notice 2023-54 extends this relief to the 2023 RMD. If Anabella had already taken a distribution, believing she needed to take an RMD for 2023, she may not roll over those funds. Notice 2023-54 also provides relief to successor beneficiaries subject to RMDs within the 10-year rule.

Example:

Dave died in 2019 at age 90 with a traditional IRA. As designated beneficiary his adult son, Russell, can take annual RMDs from the IRA because Dave died before the SECURE Act became effective.

Russell dies in 2020. His son Theodore, the successor beneficiary, is subject to the SECURE Act and the 10-year rule, and must also take RMDs based on Russell’s single life expectancy during years 1-9 of the 10-year period. However, Notice 2022-53 said that if Theodore failed to take his 2021 or 2022 RMD, there would be no penalty. Notice 2023-54 extends this relief to 2023 RMDs. Beneficiaries who inherited a Roth IRA do not need this relief. Under the IRS proposed regulations, anyone who inherits a Roth IRA is deemed to have inherited from a person who died before his RBD. This is because Roth IRA owners are not subject to lifetime RMDs. Most Roth IRA beneficiaries are still subject to the 10-year rule, but RMDs are not required for years 1-9.

Does Notice 2023-54 waive all RMDs for 2023?

No. The Notice doesn’t affect lifetime RMDs, inherited IRAs by eligible designated beneficiaries (EDBs), or RMDs by beneficiaries who inherited before 2020.

Example: Monica has an IRA. She is 80 years old and must take a lifetime RMD for 2023. If Monica fails to do so, Notice 2023-54 doesn’t provide any relief from the penalty.

Example: Arthur inherited an IRA from his mother in 2018. Arthur has been taking RMDs each year based on his single life expectancy. Because he inherited prior to the SECURE Act, Arthur can continue the stretch. However, if he fails to take an RMD in 2023, Notice 2023- 54 does not relieve him from the penalty.

Should every beneficiary who is eligible for the IRS relief skip their RMD for 2023?

Anyone who is eligible for this relief also has the 10-year deadline looming. So, while it may be tempting to skip an RMD for 2023, that could mean more pain later when a big tax bill comes due at the end of the 10-year holding period.

Does the recent guidance tell us what will happen with RMDs during the 10-year period in the future?

The IRS is not tipping its hand. The latest notice says, “Final regulations regarding RMDs will apply for calendar years beginning no earlier than 2024.” Hopefully, those final regulations will arrive sooner rather than later and offer clear direction.

Which IRA owners get more time to complete a rollover?

While Notice 2023-54 mainly addressed RMD confusion during the 10-year rule for beneficiaries, it also provided very targeted relief to a specific group of IRA owners — those born in 1951. The Notice extends the 60-day rollover deadline for these IRA and plan account owners affected by the SECURE 2.0 increase in the first RMD age from 72 to 73.

Under the old rule, the first RMD year for account owners born in 1951 would have been 2023. Under SECURE 2.0 it is now 2024.

Some IRA custodians and plan administrators inadvertently paid out “RMDs” in 2023 to these people. Because these weren’t technically RMDs, and the account owners may not have wanted them, the IRS gives these account owners additional time (beyond the usual 60-day period) to roll back distributions received between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023. The extended deadline is September 30, 2023.

Such a rollover will not violate the once-per-year IRA rollover rule if another distribution was received by the individual in the last 12 months that was also rolled over. It will start a new 12-month period that will preclude a distribution received in the next 12 months from being rolled over.

Example: Mick reached age 72 in 2023. He was unaware that SECURE 2.0 delayed the RMD age to 73. On January 10, 2023, he took a distribution from his IRA, believing he needed to take an RMD for 2023. Mick realized his error a few weeks later. Mick has until September 30, 2023, to roll over this distribution if he so chooses. If Mick had already done a rollover of another distribution received in the last 12 months, that will not preclude him from rolling over the 2023 RMD distribution “mistake.” However, going forward, any distribution Mick takes from any IRA before January 10, 2024, will not be rollover eligible.

Copyright ©2023, Ed Slott and Company, LLC Reprinted from The Slott Report, August 14, 2023 with permission. https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/rmd-relief-no-thank-you. Ed Slott and Company, LLC takes no responsibility for the current accuracy of this article. Raymond James is not affiliated and does not endorse Ed Slott and Company, LLC, The Slott Report, The Elite Advisor Group™, or Sarah Brenner, JD.

CSP #328338 Exp 11.7.24

Are you Retirement Ready?

Oct 31, 2023 | Retirement Planning

Are You Retirement Ready?

When it comes to living the life you imagine in retirement, the earlier you prepare, the better your chances of reaching your goals. Just like planning a wedding or building a new home, there are a lot of decisions to make and variables to consider.

Find out where you stand with our Retirement Readiness Checklist. Don’t panic if you’re just getting started or have a lot left to do. Our team’s step-by-step process, the Cornerstone Experience®, provides one-on-one attention and guidance to help you enjoy life today and take care of the people you care about for the long-term.

FINANCIAL

Where will your monthly retirement income come from?

79% of workers plan to keep working in retirement, while 34% of retirees actually do work in retirement.¹

 Work $_________
 Assets $_________
 Social Security $_________
 Insurance $________
 Pensions $_________
 Other (inheritance, etc.) $_________

Do you know how much you’ll need for living expenses when you retire?

 I know what my monthly essential expenses will be: $_________
 I know what my monthly extra expenses will be: $_________

Do you have a contingency plan to take care of yourself and those you love if you can’t work as long as you intend to at your current position?

46% of retirees leave the workforce earlier than planned because of a hardship, such as a health problem or disability. Another 31% say they retired due to changes at their company.¹

 Yes
 No

How will you handle healthcare costs?

While it’s impossible to precisely predict out-of-pocket expenses, a retired couple can easily spend $10,000 a year above and beyond what’s covered by traditional Medicare.²

 Medicare
 Long-term care insurance
 Health Savings Account (HSA)

LEGACY

Are you planning to provide for others or do any charitable giving during your retirement or after you’re gone?

 College fund for heirs
 Gift to charitable organization(s)
 Inheritance

Which essential documents do you have in place to ensure your wishes are carried out if something were to happen to you?

 Trust
 Living will
 Power of attorney
 Medical power of attorney
 Will
 Ethical will
 Personal property memorandum or disposal list
 Organized records, including contact information for your attorney, wealth advisor, tax advisor, etc

Are you planning to provide for others or do any charitable giving during your retirement or after you’re gone?

 College fund for children/grandchildren
 Leave an inheritance
 Gift to charitable organization(s

Have you communicated your wishes to the people responsible for carrying them out?

 Guardian
 Executor
 Family

LIFESTYLE

What will you do with your time?

 Travel
 Work part time
 Volunteer
 Spend time with grandkids
 Master a hobby or start a new one
 Take classes or go back to school
 Keep doing activities I’m currently doing

Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do “if you had the time” or if money was no object?

Have you always wanted to own your own plane? Do you feel called to volunteer building housing in Rwanda? Did you miss your true calling of being a kindergarten teacher or university professor? Lawyer or social worker? Anything is possible with the right plan and support! ______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Who will you spend your time with?

 Current group of friends
 Plan to meet new friends
 Continue attending professional groups I’m involved with
 Join a new organization
 Time with family will keep me busy

Download The Questionnaire

The pdf opens right away after you enter info and hit “Download the Questionnaire.”

1 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey, Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research
2 Ready to Transition to Retirement, Raymond James, March 2019

Blogs and Articles

Subscribe to our Weekly Market Update

Your Plan Can Create Meaningful Outcomes In Your Life

Our team will analyze your income needs for today and tomorrow, then help you develop and implement a plan to help you achieve the life you’ve imagined in retirement.

Retirement Planning

Gain confidence with goal setting and monitoring, comparing scenarios to understand how factors impact your plan.

Estate & Charitable Planning

A basic understanding of estate planning can help you preserve your assets, take care of the people who are important to you, potentially reduce taxes, and avoid common mistakes.

Tax Planning Strategies

Keeping your tax liability to a minimum is an essential part of maintaining your Cornerstone financial plan.

Investment Management

Our advisors will help design a strategy that is clearly defined, matches your goals, and aligns with your risk preferences and lifestyle.

Risk Management / Insurance Planning

We use best financial practices, built on an industry-renowned framework, to help us understand YOUR acceptable levels of risk-and-reward with unparalleled accuracy.

Hear Directly From Our Team

Shelby Bierema Client Relationship Manager

❝

I was immediately drawn to the team and atmosphere at Cornerstone. With my first step in the door, I felt accepted, seen, and valued. I am proud to be part of an organization that truly believes in placing people over profit.

Shelby Bierema, FPQP® Manager of Client Relations

Andrew Ulvestad AAMS Wealth Advisor Financial Planner Sioux Falls, Huron, SD

❝

It wasn’t about sales; it wasn’t about money. Cornerstone displayed a genuine love for their clients and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

Andrew Ulvestad, AAMS® Wealth Advisor

Hear Directly from Our Clients

“Gordon, you have built an outstanding organization, and have selected qualified professional employees to serve your clients. The hallmark to your success is dedication, honesty, integrity, trust and your personal faith. Your leadership has established for your clients a sense of pride and belonging to your organization. Pauline and I will always be grateful for what you have done for us during our retirement years. We are grateful to you for being our Financial Advisor and friend during the past 20 years.”

~Eldon and Pauline Nelson, Clients since 1999

The statement is a testimonial from current clients as of March 13, 2023, and may no longer be applicable or a client. No compensation was paid in exchange for the testimonial, it was not solicited by the advisor, and client consents to use of this testimonial in the advisor’s advertisements.

The testimonial is not representative of all client’s experience with the advisor, not based on performance, and not a guarantee of future performance or success. Investing involves risk and isn’t always profitable.

The advisors at Cornerstone Financial Solutions, Inc. provide an outstanding client experience and integrated, full-service financial planning in a family-like culture. The practice focuses on client education and coaching with frequent reviews to help ensure clients are on-track to realize their financial goals.

The unparalleled level of service is best suited for those with a minimum of $500,000.00 in investable assets, who want to work with a fiduciary specializing in comprehensive financial planning.

The Cornerstone team has over 140 years of combined team experience and 30 years in business, and is backed by the power of Raymond James, one of the top financial institutions in the US.

Learn more about The Cornerstone Experience®.

5 Considerations for a Successful Social Security Strategy

Sep 20, 2023 | Retirement Planning

5 Considerations for a Successful Social Security Strategy

Considerations for a Successful Social Security Strategy

When it comes to deciding when to claim your benefits and plan your Social Security strategy, there are several key factors to consider. These factors can greatly impact the amount of beneﬁts you receive and your overall ﬁnancial security in retirement. In this article, we will explore ﬁve essential elements that should be a part of your Social Security strategy: age, employment, marital status, taxes, and needs. Understanding how these factors come into play can help you make informed decisions about your Social Security beneﬁts.

1. AGE

Age is crucial in your Social Security strategy. Your monthly beneﬁt depends on lifetime earnings and when you claim. Early claims reduce payments while waiting until age 70 increases them with delayed retirement credits and cost-of-living adjustments. Full Retirement Age (FRA) varies by birth year and serves as the benchmark for receiving your full, unreduced benefit. Planning your Social Security strategy around your FRA can help you make informed decisions about when to claim benefits based on your individual circumstances and financial goals.

2. EMPLOYMENT STATUS

One of the most critical considerations when planning a Social Security strategy is the impact of working while claiming benefits. Understanding the earnings limitations is paramount; claiming benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA) while earning above the limit can result in reduced Social Security payments, affecting your overall income. Moreover, working can influence your lifetime benefits, with the potential for both temporary reductions due to earnings limits and increases through delayed retirement credits if you continue to work past your FRA. Working while claiming Social Security benefits is a complex but crucial consideration when planning your retirement strategy. It requires a careful balance between income needs, tax considerations, and your long-term financial goals.

3. MARITAL STATUS

Marital status plays a pivotal role in planning for Social Security benefits, with significant differences in how benefits are calculated and accessed. Married individuals often have access to spousal and survivor benefits, which can bolster their combined retirement income. Coordinating when and how each spouse claims benefits becomes crucial to optimizing the household’s Social Security strategy. Conversely, single individuals have no spousal benefits to consider but may have more control over their claiming decisions. Divorced or widowed individuals also have unique considerations, as they can often claim benefits based on their ex-spouse’s or deceased spouse’s work record. Overall, understanding these distinctions in marital status is essential for tailoring a Social Security plan that aligns with your individual and family financial goals and needs in retirement.

4. TAXES

Including tax considerations in your Social Security strategy makes a difference. Taxes can significantly impact your benefits, depending on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). This can potentially push you into a higher tax bracket. Careful planning is essential to minimize this tax burden, so be sure to assess the tax implications before claiming benefits. While taxes shouldn’t solely dictate your timing, understanding their impact on your after-tax retirement income is vital. Exploring strategies like early voluntary withdrawals from retirement accounts to manage tax thresholds can help align your Social Security strategy with your unique financial circumstances and goals.

5. FINANCIAL NEEDS

Considering your financial needs is another key aspect of your Social Security strategy. To determine the right retirement timing, assess the cost of sustaining your desired lifestyle without full-time work. Calculate income from external earnings, Social Security, and investments to cover your expenses. Consider factors like inflation, emergency funds, healthcare costs, and long-term care provisions to ensure your financial plan is robust and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Find Support for Your Social Security Strategy

Your Social Security strategy should be a well-thought-out plan that takes into account your age, employment, marital status, tax considerations, and financial needs. Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining the optimal time to claim your benefits and ultimately influence your financial well-being during retirement. Your financial advisor can help you thoughtfully evaluate your situation and determine a strategy to optimize your Social Security benefits.

Contact our office for further guidance and insights.

Call 605-357-8553 or email cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com.

Neither Raymond James Financial Services nor any Raymond James Financial Advisor renders advice on tax issues, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional.

Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

CSP #282179 Exp. 9.5.24

7 Rules for Inherited IRAs

Sep 11, 2023 | Retirement Planning

7 RULES FOR INHERITED IRAS

By Sarah Brenner, JD
Director of Retirement Education, Ed Slott and Company, LLC

Many IRA assets will ultimately go to nonspouse beneficiaries. When these beneficiaries inherit the funds, special rules kick in. Inherited IRAs are not like your own personal IRA account.

Seven rules for inherited IRAs that may surprise you if you are a nonspouse beneficiary:

1. You cannot contribute to your inherited IRA. You cannot make contributions to an inherited IRA. If you do have your own IRA, you cannot add those funds to the Inherited IRA or vice versa.

2. You can move your inherited IRA. If you are unhappy with the investment choices or the custodian, you can move your inherited IRA to another custodian, and you can select different investment options. However, you must move the account by direct transfer, and the new account must be an inherited IRA as well. As a nonspouse beneficiary, you cannot take a distribution and then roll it over within 60 days.

3. You may be able to do a QCD. If you are charitably inclined, you may be able to take advantage of a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) and move up to $100,000 of your IRA funds (annually) directly to the charity of your choice in a tax-free transfer. To do a QCD you must be 70 ½ or older.

4. You cannot convert your inherited IRA. Many times nonspouse beneficiaries are interested in having a Roth IRA. Unfortunately, the rules do not allow nonspouse IRA beneficiaries to convert inherited IRAs to Roth IRAs.

5. You may be subject to annual required distributions, or the 10-year rule at a minimum. You can’t keep the funds in your inherited IRA forever. If you inherited the IRA funds in 2020 or later, as a nonspouse beneficiary you will most like be subject to a 10-year payout-period, possibly with annual RMDs during the 10 year period. Certain eligible designated beneficiaries who inherit in 2020 or later and those beneficiaries who inherited prior to 2020 may be still be able to stretch RMDs over life expectancy.

6. Your distributions may be taxable, but there will be no penalty. Inherited IRAs are never subject to the 10% early distribution penalty. However, if you inherit a traditional IRA, it is likely that the distributions you take will be taxable. If you inherit a Roth IRA, you are more fortunate from a tax perspective. Distributions from an inherited Roth IRA will most likely be tax-free.

7. You should name a successor beneficiary. When you inherit an IRA, it makes sense to name a beneficiary. If you don’t, the default provisions in the IRA document are likely to apply. In many cases this would mean the funds would go to your estate which can mean more taxes and the time and expense of probate.

Gordon Wollman, Founder and President of Cornerstone Financial Solutions, and Raymond James Wealth Advisor, with Ed Slott at the 2023 Spring workshop for members of Ed Slott’s Elite and Master Elite IRA Advisor Group℠.

Membership in Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group(TM) is one of the tools our advisors use to help you avoid unnecessary taxes and fees on your retirement dollars. Gordon attends in-depth technical training on advanced retirement account planning strategies and estate planning techniques. And semiannual workshops analyzing the most recent tax law changes, case studies, private letter rulings, Congressional action and Supreme Court rulings help keep attendees on the cutting-edge of retirement, tax law and IRA distribution planning. Through his membership, Gordon is immediately notified of changes to the tax code and updates on retirement planning, and he has 24/7 access to Ed Slott and Company LLC to confer with on complex cases.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: This article was published in The Slott Report on irahelp.com by Ed Slott and Company, LLC, an organization providing timely IRA information and analysis to financial advisors, institutions, consumers, and media across the country and is distributed with its permission. Copyright ©2023, Ed Slott and Company, LLC Reprinted from The Slott Report, September 06, 2023, with permission https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/rules-inherited-iras-may-surprise-nonspouse-beneficiaries. Ed Slott and Company, LLC takes no responsibility for the current accuracy of this article.

Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of of Sarah Brenner, JD, The Slott Report, ED Slott, Ed Slott and Company, LLC, IRA Help, LLC, irahelp.com, or Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor Group. Members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group(SM) train with Ed Slott and his team of IRA Experts on a continuous basis. These advisors passed a background check, complete requisite training, attend semiannual workshops, webinars, and complete mandatory exams. They are immediately notified of changes to the tax laws.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »