How to Crunch Social Security Taxes, Are Costco Vacation Deals Worth It?, Invest for Retirement Like Rip Van Winkle

How Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxed? | Should You Convert a Traditional 401(k) into a Roth 401(k)? | Scams in Retirement: How to Get Fraudsters to Scram Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( June 13, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( [Retirement Tips]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Social Security [] [How Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxed?]( [How Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxed?]( (Getty Images) It may come as a surprise, but Social Security benefits are not entirely tax-free. The federal government can tax up to 85% of your [Social Security benefits](, so it's good to know how Uncle Sam's take is calculated. [] Retirement Accounts [] [Should You Convert a Traditional 401(k) into a Roth 401(k)?]( [Should You Convert a Traditional 401(k) into a Roth 401(k)?]( (Getty Images) You may be able to convert your [traditional 401(k) into a Roth 401(k)]( if your employer offers both types of plans. It boils down to when you want to pay taxes on your retirement savings: while you are working or when you are retired. [Retirement Peace of Mind]( Whether you're preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, securing financial stability and peace of mind is essential. At SAM, we offer a variety of tailored portfolio solutions to help you achieve your financial goals. Schedule a complimentary portfolio review to ensure you have the funds to support you throughout your retirement. [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Avoiding Fraud [] [Scams in Retirement: How to Get Fraudsters to Scram]( [Scams in Retirement: How to Get Fraudsters to Scram]( (Getty Images) If a caller asks you for money or personal info like account numbers and passwords, you should hang up. Here's how to [spot scammers and protect yourself](. [] Travel on a Budget [] [Costco Vacation Deals: Should You Buy One?]( [Costco Vacation Deals: Should You Buy One?]( (Getty Images) Thinking of trying a vacation package? [Costco vacation deals](, along with deals from BJ's and Sam's Club, are convenient and save you money. But what about the downsides? [7 Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Financial Advisor]( Working with a financial advisor can be a crucial part of any healthy retirement plan. But choosing the wrong one could wreak havoc. Avoid these 7 mistakes when hiring an advisor, so you can work to potentially save years of stress. [See the list]( ADVERTISEMENT Featured Content Sponsored Content from Kiplinger Retirement Planning 2024 [Plan and enjoy a worry-free retirement.]( Whether you've already left the workforce or you're just beginning to think about it, [Kiplinger Retirement Planning 2024]( will show you how to maximize your 401(k), select top-performing investments, get the most from Social Security, protect your estate, ensure affordable top-notch health care and much more. [Click to see table of contents.]( [] Save for the Long Term [] [When Investing for Retirement, Be Like Rip Van Winkle]( [When Investing for Retirement, Be Like Rip Van Winkle]( (Getty Images) Spend 20 years in a stupor, rather than getting anxious about daily stock market fluctuations, and [reap the rewards of retirement investment returns]( adding up. [Veterans: Unlock VA Homebuying Benefits]( The VA Loan is a powerful homebuying tool for Veterans and military families. Talk with one of our experts to find out how to use your VA benefits to purchase a home in today's market. [Read More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Estate Planning [] [What Is Probate, and Who Has to Deal With It?]( [What Is Probate, and Who Has to Deal With It?]( (Getty Images) Managing and securing your estate is one of the most important steps in personal finance. The [probate process can be a long and expensive journey]( for heirs. Real estate, cars and even art often trigger probate, but other assets get a free pass. [] RELATED KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Melinda French Gates Models Three Strong Lessons for Philanthropists]( Gates' willingness to pivot and her focus on her charitable giving vision provide an excellent example for current and future philanthropists. [Six Strategies for Retiring on a Fixed Income]( When your paychecks quit rolling in, will you be OK? Run through this pre-retirement checklist to see how ready you really are. [Sign up free for A Step Ahead: Guidance on how to navigate today's challenges to business, the economy, and financial markets.]( ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. 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