Retirement Articles

For many cash strapped seniors an annuity sounds like the perfect solution. And it can be if you think you’ll outlive your mortality date. The only trouble is that the insurance companies offering annuities have perfected estimating your mortality date based on factors like gender, birth year, where you live, where you were born, the age your parents died, and your health (or unhealthy) habits.

Being a landlord sounds like the path to riches: you buy some property, rent it out and watch the checks come in every month. The reality is that it’s a young man’s game. There’s just too much hassle, full time commitment, and risk associated with rental properties to be worthwhile for most retirees.

In this time of fiscal uncertainty, there are many financial decisions that can make or break you during your formative years.

The scale of the pension crisis in the U.S. cannot be denied, and there's a growing movement that supports the mandatory pension system that's been created in Australia and other parts of the world. But can the millions of working poor in America afford such a system?

Learn the key investment and savings tips you need to ensure your retirement savings last as long as you do.

Most people, depending on which side of retirement they’re on, feel they either won’t ever be able to retire or stay retired once they are. Many of us watched our parent’s generation put their retirement savings into CDs paying 6%+ and just living off the interest.

A second career can provide opportunities whether you are worried about outliving your retirement savings, or you want to stay productive and do something meaningful later in life.

If you establish these money-saving habits and patiently allow your wealth to build, you will be taking some huge steps forward in making your financial future more secure.

Learn more about this popular defined-contribution retirement plan that many business owners, proprietors, and self-employed people can benefit from.

One type of security pensions tend to invest in is sovereign debt, or debt issued by a government.

Annuities are complicated products that require some basic homework to be done before requesting quotes. Retirees will want to think about how they envisage their lifestyle and even their potential mortality to come up with an annuity product that’s right for them, or not even buy one at all.

CDs may look safe and attractive but considering most pay a rate that is less than the rate of inflation seniors today risk actually losing money with CDs. We need to be our own money managers now and do the research that’s required. Much of that research is already done and can be purchased through various newsletters.

Learn why this one particular REIT is a better investment than holding physical property in your retirement portfolio.

Leaving the workforce isn't always an easy decision. Are you ready to take the leap?

Learn the ways in which inflation nibbles away at your retirement income, especially in light of the President’s proposal for Chained CPI adjustments to Social Security.

Generation X and Generation Y still have many lessons to learn from their elders, including how to make the most of retirement in the 21st century. Find out what retirement trends baby boomers are setting for younger generations.

Our retirement goals have not changed. We still want enough money to not have to worry about it. How we go about getting there, however, has been changed dramatically.

This year, find out how to stretch your tax refund further to strengthen your future.

ETFs can be a good alternative to traditional retirement fund options because of their low cost, superior performance and liquidity.

Staggering retirement can have both financial and emotional benefits for married couples.

Break through the stereotypes and find out how to manage your life to meet your needs.

Before incurring additional risks in your retirement portfolio, be sure to understand the alternatives and the consequences of your strategy.

Banking giant HSBC recently unveiled the results of an international research project, which revealed that many U.S. citizens face a significant decline in their standard of living during the final seven years of retirement.

Researchers have proven that the 4 % rule, which stated that retirees can withdraw 4% of the value of a portfolio each year without depleting the principal for 30 years, is not a realistic withdrawal method for retirees.

Blood, sweat and tears should belong in the gym, but your money deserves some training time too.

You don't need a degree to understand your money, begin saving and pay down debt.

Learn the history, rules and risks of investing in IPO exchange-traded funds.

Maintain records of your pension benefits or risk losing them.

Learn some sensible strategies for making your hard-earned savings last for as long as you need them.

It's never too early to save for the future - learn how your children can get started.

Learn how the "sandwich generation" can save for retirement while taking care of their kids and parents.

Emerging market ETFs are typically seen as riskier investments, but some of them may be able to strengthen your retirement accounts.

Most Americans are saving only about 4% for retirement, which could mean that many U.S. citizens will never retire.

If you are someone who is closer to the end of your working career, such a large amount may be almost unmanageable.

Now is the time to kick savings into high gear. Find out how.

Living comfortably can be easy if you follow a simple plan.

People who are planning poorly for retirement are simply deciding to work longer - often out of neccessity. Is this a smart idea?

Sometimes the elderly lose their cognitive skills, that's when it may be time for their children to step in and assist with retirement planning.

From staying in the workforce longer to finding a part-time job after retirement, there are many ways that retirees postpone retiring completely.

The rise in these funds' popularity has contributed to misinformation about what they are and how they work. Learn more here.

Here is a look at how the Affordable Care Act will affect your taxes in 2013 and beyond.

In many circumstances, a reverse mortgage can be a risk to your financial security. Here are six dangers you should consider before signing on the bottom line.

The simplicity of ETFs and their low fees make them perfect for retirement accounts.

Based on today's markets, which ETFs could you buy in 2013 that'll provide the best opportunity for an early retirement?

Make a resolution to start your business off on the right foot in the new year.

These are some of the good choices for ETFs if you are in the late stages of retirement planning.

This is a great time to examine your anticipated expenditures and assess how your spending impacts your financial situation.

You can use the Monte Carlo Simulation to improve your retirement planning.

Are you on track to post-work bliss? We'll tell you how to find out.

If you earn a high income, there are many ways you can save extra money for an early retirement.

With the looming fiscal cliff, here's a look at how it could affect your retirement planning.

Faced with an overabundance of choices, many investors forget to stick to the basics.

Here are some calculations to determine if your net worth is what it should be at your age.

Just because you are comfortably in retirement, that doesn't mean you should stop keeping track of your net worth.

Here are the six best things you can do to increase your net worth.

For investors, the recent rules changes governing both 401(K)s and IRAs can be seen as a big win for the little guy.

IBM has made a move to not match 401(k) contributions each pay period. Instead, there will be a lump sum at the end of each year.

Determine whether your business is eligible to claim a tax credit for establishing a retirement plan.

Read this if you've taken early distributions or owe excess-contribution or excess-accumulation penalties.

Here's another reason to put money toward your retirement nest egg.

Accumulating post-tax assets can work to your advantage. Find out how.

If you have a Roth IRA, you are responsible for keeping track of your pretax versus after-tax assets.

Increases in estate tax rates and possible fiscal cliff implications will make things more difficult when it comes to arrangements for your death.

More and more people are realizing they must work part time during retirement. Here's a look at if you might have to.

IRA assets can't be taxed twice - find out how to avoid paying the second time around.

Eager to save for retirement? Learn how to avoid overpayment penalties.

In today's volatile market, Generation X can't sit around waiting for things to improve. Gen X must implement innovative strategies for retirement planning.

Learn how to work with the tax man to avoid getting gouged when you convert your plans.

Taxpayers with large taxable estates were required to take steps to reduce them before 2011.

These instruments may shed their bad rap to bring you a hefty tax break.

Find out how to get a bigger return.

Rather than shivering away their golden years, retirees can fly south to winter in sunny locales.

Discover the legal steps you can take if you are left out of a will and if fighting is worth the effort.

We outline the incentives and help you take full advantage of the benefits.

You've probably heard that ETFs are better than mutual funds, but you need to consider all aspects before investing.

Be informed about benefits and deductions that may apply to you and avoid costly mistakes on your return.

Not only does retiring later give you more time to build your retirement nest eggs, but it may also keep you healthy.

Consolidating retirement assets? Make sure you account for pre-tax and after-tax assets separately.

There are many things to consider when planning your retirement, including budgets, taxes and long-term care.

Build savings to support yourself in case pension plans and Social Security fall through.

Balance saving and spending in your golden years with these simple tips.

Older couples have many things to consider when it comes to financial planning, including wills and estate planning.

We address seven investment misconceptions, and how you can make your retirement plan make sense.

Lack of full-time employment can make saving for retirement more difficult, but there are some vehicles that can help.

By laddering annuities, you can be sure you'll have income no matter what the market does.

While this strategy does have a few advantages, it can also pose some substantial risks to employees.

If your nest egg has taken a hit, these conservative investments could help get you back on track.

Learn why many women's post-work saving plans fall behind and what they can do to catch up.

Here is an outline of how you should save for retirement when you are in your 20s.

Naturally occurring retirement communities can provide a place for retirees to live independent, social lives.

To avoid penalties or missed opportunities, make sure you know which transactions must be completed by December 31.

Find out how to save smarter after 65.

We'll show you how to set yourself up to retire in style.

A non-qualified distribution might still be tax and/or penalty free under certain conditions.

Your retirement savings can have the best of the defined-benefit plan and the defined-contribution plan with this hybrid.

Here's a step-by-step guide for transferring one retirement plan into another.

Learn how to avoid the bad habits that keep the average young adult from saving.