The Helper locomotive is there to assist trains to get over steep grades. This blog serves the same purpose. It is here to help give ideas to get you over those steep financial grades that lie ahead of you. I hope you enjoy!
When you depart from serving your railroad either through job change or retirement, you can take your 401k with you or not. Learn about some of the benefits of rolling your 401k into a Traditional IRA. Decide when it makes sense and when it doesn't.
If you are economically impacted by Coronavirus, then watch this video to understand your options when taking early distributions form your 401k. It is a must watch to understand your options otherwise you could be hit with a big tax bill.
If you are over 55 and have left, been laid off, or fired from the railroad, then watch this video to understand a extraordinary opportunity to minimize your taxes.
With interest rates at historical lows and if you factor in inflation then bond returns are negative. Should railroaders still be looking at bonds as part of a diversified portfolio? Learn about the current dynamics of investing in bonds for Railroad Retirement.
If you are leaving or have left the railroad before the start of your Railroad Retirement annuity then you need to watch this video. I discuss a strategy you can use to protect your Survivor Annuity for your beneficiaries in case something unfortunately happens to you before retirement.
Railroads have diversified income streams from serving many different industries. Use those same diversification principles to serve your Railroad Retirement portfolio.
The impact of Coronavirus is being felt by everyone throughout the country. The US government is administering a multitude of programs to you get through this period. Learn about the programs and rule changes that are in place to assist you.
Railroaders are sometimes compensated with the ability to own the Railroad's stock in their retirement plan. Learn the tax strategies to maximize your stock gains in Railroad Retirement.
In this video, I discuss opportunities and strategies afforded railroaders with their 401ks. By looking at your retirement portfolio with a comprehensive mindset, railroaders have a powerful tool with their Tier 2 Annuity. It allows railroaders the "opportunity" to create a retirement glide path unlike non-railroaders.
One of the great advantages of working in the railroad is the ability to retire with Full Retirement benefits at the age of 60 if you have 30 years of railroad service. However when anyone retires before Medicare kicks in at 65 some have to fund their own health insurance. In this video I discuss options for early retirees to access health insurance.