Retirement Articles
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Segregated Funds: Investment Protection For Canadian Citizens
These funds contain the best of all worlds, providing opportunities for market growth with a no-loss guarantee. -
Collateralized Debt Obligations: From Boon To Burden
CDOs were to be Wall Street's boon - instead they went bust. Find out what went wrong. -
Job Hunting: Higher Pay Vs. Better Benefits
Focusing on salary may be a mistake. Find out which benefits have the highest long-run payoff. -
Tough Times: Should You Dip Into Your Qualified Plan?
401(k)s, pensions and profit-sharing plans can be a source of cash, but there are consequences to this option. -
Choosing The Right Retirement Destination
Retire in a place that fits your plans for post-work living. -
401(k) Predators: Don't Become Prey
Be leery of "free" financial education sessions - the providers may not be working in your best interest. -
The Quest To Build A Unified Managed Account
Find out why the convenient, customizable UMA should be the next big thing in managed money. -
8 Reasons To Never Borrow From Your 401(k)
Find out why dipping into your future savings can have serious consequences. -
Non-Cash Contribution Rules Could Cut Returns
Higher standards for certain contributions could mean smaller deductions for you. -
Are You Buying Annuities Or Mutual Funds?
Investing a client's money in variable annuties is becoming a target for criticism. -
Rejuvenate Your Life And Career With A Sabbatical
Sometimes a one-week vaction isn't enough. Learn the pros and cons of an extended break. -
The 5% Solution To Financial Freedom
How can you save the recommended 10% of your income? We'll show you how to get there. -
Designating A Trust As Retirement Beneficiary
Designating a trust as your IRA beneficiary can be beneficial, but it requires proper planning to avoid problems. -
Pursuing Alpha In A Well-Diversified IRA
This strategy is not as complex as some investment gurus would like you to believe. -
Enjoy Life Now And Still Save For Later
Find out how to balance living well today and retiring well tomorrow. -
3 Life Events That Can Ruin Retirement Plans
Death, divorce and loss of income can leave retirees reeling. Learn how to prepare. -
Raising Grandchildren A Financial Feat
Becoming a full-time caregiver again presents many challenges - including making ends meet. -
5 Things To Consider Before Late-In-Life Marriage
Waiting to marry has become the norm, but do you know what to consider before saying "I do"? -
The Pension Bill: A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
Find out why the 2006 act may not be all it's cracked up to be. -
A Multipurpose Future Planning Tool
Overfunded variable universal life insurance policies can be an all-in-one financial solution. -
No Need To Rush End-Of-Career Retirement Planning
Your retirement is fast approaching, but your retirement plan needn't change as quickly. -
The Impact Of Recession On Businesses
Find out how this economic cycle affects both small and big business. -
A Look At IRA Separate Accounting Rules
If you are a younger multiple beneficiary, make sure you understand the RMD regulations. -
6 Ways To Maximize The Value Of Your 401(k)
From matching employer contributions to proper asset allocation, we'll tell you how to get the most out of your plan. -
Pension Protection Act Of 2006 Becomes Law
Learn how the passed bill can help you save more for retirement. -
Pay For A College Education With Retirement Funds
These savings vehicles may be better than college saving funds for some families. -
Fatal Seduction Of The Municipal Bond Insurers
Learn how a foray into CDOs and other exotic products ruined an industry's image. -
401(k) Debit Cards: Taking A Swipe At Your Retirement Savings
This is just another more convenient way to borrow from your plan. But at what cost? -
Retirement Funds To Fund Startups
Retired entrepreneurs who have "played it safe" and retirees who want to stretch their dollars are looking to invest here. -
Roth Vs. Traditional IRA: Which Is Right For You?
To answer this question, you need to consider several of the factors we outline here. -
IRA Assets And Alternative Investments
Interested in non-traditional investing? Make sure you follow the rules to avoid prohibited transactions. -
Be Your Own Boss By Freelancing
Learn the pros and cons before you bid adieu to sales meetings and power suits forever. -
Does It Still Pay To Invest In Gold?
This asset's appeal dates back thousands of years. Find out whether it can live up to the hype. -
Asset Distributions A Key Consideration For Retirees
How you distribute qualified retirement plan money can affect your taxes and Social Security benefits. -
Wealth-Building IRA Rollovers
Rollovers allow your tax-deferred retirement assets to grow, even when the world around you is changing. -
Substantially Equal Periodic Payment (SEPP): Learn The Rules
Taxpayers often make costly mistakes with SEPP programs because there is little guidance on what can be done in certain situations. -
Alternative Investments In Your IRA
If you stray off the beaten path when investing your IRA assets, you'll find new potential pitfalls and rewards. -
Can You Retire In Five Years?
The countdown is on. Find out whether you'll be ready to leave the working world. -
A Closer Look At The Roth 401(k)
Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of this new investment account and see if it's right for you. -
Discover Master Limited Partnerships
These unique investments provide significant tax advantages. -
Benchmark To Show Winning Returns
You can't win if you don't keep score. Read on to learn how to measure your returns. -
11 Things You May Not Know About Your IRA
These little-known features will help you get the most out of your retirement savings. -
House Your Retirement With Self-Directed Real Estate IRAs
Investors are now able to invest directly in real property, mortgages and other assets. -
Healthy Survival Guide For Sandwiched Boomers
Caring for children and parents is squeezing baby boomers' finances. Find out how to cope. -
401(k) Plans For The Small Business Owner
If you own a business, this may be the plan for you! Find out about its benefits and eligibility requirements. -
10 Steps To Retire A Millionaire
Making this dream come true takes work, but it's well worth the effort. -
3 Retirement Plan Moves To Make Before Year-End
If you don't know what must be done before December 31 you may miss opportunities - or even pay penalties. -
Can IRA Transactions Trigger The Wash-Sale Rule?
In 2008, the IRS said: Yes, they can. Find out what this means and how to avoid penalties. -
Squeeze A Greenback Out Of Your Latte
Stick to your budget every day with these 15 simple tips. -
3 Deadlines For Retirement Plan Beneficiaries
To take full advantage of new RMD regulations, beneficiaries need to take action before important deadlines. -
Business Owners: A Guide To Qualified Retirement Plan Loans
Thinking of adding a loan feature to your company's plan? Here's what you need to know. -
Capital Gains Tax Cuts For Middle Income Investors
Find out how TIPRA plans to slash taxes for those in the 10-15% tax bracket. -
Roth Feature Boosts Benefits For 401(k) And 403(b) Plans
Roth accounts tend to beat Traditional plans over the long term by providing tax savings. -
It's December - Do You Know Where Your IRA Statements Are?
Don't discard these important documents with your junk mail - they may affect your taxes. -
Avoiding Mistakes In Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)
If you don't calculate your required minimum distributions accurately, you might have to pay an excise tax. -
Need Retirement Income? Sell Your House!
Discover 10 tips for making a quick sale and a healthy profit. -
Retiring Early: How Long Should You Wait?
Maximize your Social Security benefits by choosing when you retire. -
Top 4 Reasons To Save For Retirement Now
No more excuses. Make sure you are financially secure and independent for your golden years. -
The Gatekeepers: Consultants Hold The Key
Institutional investment consultants help match up asset managers with large institutions. -
The 4-1-1 On 401(k)s
This plan has become one of the most popular retirement options. Find out why. -
3 Steps To Take If You Miss Your RMD Deadline
If you fail to take the required minimum distribution from your retirement account, you need to take proper steps. -
4 IRA Changes That Encourage Savings
Find out what's new in the world of IRAs and how you can get more bang for your buck. -
How To Evaluate Pension Risk By Analyzing Annual Costs
Learn how to assess whether a company's pension plan is posing more risks than what the footnotes indicate. -
Burdening Your Retirement With A Mortgage
Carrying this debt can have benefits if done correctly, but is it worth the risk? -
Benefits for Members of the Armed Forces
If your plans have been affected by your time in the combat zone, fear not! -
Basic Investment Objectives
You might know about different asset types, but do you know how each type contributes to a particular goal? -
Distribution Rules For Inherited Retirement Plan Assets
If you've recently inherited a retirement plan, you must get to know the rules for distributing the funds. -
Deducting Losses On Your IRA Investments
In regular accounts in which taxes are not deferred, losses on investments can be included on your tax return. Find out how. -
Invest In Your Education With An RESP
All Canadians should know the benefits of these flexible education savings plans. -
Lump Sum Versus Regular Pension Payments
If you're about to retire, you may be facing this dilemma soon. Find out what your options are. -
The Top 3 Retiree Worries (And What To Do About Them)
Discover the most common problems retirees face, and what they can do to solve them. -
Bear-Proof Your Retirement Portfolio
Find out how to protect your assets so you can live out your dreams in style. -
Personal Pensions: Repackaging The Annuity
Discover an investment that can provide a stable income once you've left the work force. -
A Guide To Core/Satellite Investing
Find out how this approach reduces risk and costs so you can maximize your portfolio return. -
Run Your Personal Finances Like A Business
The principles that contribute to success in business can also help you achieve your financial goals. -
Preparing For Retirement Plan RMD Season
Paying taxes is inevitable - that's why you need to learn about the rules for required minimum distributions. -
Unexpected 1099-R Form: What To Do
Did your IRA custodian report distributions you thought were non-reportable? Find out what went wrong. -
The Demise Of The Defined-Benefit Plan
Experts are making bleak predictions for your post-work years. Be prepared and plan for your future. -
Failing Health Could Drain Your Retirement Savings
You may not be able to prevent illness, but it doesn't have to infect your savings. -
5 Retirement Questions Everyone Must Answer
Find out what information you need to guide your planning and achieve your goals. -
Changes In Tax Legislation And Regulation
Keeping on top of these amendments can help you avoid penalties and take advantage of benefits. -
Health-y Savings Accounts
HSAs can provide a new way to save for retirement and medical expenses. -
Must-Know Rules For Converting A 401(k) To A Roth
In 2008, the IRS spelled out the details for converting employer-plan funds directly to Roth IRAs. -
Sometimes It Pays To Borrow From Your 401(k)
401(k) loans have been demonized, but they're often the most beneficial source of cash. -
Bear Spray For Your 401(k)
You can defend your retirement savings from the ravages of a bear market. We'll show you how. -
Recharacterizing Your IRA Contribution Or Roth Conversion
Learn why you might make such a transaction and find out how to calculate how it will affect you. -
IRA Contributions: Eligibility And Deadlines
Use this checklist for contribution requirements to make your payments on time. -
Build A Wall Around Your Assets
Learn how to protect your money from lawsuits, creditors and other judgment proceedings. -
Downshift To Simplify Your Life
Learn how to ditch the rat race with voluntary simple living. -
Making Spousal IRA Contributions
Eligibility requirements, contribution limits and tax deductions all change with one little ring. -
Using Coincident And Lagging Indicators
Investors can learn a lot, or very little, from these indicators once they know how to use them. -
Did Your Roth IRA Conversion Pass or Fail?
If you are moving assets from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, you need to know the associated tax rules. -
Maxing Out Your RRSP (Canadian)
Increasing your savings will provide tax benefits - and peace of mind. -
An Overview Of The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
Find out how this "retirement lifeguard" can save drowning plans, and why it's unlikely to be a long-term solution to the pension problem. -
Money Can't Buy Retirement Bliss
Emotional snags can ruin your future happiness. Learn how you can avoid them. -
High-Risk Retirement Portfolio Not Always Taboo
Find out how much risk your portfolio can take and whether your money will last. -
Bankruptcy Protection For Your Accounts
Will the plan assets you've worked hard for be safe if you experience a personal financial crisis? -
Getting To Know The Stock Exchanges
Here are the answers to all the questions you have about stock exchanges but are too afraid to ask! -
Cut Your Tax Bill
Paying your bills early or giving an extra donation now can help you come tax time. -
Pension Plans: Pain Or Pleasure?
Employees have a love/hate relationship with this retirement option.
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