Retirement Planning Associates, Westlake Village, CA

Welcome to our Web site, where you’ll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.

We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation.

We’re here to help educate you about the concepts of financial management; to help you learn more about who we are; and to give you fast, easy access to market performance data. We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often.

Federal Income Tax

This calculator can help you estimate your annual federal income tax liability.

Cost of Retirement

Use this calculator to estimate how much income and savings you may need in retirement.

Impact of Inflation

Estimate the future cost of an item based on today’s prices and the rate of inflation you expect.

Mortgage Refinancing

Determine whether you should consider refinancing your mortgage.

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The Financial State of the States

Many state and local governments have struggled with lower tax receipts and large budget deficits — during and after the recession. This article offers a closer look at the financial pressures facing the states and how the methods used to address budget shortfalls could ultimately serve as a drag on the national economy.

Small Companies Face Costly Cybersecurity Threats

For many small businesses, the Internet is an important tool, but cybersecuity risks are growing. 40% of all targeted Internet attacks are now directed toward companies with fewer than 500 employees, and just over half of small businesses have a basic cybersecurity plan. This article provides tips to the small business owner about how to shore up their online defenses.

Rising Popularity of Roth IRA as Retirement Vehicle

Investment in the Roth IRA has been growing dramatically. Fueling the growth of this popular investment vehicle are tax-free distributions in retirement and no mandatory withdrawals due to age. Compare the trade-offs of Roth IRAs with traditional IRAs, including eligibility limitations, annual contribution limits, and withdrawal considerations.

Tracking the Rise of Target-Date Funds

Investments in target-date funds have grown during the last decade. They are often the default choice in employer-sponsored retirement plans and viewed favorably by some investors for their helpful approach to asset allocation. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of these funds and cautions potential investors about several common misconceptions.

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