Financial Advisors

If you've already maxed out 401(k) plan contributions for 2022 and you're eager to save more for retirement, some plans have an under-the-radar option, experts say.For 2022, you can defer $20,500 into a 401(k), plus an extra $6,500 for investors 50 and older. But the total plan limit is $61,000 per worker, including matches, profit sharing and other deposits. And some plans let you exceed the $20,500 deferral limit with so-called after-tax contributions. "It's definitely something higher-income people may want to consider…

If you're planning to sell investments or rebalance your taxable portfolio, you may be less likely to trigger a tax bill in 2023, experts say.This week, the IRS released dozens of inflation adjustments for 2023, including higher income tax brackets, increased standard deductions, bigger estate tax exclusions and more. The agency also bumped up income thresholds for the 0%, 15% and 20% long-term capital gains brackets for 2023, levied on profitable assets held for more than one year.More from Personal Finance:IRS bumps up…

RyanJLane | E+ | Getty ImagesAfter a difficult year for the stock market, investors have poured money into Series I bonds, a nearly risk-free and inflation-protected asset that's paying a record 9.62% annual interest rate through October.With the rate expected to drop to roughly 6.48% in November, there's a brief window to secure higher interest for six months, assuming you haven't exceeded the I bond purchase limits for 2022. While I bond rates shift twice yearly based on inflation, you can still lock in 9.62% annual…

More advisors are using alternative investmentsAlternative investments typically fall into four categories: hedge funds, private equity, "real assets" like real estate or commodities and pre-packaged investments known as "structured products."Amid double-digit losses in the stock and bond markets this year, there's been an uptick in advisors turning to alternative investments, as planners seek further diversification, according to a recent survey from Cerulli Associates. The top reasons for alternative allocations were to…

Luminola | E+ | Getty ImagesIt's natural to fixate on portfolio losses, especially with the S&P 500 down more than 20% for the year.But you may still have gains after years of growth, and the profits could qualify for a 0% tax rate, depending on your earnings.The thresholds may be higher than you expect — even six figures of joint income for a married couple, financial experts say.More from FA 100:Here's a look at more coverage of CNBC's FA 100 list of top financial advisory firms for 2022:Many investors think of two…

If you're racing to meet the Oct. 17 tax extension deadline, make sure you don't skip key forms as you're rushing to the finish line, experts say.It's critical to file a complete and accurate return to avoid processing delays, according to the IRS, including details from all the necessary forms.Further, you may prevent stalled refunds and future IRS notices by filing an error-free return online with direct deposit.More from Personal Finance:As demand soars for Series I bonds, TreasuryDirect gets a makeoverThe job market…

Recent turmoil in British bond and currency markets is one. That disturbance has exposed potential risks lurking in pensions and government bond markets, which were relative oases of calm in past financial flare-ups. The Federal Reserve and other central banks are raising interest rates to beat back inflation by slowing economic growth. The risk, in addition to losses in wealth and household savings, is that increases can cause disruptions in lending, which swelled when rates were low. Major U.S. stock…

Marko Geber | DigitalVision | Getty ImagesIn times of uncertainty — turbulent markets, high inflation, geopolitical turmoil — we often write about what financial advisors are recommending to clients.This advice often boils down to "stay calm" and "don't let short-term news lead to impulsive moves that have long-term consequences." Many advisors also offer a reminder that clients who already have a plan in place need to trust in that and stay the course.Which leads to the next consideration for some readers. No plan? It…

Hero Images | Hero Images | Getty ImagesWeigh Roth IRA conversionsWith the S&P 500 Index down more than 20% in 2022, many investors are eyeing Roth individual retirement account conversions, which transfer pre-tax IRA funds to a Roth IRA for future tax-free growth. The trade-off is paying an upfront tax bill. However, lower account balances may provide two opportunities: the chance to buy more shares for the same dollar amount and possible tax savings, depending on how much you transfer. And the tax savings may be…

Portra | E+ | Getty ImagesIf you're retired and haven't made the necessary quarterly estimated tax payments for 2022, there may still be time to avoid late penalties, experts say.Retirees must send tax payments four times per year if they don't withhold enough from Social Security, pensions, investments or other sources of income. However, for certain retirees, there's a chance to correct missed payments through required minimum distributions, or RMDs, paid annually at age 72. (Your RMDs may have already started if you…