Brandon Renfro

It's great that you're considering this – many people overlook the importance of where to hold different investments. Often, this is due to a lack of awareness about how significantly it can impact overall returns.

I am the only eligible Social Security recipient in our marriage. My wife, at this point, will never have enough credits. I am 61 and my wife is 68.

Is it best to work with an advisor who’s independent or part of a large firm? I am not investment savvy and I’m entering retirement. I need to make sure I hire someone or a firm that is going to help and maybe is somehow insured. -Sharon That's a great question, Sharon. I'll provide some […] The post Ask an Advisor: Is it Better to Work With an Independent Advisor or One From a Large Firm? appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.

Brandon Renfro, CFP® 5 min read SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

I am 81 years old. I have a home mortgage balance of $118,300. I also have a $110,000 rollover individual retirement account (IRA) invested with a bank. Should I withdraw the money from my investment and put the money to lower the mortgage?

A financial advisor told me the pros of building a two-part bond ladder (three-year Treasurys and 10-year corporates) to generate fixed income and cover required minimum distributions (RMDs). What are the cons? -Ken When used in the right circumstances and … Continue reading → The post Ask an Advisor: I've Heard About the Benefits of a Bond Ladder Strategy. What Are the Downsides? appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.

Is there a downside to taking your pension on a monthly basis vs. taking a lump sum? The monthly payments would be higher than the return I would get on the lump sum.

I want to do a Roth conversion from my traditional IRA in the amount of $250,000. It's my understanding that I have to pay the income tax on the $250,000.

I want to do three Roth conversions in the next three years before I turn 73 in 2027 so that my beneficiary doesn't have to deal with taxes. If I should die soon after the last conversion, will my beneficiary be subject to the five-year rules? – Tom This is a good question. The five-year […] The post Ask an Advisor: Does the 5-Year Apply to My Beneficiary If I Do a Series of Roth Conversions Before I Turn 73? appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.

Tariffs can have far-reaching effects on exchange rates and currencies and these impacts can influence trade dynamics and economic stability. For investors, understanding whether tariffs favor stronger or weaker currencies is essential for navigating the complexities of global markets. While tariffs may strengthen a currency by improving trade balances, they can also introduce risks such as inflation and economic slowdowns. Staying informed about tariff policies and their implications can help you make informed investment decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.