Each Monday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on NBC3 we answer your live questions in our "Ask the Experts" phone bank and online chat.
On April 11, our panel of Certified Financial Planners included:
Dennis Hebert, Strategic Wealth Advisors
Grace Ghezzi, Benefit Consulting Group
Ted Sarenski, Blue Ocean Strategic Capital

Among the topics covered:
>Overweight retirement plans:  If you have all your retirement assets in one place, you could be hurting yourself financially.
IRAs should be one place of investment, but all the money you withdraw is taxable, and the government could change rules on how much you have to withdraw annually after age 70--that could put you at a disadvantage.  You should have some easily accessible monies (quick withdrawals, no penalties) as well as some tax free funds, like from a Roth IRA.

>Tax filing.  Even if you don't have to file a federal return, you may need to file a NY State form, because the filing requirements are lower for the state.  In addition, even if you owe $0 in taxes, you may take advantage of credits and get money back.
Take a look at  www.nystax.gov for more details.

>Out of state sales tax:   If you buy out of state (or online) you still must pay NY Sales Tax.   You can calculate how much you owe, or see the state's table which 'estimates' based on your income--pick the lower number.  Do not leave the line on the state form blank.

>Pension safety.  The Syracuse Symphony Musicians' pension issues have a lot of people looking at their own retirement savings.   The SSO pensions, which were not paid into properly by the Symphony Board, will be guaranteed by a federal agency and the shortfall will be made up for musicians.  If you have a 401 plan, your employer is required to put what you designate into a specific account within 7 days.  You can compare your pay stub info with what's in the account, and if there's a discrepancy, settle it up right away!

Click on the widget below to see the online discussion for Monday, April 4. You can also email your questions in advance to money@cnycentral.com.