Both Traditional and ROTH IRA maximum contributions remain at $5000 per individual and $6000 per individual age 50 or older.

Participants in 401(k) and 403(b) plans may contribute up to $16,500 in 2010, and $22,000 if age 50 or older. Some 401(k) plans may offer ROTH contributions for plan participants as an alternative to regular tax deductible monies.

Currently, is repealed in 2010 due to inaction by congress.  To be continued...

If you’ve owned a life insurance policy for more than 5 years, there’s a 50/50 chance the originally issuing company doesn’t exist anymore. Mergers and acquisitions seem to be a daily occurrence in corporate America, and financial services firms are among the most active. The most common question: How does this affect my coverage? Contractually, there are no differences. Life insurance policies are legally binding contracts, and the acquiring firm must abide by its terms. What may be affected are specific company guidelines; the ability to make logistical changes, i.e. reducing face amounts, conversion options, etc.

For 2010, the new Part A deductible is $1100 per benefit period; Part A coinsurance for hospital (days 61-90) is $275 per day; lifetime reserve coinsurance (days 91-150) is $550 per day; skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21-100) is $137.50 per day. Medicare Part B annual deductible increases to $155.00.  The Part B premium cost remains at $96.40 per month.  Based on income and filing status, CMS sets a higher Medicare Part B premium for higher income individuals and couples.  The higher premiums range from $134.90 to $303.30.

Medicare Part "D" programs are available which provide prescription benefits to those covered by Medicare. Medicare "supplement" plans are also still available, as well as the Medicare Advantage program.

Those with active qualified plans (IRAs, TSAs, etc.) must begin taking annual minimum distributions no later than April 15^th of the year following the year in which they reach 70 ½.  This requirement was suspended for 2009, and reactivated for 2010.