pring is in the air. And with spring comes thoughts of…taxes. April 15 looms, but you still have time to review your IRA contributions. If you’re younger than 50, your contribution levels remain the same as last year, $4,000. If you’re 50 or older, you can put a little extra money away – the contribution limit has risen to $4,500.

You don’t want to incur tax penalties, so be sure to contact your financial advisor for advice about your IRA account.

T&T seems confident that a merger will indeed happen, citing its takeover track record as precedence.

Both companies share ownership of Cingular, so management already knows how to work together. Industry experts also expect this merger to succeed, but there is a hurdle to overcome first. The former SBC is still trying to incorporate its recent purchase of the former AT&T. The good news is both companies use largely the same technology, which could streamline the integration process. Before anything can happen, though, shareholders and regulators still need to approve the deal.

Are you concerned about the pending merger? Don’t let the rumor mill confuse you. Call us to find out how the merger may impact your retirement plans. We are members of the Hanson McClain Retirement Network – a nationwide network of independent financial advisors specializing in retirement planning for telecommu-nication employees. We’ve been through other telecom mergers, and we’ll see you through this one.

Our services include the Independent Personal Retirement Overview (IPRO™), a unique and insightful retirement planning tool. For more information or to discuss your personal financial situation, please call us.

he House and Senate pension reform bills HR 2830 and S 1783 are designed to fix outdated worker pension laws.

One change would calculate lump sum payouts based on corporate bond rates, which are higher than the current 30-year Treasury bill rate. Higher interest rates mean lower lump sum amounts, encouraging employees to opt for annuities, thus lowering the company’s future payout obligation.

Stay informed to understand how the pending bills can impact your lump sum pension payout. Talk to a member of the Hanson McClain Retirement Network to learn how the ramifications of the pending pension reform bills will affect your pension.