Q: My wife and I have been talking about me retiring now versus waiting until I am 60 but I don’t want to pay the 10% tax for early withdrawals before age 59 1/2. Is there anything I can do? – B.G., Orlando
A: An employee who is laid off or quits a job between the ages of 55 and 59 1/2 can pull money out of his 401(k) or 403(b) plan without penalty. However, this only applies to assets in your current 401(k) or 403(b). If you have money in a former 401(k), 403(b) or IRA it is not eligible. You would have to wait until age 59½ to begin withdrawing those funds without the penalty. – John Cash III
Q: I have a lot of losses in a non-retirement brokerage account. Can I use those losses on my tax return? – B.M. Oviedo
A: Yes, when you sell the investments that are at a loss they are netted against the investments you sold at a gain. If the result is a net loss, that loss up to $3,000 is used as a deduction against other income on your tax return. Talk with your tax adviser to learn more. – Tommy Lucas read more