MEGAMANIA asked:


I’m employed with the local public school system. I began working for them eight years ago. Through my employment, I have been having an amount deducted from my check to be placed in a retirement account through the school system. The system has been adding funds to it as well, but what I am concerned about is the part I have been contributing.

I have decided to leave my job and stay home with my kids full-time. Since my retirement account is not a 401K, it can’t be “rolled over”. So, I am assuming the school system will have to return my retirement contributions to me, minus what they have contributed and local taxes. Am I correct? If so, will this amount automatically be federally taxed, or will I have to report it on my next tax return?

I’m so confused! I don’t want to call my employer to ask these questions if I can help it, because I don’t want it to sound like I’m more concerned about my money than all they have done for me over the past few years.

HAYNES

chilliemurphy asked:


I have been working for almost 10 years and have been building my 401K since I started right out of college - now, I want to go back to graduate school, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to get any financial aid or favorably-priced student loans if I have retirement assets. Am I required to dip into this money as a first-dollar plan, or can I keep my retirement assets intact & still get financial assistance (even a Stafford loan)? Thanks!

PEREZ

Michele L asked:


If I have a retirement account, say a 401k or an IRA, can I use those funds - not to borrow - but as an investment in a mutli-tenant residential apartment complex that I will be leasing to unrelated tenants to derive income? How is this done? Who do I talk to about the details?

HOUSE

taalyn_1 asked:


I am taking a new position at a non-profit organization. This company is offering a 403(b) retirement plan and I am wondering if I should take it or not. They will pay 75% after 1 year and I can make contributions, before taxes, of up to 10% and I can be fully vested after 3 years of employment . What is the difference between this and a 401K or other retirement programs really?

SANCHEZ