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 […]
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 […]
Are you facing a divorce late in life? According to new research, you’re not alone. The Pew Research Center recently found that divorce rates for people age 50 and older have doubled since 1990. Divorce rates among those over age 65 have tripled during that same period.1 There are a variety of reasons why couples […]
While seemingly small lifestyle changes, like eating out less often, can have a big financial impact, it’s often ill-advised large purchases that can do the most damage. By simply avoiding these large-scale cash outlays, you may be able to significantly reduce your risk of running out of money in retirement. Are you one of the […]
Not all life insurance is the same, though. There are different types of policies available, and each is designed to meet different needs and objectives. Many of these policies fall into two broad categories: term and permanent. Any good financial plan has to be built on a base of sound financial protection against serious risks. […]
As you approach retirement, you’re likely looking for ways to reduce your expenses and maximize your income any way you can. You may be considering downsizing, delaying Social Security or even working part time in retirement to improve your financial stability. There’s one other strategy you may want to consider, especially if you have a […]