Ask Bob
Ask Bob: We're Divorced & Dating - How Do We Handle Long-Term Financial Decisions?
A reader is in a committed long-term relationship and wondering how to balance benefits and financial planning since they're both divorced. Divorce expert and financial planner Michelle Petrowski Buonincontri lays out a detailed list of points to ponder.
Ask Bob: Can my earnings base be recalculated to increase my Social Security benefits?
A reader is still working, and earning significant income, ten years after starting his Social Security benefits.
Ask Bob: Can I claim my ex-husband's Social Security benefits when he dies?
A reader wonders if she has any claim to her former spouse's Social Security benefits when he dies.
Ask Bob: Can I get Social Security disability after I reach full retirement age?
A reader reached his full retirement age without starting Social Security then became disabled. Can he still receive Social Security disability?
Ask Bob: How Do I Keep My Retirement Contributions from Reducing My Social Security Benefit?
A reader wants to know if contributions to a teacher's retirement system will reduce her Social Security benefit and how to avoid that impact.
Ask Bob: Increasing Social Security Benefits After a Break in Employment
A reader entered the workforce after years of being a homemaker and is wondering how she can make up those "lost years" of paid income and the impact on her Social Security benefit. Adviser Joe Elsasser explains how Social Security benefits are calculated.
Ask Bob: Late Payment of Income Taxes and the Impact on Social Security Benefits
A reader didn't pay income taxes for several years. Although he's paid all back taxes and penalties, he's wondering why his Social Security benefits doesn't reflect those payments.
Ask Bob: Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for Me?
A reader has done her homework but is still not sure whether or not a reverse mortgage is for her. Adviser Doug Buchan offers some perspective.
Ask Bob: Do I Need to Apply for Medicare at Age 65 If I'm Already On It for Disability?
A reader is wondering if they need to take any special action when they turn 65 if they're already on Medicare due to disability. Adviser Bob Rall says yes.
Ask Bob: My Husband is Incarcerated; Can I Claim Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Is it possible to claim Social Security benefits if your spouse is imprisoned? Retirement Daily expert Kurt Czarnowski explains who can and can't receive benefits.
Ask Bob: Will An In-plan Roth Conversion Trigger the 10% Penalty Tax?
Andy Ives, an IRA Analyst with Ed Slott and Company, answers a reader's question about in-plan Roth conversions.
Ask Bob: How Do I Maximize My SSDI and Social Security Benefit for Myself and My Spouse?
A reader would like to pause Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in order to increase payments for himself and his wife. Heather Schreiber explains his options.
Ask Bob: How Does Delaying My Social Security Start Date Impact My Spouse's Benefit?
A reader has been told delaying his benefit won't improve his wife's spousal benefit. Elaine Floyd of Horsesmouth explains what does, and doesn't, impact a spousal benefit.
Ask Bob: Can I Get Widow's Benefits If I'm Already Receiving Social Security Disability?
Retirement Daily expert, Jim Blankenship, explains widow's benefits for someone receiving Social Security disability.
Ask Bob: Can I Receive Spousal Benefits If I'm Receiving Social Security Disability?
A reader would like to increase her disability benefits by including her husband's Social Security.
Ask Bob: Will Working Increase My Social Security Disability Payment?
Adviser Brian Vosberg explains how a reader's part-time work can impact her Social Security Disability payment.
Ask Bob: Can I increase my Social Security disability payment?
Will reaching your full retirement age have a positive impact on your Social Security disability payment?
Ask Bob: How Can I Protect Myself from California State Income Taxes?
A reader is wondering if moving out of state will protect him from California's state income tax. Two tax experts explain what he'll need to do to if he doesn't want to be considered a California resident.
Ask Bob: How much of my RMD can I convert to a Roth IRA?
Adviser Ethan Gilbert explains a reader's options for contributing to a Roth IRA using traditional IRA funds.
Ask Bob: How to Fund and Use a Health Savings Account
A reader would like to understand how they can fund and use an HSA.
Ask Bob: Can I Use HSA funds to Pay Medicare/Medicare Advantage Plan Premiums?
Recently unemployed, a reader asks about using HSA funds to pay his Medicare premiums.
Ask Bob: Can I Fund a Life Insurance Policy from My IRA?
A reader would like to fund a hybrid life insurance/long-term care policy from their IRA.
Ask Bob: What Impact Does a Paycheck Have on Social Security Benefits and Taxes?
The retirement earnings test applies only to people below normal retirement age (NRA). Social Security withholds benefits if your earnings exceed a certain level, called a retirement earnings test exempt amount, and if you are under your NRA.
Ask Bob: Can I Roll My RMD into a Roth IRA?
A reader is confused about when and if he can contribute his RMD to his Roth IRA.