As you consider the various options described in TIAA-CREF annuity, you need to remember that your situation is unique. From experience, we know that you will probably bounce ideas off people whom you know well, who know you, and certainly whom you trust. Beware, however, advice from a well-meaning friend who may have just made a decision and whose situation may be slightly or even significantly different from yours, but who feels confident that her choice is by far the best. (more…)

As the name indicates, a Supplemental Retirement Annuity (the “SRA”) operates as an adjunct to your Retirement Annuity. If your employer offers an Supplemental Retirement Annuity, you have the opportunity to augment your retirement stash on a tax-deferred basis through a salary deferral agreement, provided you are within the contribution limitations stipulated by law. Again, your benefits office will be able to advise you as to how large a percentage of your salary you may contribute to your Supplemental Retirement Annuity. Not all institutions offer the SRA. If your employer is one who does, try your hardest to take advantage of this feature of your employer’s plan. (more…)

TIAA offers two investment choices at present: the TIAA Traditional Annuity and the Real Estate Account. Both accounts are relatively stable investments.

The TIAA Traditional Annuity is the only investment option that offers a guaranteed return. The guaranteed level is generally low and can be changed, depending on prevailing market conditions. It provides an absolute bottom for those participants looking for a minimum return level, albeit well below existing market rates. (more…)

Many people want to know where to get the best rates for: Roth IRA. In order to improve investment returns, there are no real answers specific to the place where you can find. But please take note that your Roth-IRA is not set up as an investment. Your Roth IRA is actually an investment vehicle. (more…)

It depends on the size of your estate and subject to the trust. If your property for investment is in the amount exempted from property tax ($ 3,500,000 for the year 2009) and small enough to qualify economy and the rapid succession in your state you may not need. Note that the land tax in 2010 should be repealed, but Congress can change that. (more…)

If ever you want, you can modify or terminate a trust, you need a revocable trust. But this type of trust is not entitled to the assets of the estate, as the systems are still under his control. With a revocable trust, you pay income trusts and other assets subject to estate taxes in their death.

On the other side need to be absolutely sure your decision before an irrevocable trust. (more…)

Americans are increasingly become aware and responsible for their retirement wealth. Many of us are know that the prospect of living with social security income and a employer pension plan is reduced dramatically and not attractive. More and more pensioners and retirees are less put trust on traditional sources of income; saving for retirement and work part time are seen to be more attractive. But the condition for future pensioners and retirees will be getting worsened. Given the desire to build a large nest egg for retirement was the need to build a replacement income. (more…)

Among the variety of retirement plans you can pursue, some qualify for tax deferral by the regulations of the federal government, and others don’t. The federal government passed the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulation in 1974. This legislation and its requirements determine whether a retirement plan offered by employers or an employee organization (such as a union) qualifies for tax deferral of investment and interest until retirement age. (more…)

Another old adage says that we should learn from the mistakes of others. When it comes to retirement planning, there are many legal, tax, and retirement saving mistakes you can make as a business owner, retirement plan trustee, or plan participant. (more…)

Facts - women live longer than men, a woman can expect to spend the last 10 years of her life alone, women divorced after 50 will not remarry, second marriages fail 60% of the time, women may take 10 years to regain her predivorce financial status, women care for their children but they will also be the caretakers for their parents, by 2010 it is estimated that women will control the majority of the wealth in the US. So no matter who makes the financial decisions for your family now - all women should prepare to be their own financial planners, wealth managers and decision makers towards the end of their lives. (more…)