The Help Desk

Can I do an IRA rollover and a Roth IRA conversion in the same year?

I left my job in January and haven't worked again in 2012. When I left my employer, I rolled my 401(k) worth $90,000 into a traditional IRA. Since I have only one month of income this year, I am considering converting my traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. Can I do that in the same year as the initial rollover? — Michael

Without much income this year you're likely to be MORE

Should I cash in my nest egg to buy a house?

I am 64 and considering using a large portion of my retirement savings to purchase a HUD-owned home. Those savings are currently enough to support me into my 80s, along with my Social Security benefits. If I buy a home and pay cash, would a reverse mortgage be feasible? — Ken S.

Using a chunk of your retirement savings to buy a home at age 64 is a risky proposition, especially MORE

Can a 529 plan be used for international schools?

We may emigrate overseas, and there is a possibility that my daughters may not attend higher education in the U.S. If that is the case, can 529 funds be used overseas, or would I need to withdraw the funds and incur the penalties? — James M.

Many overseas institutions are eligible under the 529 rules, according to Joseph Hurley, a CPA and founder of Savingforcollege.com. You can search a list of MORE

Will my Social Security benefit increase next year?

Will Social Security get a raise in 2013? — Gary B.

The Social Security Administration just announced a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 1.7% for 2013. The increases will take effect on Dec. 1, 2012 and will appear in benefit payments starting Jan 1, 2013.

The COLA allows Social Security benefits (as well as federal and military pensions) to keep pace with inflation so the buying power of those payments holds MORE

Should I buy a house this year to avoid capital gains taxes?

I sold my house in April for a job relocation. Now I'm renting while looking for a new house. Will I have any tax penalties if I do not buy a new house this year? — Mark S.

Unless you turned an extraordinary profit when you sold your home, you probably won't owe any taxes on the sale, thanks to a generous IRS tax break on home sales. "A lot of MORE