Retirement Planning

Generally, if you have a 401(k) retirement account and get divorced, your spouse will probably be entitled to a share of the money. The money that accumulates in a retirement account during marriage is considered a marital asset. Marital assets are divided between the divorcing spouses. The formula for dividing marital assets depends partly on the laws of the state in which you live and partly on your specific circumstances. In community property states, marital assets in general are split 50-50. Currently, the community property states are Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. In equitable distribution states, marital assets are divided equitably. The ultimate decision of what is fair is made by the court in your state. Generally, the court determines how much of your 401(k)retirement plan is a marital asset by dividing the number of years you have been married by the number of years you have been a plan member.

Visit http://www.medicare.gov/Nursing/Overview.asp to get current information from the US Government .

401(K) plans are designed to encourage long term retirement savings by employees. In some plans, the employer may contribute a matching percentage to the employee's contribution amount. 401(K) plans must meet a variety of IRS rules. Speak to your local CPA about setting up a 401(K) plan for your company.

When you leave your job, you have basically three options: You can take all the money and pay tax on the money without penalty; If you are under 70 1/2, you can take installments on the money; or if you are under 70 1/2 you can leave the money in the plan. To determine which choice is suitable for your situation, please contact a CPA in your area.

A 457 Plan is a nonqualified salary reduction retirement plan that is available to government workers, including municipalities. There is no tax on the money you save through this plan or on what it earns until you take the money out. The catch is you can't take any money until you leave your job.

Yes. Services for tax advice and/or income producing property are fully deductible as an itemized deduction, subject to the 2% limitation. If tax and non-tax items are discussed with your CPA or lawyer, try to get an itemized bill segregating the tax and non-taxable components.