There is one important retirement risk that often goes unnoticed by retirees. It’s inflation, which is the incremental increase in the price of goods and services on a year-to-year basis. Inflation is easy to ignore because it’s often modest on a year-to-year basis. Over time, though, inflation can have a sizable impact on your spending […]
Are you one of the millions of Americans who uses an employer 401(k) as your primary retirement savings vehicle? The 401(k) is a widely-used retirement savings vehicles. Most 401(k) plans offer tax-deferred growth and matching employer contributions. Those two elements can help you quickly accumulate retirement assets. If you leave your employer with vested balance […]
Tax season is right around the corner, and if you’re like most Americans, you’re probably starting to pull together the resources you need to assemble your return. That process can be stressful. You want to make sure that your return is accurate and that you’re minimizing your tax obligations. That can be easier said than […]
According to a 2013 study from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, most Americans can be grouped into one of four categories when it comes to determining how they approach financial planning. One of the groups consists of “comprehensive planners,” which includes individuals who evaluate every aspect of their finances in their planning. The […]
As you transition into retirement, you’ll face a number of big financial decisions. One of the biggest will be when and how to file for Social Security benefits. It’s an important decision, as Social Security may play a large role in your retirement income plans. Your decision about when to file is also important because […]
Common resolutions include things like losing weight or quitting a bad habit like smoking. You may resolve to keep in better contact with family and friends or perhaps perform better at work. As you’re sorting through potential resolutions, don’t forget about retirement planning. Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they are concerned about not having enough […]
It doesn’t have to be this way. Just because you haven’t started saving yet doesn’t mean you can’t save enough to someday retire or at least scale back to part-time work. In fact, time may be your greatest asset. If you’re decades away from retirement age, you still have time to save and grow a […]
One of the main reasons IRAs are so popular is their unique tax structure. Most IRA accounts offer potentially tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. That means you don’t pay taxes on your investment earnings while the funds are in the account. That tax deferral may help your funds grow at a faster rate. Are you […]
While relocation may bring a buzz of excitement to your planning, it can also generate some big questions. The biggest may be how you choose the right place to become your new home. Some retirees know exactly where they want to move, but for many others it’s a bit of an open-ended question. Also, if […]
What should be the saving priority? If you’re like many families, there are only so many dollars left every month for saving. You have to pay everyday expenses such as housing costs, debt payments, utilities, food and more. There are also those discretionary costs that help you and your family enjoy life. After you pay […]