Smartanswers.net

Home : Retirement planning

Things you need to know about IRA

The Individual retirement account or IRA, gives you the opportunity to plan your retirement savings combined with quite a few tax benefits. There are two different types of Individual retirement accounts on the basis of the tax deductions for contributions. While the tax is calculated for the funds that move to the Roth IRA account, there won’t be any tax deduction at the time of withdrawal.

Retirement Planning

The comparison of annuity rates

Annuities have always been known for being sold but not being bought. The annuity industry that has a net worth of around $2.8 trillion has grown for years and years, all thanks to the commission based products sold primarily through various insurance agents and brokers. This process takes place sometimes with minimum to absolutely no attention to the client’s best interest.

Retirement Planning

All about continuing care retirement communities

Continuing care retirement communities are campus-type retirement communities that offer a wide variety of care options for older adults and make their lifestyle extremely comfortable and appealing. The continuing care retirement community is known to offer a touch of various components such as a housing complex, an activity center, and a health care system.

Retirement Planning

All you need to know about Social Security

Every country has a way of keeping records of its citizens. For example, the federal government issues a Social Security number. This nine-digit number is considered when a person files taxes or applies for various benefits for their legal dependents, such as their parents, children, and spouse). Many institutions also request individuals to enter this number when applying for jobs, paying bills, or verifying their identity before buying a home or car.

Retirement Planning

How to apply for Social Security replacement card

A ‘my Social Security’ account not only helps you plan for your retirement, it also has numerous practical benefits as well. The prime benefits of Social Security is based on four categories- disability, retirement, dependents and survivors benefits. The process of applying for a Social Security card replacement online starts with creating ‘my Social Security’ account.

Retirement Planning

Tips to apply for Social Security benefits

Social Security benefits provide aid to the retired and the physically impaired citizens by the state government of the country. However, the process can seem to be long and tedious. So, here is a guide to the important things that need to be taken care of when you file in for such benefits.

Retirement Planning

Annuities – Best Plans for Seniors and Benefits

Retirement can be a much-needed respite if one plans ahead. With no stable source of income, the retirement period requires regular funds to cover various expenses. Fortunately, there are several ways to get financial support and security during retirement, helping seniors generate income. Annuities are among these financial strategies, offering regular monthly income to seniors to maintain their lifestyle after retirement.

Finance

Everything You Need To Know About The 401K

One of the most prevalent retirement plans available is the 401(k) plan sponsored by the employer which allows an employee to segregate his paycheck so that a part goes into his retirement plan. As the funds that are deducted from your paycheck for this purpose are taken before tax calculations, you would be paying the tax for income post this subtraction.

Finance

Investing In Mutual Funds For Retirement

In mutual funds, there is no single option to invest. Based on the needs of the person, one can invest. This includes income need, an alternate source of income, life expectancy, risk tolerance etc. It is also important that retirees are careful where they invest as the investment is for their future.

Finance

Early Retirement Plans For Small Business Owners

If you are on the verge of your retirement, then you must secure your near future. The earlier you start planning for your retirement the more you will get options suitable for you. You should at first sort out your sources of money and chalk out, how much you will have or get after retirement.

Retirement Planning

Best Annuity Rates And How To Go About With Them

Annuities are a likable concept as people more often than not, diver a particular portion of their savings to an annuity just to attain some kind of financial security and peace of mind which can be promised by the guaranteed income that an annuity brings. However, the catch is that annuities are confusing.

Retirement Planning

Advantages a Mutual Fund Has Post Retirement

While planning for retirement, retirees are mostly confused from among the various options that are available. Mutual funds retirement plans have gained major importance these days. Mutual funds are an investment scheme which is managed professionally and brings people together to invest in bonds, stocks etc. Following are the advantages a mutual fund retirement plan has Safety:

Featured Articles

Travel

7 useful tips for stress-free air travel

People often book a flight for vacations or work travel to save time. However, they worry about getting late and missing the plane. Some accidentally overpack and then pay extra to avoid having to sort through their stuff and decide what to discard. These are only some of the points that add to travel stress. If you take care of the following expert-advised essentials, your future travels will be stress-free. Check the baggage limit Packing can be a nightmare. You have to carry your electronics, clothes, shoes, essentials, accessories, and several other things within the baggage limit. So, to avoid last-minute hassles and panics, check with your airlines the maximum baggage you’re allowed to carry. It will save you from making compromises and parting with some valuable stuff. After all, who wants to be that person tearing apart their luggage at the terminal? Don’t forget to pack your chargers and other essentials in your carry-on baggage. You don’t want to be sorting through your luggage looking for that in the middle of the airport terminal. Use packing squares Packing squares are a genius invention that lets you save storage space in your bags. People who feel better about sorting their things would especially love them. These cubes make sorting out your clothes, shoes, and toiletries easier. You can pack them based on the type of activities or days your clothes are suitable for. Another effective way of saving space in your luggage is to roll your clothing instead of folding them. It opens up the space, and you might even be able to fit in that extra outfit you really want to take. Or the shoes, accessories, dryer, basically anything you would have to leave back due to lack of space. Make a list Listing things to pack before packing them will prevent you from leaving anything behind, like your passport. If possible, make a separate list of items packed in the carry-on and checked baggage. In addition, maintain lists of tasks to complete before you start traveling. Although it may seem a lot, the organization will prevent you from rushing off in four different directions hours before locking up and leaving. Dress for the destination Travel time equals relaxation time for many. You might be looking forward to kicking off your vacation or work travel with some quality rest on the plane. Still, you don’t have to be in the boarding line in your PJs with your pillow in hand and slippers on. Instead, dress for the location you’re traveling to. Is it cold there? Layer up to avoid the chill when you land. If hot, you can dress light and avoid sweating as you reach your hotel room or the meeting. Carry spot treatment Fitting in a detergent pack can be tricky when trying to make the most of your luggage space. So, spot treatment in the form of a corrector pen can be an alternative. With the pen handy, you can take care of spills immediately. If you have space, carry a tiny pack of detergent as well for the rare occasion where you need to wash some clothes by hand. Take care of your special needs You are the best judge of your daily requirements. If there are any specific foods, items, toiletries, or anything in particular that you might not be able to function without, add them to your luggage. This is mainly helpful for people with special needs who depend on oxygen concentrators, ongoing treatment, physical assistance, and more. It’s also better to inform the airlines about your special needs so they can ensure a smooth experience. Pre-booking gives you the time to double-check if your requirements are met. Lock up your home and baggage correctly Safely locking up your home and luggage is essential for stress-free travel. It gives you a sense of satisfaction about the security of your home, and you aren’t worried about your luggage being damaged. You can use the traditional key locks to maintain the safety of your belongings in-flight and in your hotel room. Combination locks are another option where you won’t have to stress about losing your keys and finding a solution to your locked-up valuables. You can also get advanced options, such as smart locks with GPS trackers. If you lose your stuff, you can rely on the tracker to help you in the hunt. It makes a recovery easier, and if placing a complaint with the authorities, they too can track the GPS and promptly retrieve your stuff.

Travel

Best train tours in the country

Several regions in the country boast charming landscapes, watercourses, and landmarks. Train tours are among the best ways to enjoy these sights while traveling. There are many such tours that offer scenic routes along with great amenities. You can either take a tour in a single state or take a trip that goes across multiple states. Either way, train tours will give you a wonderful showcase of the country’s best views. Here are the best train tours in the country: Great Smoky Mountains Traveling through the mountains in a train is something that most people may have seen in a movie. While there are many other ways to enjoy the scenery of this exact area, train tours are most probably the best one. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad passes through the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains range situated in North Carolina. This famous tour starts in Bryson City and then goes on to take the scenic route of the quaint mountain range to give the passengers an extraordinary view. You can also gaze upon the magnificent views of Nantahala Gorge and the Tuckasegee River. This tour offers a combined experience of wildlife and mesmerizing sights. This is why it is one of the most awe-inspiring tours in the country. Coastal Route Train tours on the coastal route span between the cities of Los Angeles and Seattle. While many people just opt for specific portions of the tour, the entire tour is a truly remarkable experience. A tour on the coastal route offers a memorable experience by taking you through national parks and along oceanfront cliffs. It also takes you through important cities like Santa Barbara and San Francisco. The total time taken to go from one end to another is approximately 36 hours. The amenities provided on the tour are lounges, cafes, dining cars, and sleeping cars. Grand Canyon When it comes to natural landmarks, there are hardly any other places that can beat the Grand Canyon in its grandeur. Tours through the Grand Canyon give you a closer look at the geological marvel. It involves following a two-hour route that starts from Williams, Arizona, and goes all the way to the South Rim of the Canyon. This route began operating in the year 1901 and still transports people from all over the world through the landmark. The complete tour takes a little over 8 hours for a complete round trip and includes a four-hour stopover. Denali Star Tours along this route travel a total of 350 miles in a matter of 12 hours. The complete trip covers bewitching sights between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The view from the train allows you to gaze upon Hurricane Gulch, Nenana River Gorge, and Mt. Denali. Arkansas and Missouri Railroad You get a chance to experience the charming beauty of the Midwest region through tours running on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. You can get an up-close experience of the majestic Ozark Mountains. These tours offer a great visual combination of rugged terrain and colorful forests. This day-long round-trip is a great way to experience natural beauty. Southwest Chief Tours on the Southwest Chief allow you to travel through eight states including Arizona and New Mexico. Across these eight states, you will get to see the rugged landscapes of the Southwest region of the country. The view gets even better as most trains on this route have large windows. These train tours have top-notch dining and sleeping accommodations. The crowning jewel of the trip is the desert and mountain views. This is the reason why these tours enjoy immense popularity. As a result of the long distance to be covered, these train tours take a little over 40 hours to travel one-way. California Zephyr Tours on the California Zephyr route start from Chicago, Illinois, and go all the way to California. However, many travelers join the tour at Denver, among other stops on the way. Train tours on this route give you a breathtaking view of Midwest sights like the Rocky Mountains and rivers, along with cities like San Francisco. Zephyr is also the name of the train. It is an extremely comfortable train that has sleeping accommodations, multiple dining options, and double-decker cars. These tours are the perfect option if you want to have a cross-country experience. One-way distance of the tour takes around 51 hours to complete and offers a great blend of comfort and adventure.

Travel

Go on a last minute vacation with the best deal possible!

Are you having a rough week and feel like just packing your bag and hitting the road, but not quite ready to take a plunge into the unknown? Yes, it can be unnerving to think what if you don’t even get a place to stay especially if the wanderlust in you awakens over a weekend or a random holiday. Don’t worry; we got you covered! All you got to do is grab one of the last minute vacation deals that would cover hotel, flight, car rentals and more to help you let out all your stress. You can choose from a wide range of options, from a simple weekend getaway to a proper beach holiday or even a cruise. Where to look for the deals? Most of the top travel websites such as Expedia and Trip Advisor have an exclusive section catering to this sort of requirement and can help plan your trip based on your travel date, budget, and other considerations. You can easily check the reviews on the hotels listed and choose the best option suitable for your taste. Furthermore, websites such as lastminute.com and lastminutetravel.com are dedicated to providing services, especially in this regards as their name implies. The sites provide a host of options for flights, hotels, activities and all-inclusive packages as well. Lastminute.com has scores of options when it comes to city breaks including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Las Vegas. Pick your favorite city and tick it off your bucket list while enjoying what the city has to offer at its best. Lastminutetravel.com also offers cruise options, so maybe it’s time to embark on a seafaring journey with one of the ships from the popular cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America Line and more. They also have a Last Minute Travel Club which you can join to avail exclusive discounts and offers as a member. You can also check Groupon for good deals as they have a score of options catering to every destination and at best rates too. Furthermore, travel sites can assist you to get the cheapest packages as you might be on a budget when you decide to plan your holiday on a whim. You might get to pick from a spa or a beach resort or a casino package. Be clear on what you need All you need to do is choose your destination, dates, and number of vacationers to start off on your journey right away. With a bit of research, you might actually find a better vacation package when you plan at the last moment than when you plan ahead. Be spontaneous and unwind and rediscover yourself on a vacation, before you go back to your routine all reenergized and rejuvenated with the change. So why wait? Pack up as your dream holiday awaits you!

Travel

How to find cheap vacation packages

Vacations are the best way to unwind. But planning a vacation can be a stressful task. Not only do you have to sort out details like flight tickets, hotel accommodations, etc. but also keep in mind budgetary constraints. Usually, the best way out of this mess is to opt for vacation packages. These packages take care of you living, dining, and sometimes even touring essentials. Here are some ways you can get the best vacation packages at cheap prices: Be flexible with the dates It is cheaper to fly out to your vacation destination off-season. Not only are the prices on flight tickets and hotel rooms reduced, but you also don’t have to deal with large crowds. If you are not particular about flying out on the off-season dates, you can get yourself cheaper vacation packages. It is best to avoid flying out during the festive season. If you want to travel during this time, make sure you book the flight tickets way in advance. A study says that the dead zone for tourism is from January to February. Choose an off-beat destination Since an underrated location, usually sees less tourist footfall, the vacation packages for these places are cheaper. Although lacking in popularity, you can be sure that some of these local places are not short in beauty, culture, and amenities. Some of the underrated vacation destinations include Honduras, Albania, Bolivia, and the Philippines. However, since these off-beat locations are not a common route, the airline prices might be high. It is always better to consider the difference in cost and make a well-informed decision. More the merrier Vacation packages do not have to burn a hole in your pocket if you have a group to share expenses with. Sharing a room with your buddies is a great way to reduce living expenses. Try alternative living facilities While it is tempting to book that five-star hotel for a luxurious vacation, lodging is one of the few areas where you can cut down your expenses. Most of the time you would be exploring the place with sightseeing, adventure sports, and other activities. These things will keep you away from your hotel room. Hence, booking a five-star accommodation with a fitness center and all the fancy inclusions will not be ideal for your budget. Also, it can be quite an experience, not to mention frugal, to stay in a quaint Bed and Breakfast or an Airbnb. For those strapped for cash, CouchSurfing is also an option. Gaining popularity in recent times, CouchSurfing lets you crash in a host’s home. Having a local family as your host, can let you learn more about the culture. You can find a valuable guide and get a more immersive experience as well. Play it smart with your online travel agent Most travel websites work on an algorithm that lets them track the amount of time you spend on their website, and which vacation packages you check out. If you leave the vacation package in the cart and close the website without making a payment, they usually sent you a voucher or discount offer as a means to push you to purchase. It is a common marketing tactic. Though this might not be the case with all websites, it is certainly worth the try. Also, make sure you do not accidentally buy the vacation packages through a one-click purchase or saved credit cards. Sign up for alerts and emails The best way to know about deals and discounts on vacation packages is by signing up for notifications and emails by travel websites. These alerts might seem like spam but are quite helpful for future travel experiences. You can get fare reductions and offers on flights and hotel bookings. For example, websites like AirfareWatchdog and Kayak send you regular updates on the cheapest flights for the next few months to your preferred destinations. Furthermore, the websites Travelzoo or Groupon send you emails with the hottest travel deals. Double-check your vacation package Sometimes, the vacation packages you choose have hidden fees and surcharges that increase your expenses. Certain resorts are notorious for adding a resort fee that goes unnoticed while billing but increases your fare quite a bit. Also, there is the case of amenities such as car rentals or tours that cost an exorbitant amount when included with the package but are quite inexpensive otherwise. It is wise to customize your vacation package and opt for stand-alone facilities as they may be cheaper. Fly from major airports A few travel websites add a surcharge to your vacation package if you fly out from a smaller airport. You could book a separate flight through major airport hubs like LA, New York City, or DC to reduce these charges. Choose to upgrade Sometimes, vacation packages offer you the option to upgrade to a better hotel for an increase in fee. It is always smart to make this upgrade as you would get much better facilities for the price offered.

Travel

Vacation Rentals – Revamping The Vacation Experience

Vacation rentals – Revamping the vacation experience Every once in awhile, people wish to get out of the monotony of their regular lives and take a trip to some serene place. Going on vacations with the family is something you will always look forward to. However, simply going on a trip isn’t enough for some people, as they wish to take in the essence of the place and wish to get every local experience they can. In order to cater to the needs of such vacationers, various vacation rentals by owners have popped up in the recent years. Vacation rentals by owners have becoming a raging hit among people who wish to “feel at home” even when they are on a trip. If you are planning a trip somewhere in future, and you find the concept of vacation rentals by owners intriguing, keep reading. What are vacation rentals by owners? Vacation rentals or vacation homes are villas or rented apartments which are meant solely for vacationers. These vacation rentals by owners act as a substitute for hotels and people who wish to feel at home during their long tours usually opt for these. These vacation rentals by owners are fully-furnished, and you and your family can stay in the entire villa and reap the benefits of the same as long as the deal states. What are the benefits of opting for a vacation rental by owners? Vacation rentals by owners have become quite popular recently because it is not without its perks. The benefits of opting for a vacation rental are as follows: If you wish to spend your vacation away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life, then vacation rentals allow you to have the entire place to yourself. You wouldn’t have to share your premises with others, and you are entitled to all the privacy in the world. When you check into hotels, you will be sharing the premises and the hotel amenities with the other guests as well. However, if you have opted for a vacation rental, you won’t have to wait for the pool to be free of the crowd. Hotels usually have restrictions on the number of guests allowed in a room. So, if you have a big entourage with you, things can become quite expensive. In such cases, vacation rentals by owners provide ample spaces for your entire family to stay in peace. Since you will be staying in a vacation rental, you will have access to multiple bedrooms and bathrooms which facilitates an easy stay. What are the things to consider while booking a vacation rental? While booking a vacation rental one needs to adhere to the following tips to land the right deal. If you wish to land the perfect vacation rental, you need to book it early. The vacation rentals’ bookings begin early in January and February. So, make it a point that you choose the right vacation rental before you run out of options. It is advisable to opt for off-season vacations. During such days, the prices too will be affordable, and you will have more options to choose from. During the off-season, almost everything will be nearly half the price it usually is. You can research and choose the perfect vacation rental on your own. If you book it through an agent, it will cost you more. To be sure about the destination and the vacation rental you have opted for, read the guest reviews. This will help you get an actual idea about everything. Where can I book a vacation rental from? You can book vacation rentals by owners from these popular and authentic sites. HomeAway.com VRBO Homelidays VacationRentals.com HouseTrip Niumba TripAdvisor So, the next time you are looking for vacation rentals by owners, ensure that you keep these things in mind.