- Bonds vs. Stocks in a 401(k): Which Should You Invest In?
Bonds and stocks each offer benefits, but they come with different levels of risk and return. A balanced mix can help build wealth while also reducing the impact of market swings, which is especially important as retirement approaches. The allocation for your 401(k) will depend on your age, risk tolerance, investment timeline and overall goals.… read more…
- Stock Market vs. Bond Market: Which One Is Larger?
Stocks tend to dominate financial headlines due to their volatility and potential for rapid gains or losses. But, bonds also play an important role by providing investors with stability and income. Both markets are large, and their size can change depending on the economy, interest rates and investor behavior. Knowing how money moves between stocks… read more…
- Is There Anything Better Than an Annuity for Retirement?
Annuities are often marketed as a retirement solution because they offer guaranteed income streams that can last a lifetime. However, there are several factors to consider whether an annuity is truly the “best” option. It depends on your financial situation, income needs, risk tolerance and long-term goals. For many, the most effective strategy may combine… read more…
- What Happens to Money in a 401(k) That Isn’t Vested?
When you participate in a 401(k) plan, both your contributions and your employer’s contributions can help you build retirement savings. However, not all the money in your account may fully belong to you right away. Employer contributions typically follow a vesting schedule, meaning you earn the right to keep those funds over time. If you… read more…
- 5 Reasons You May Want to Take Social Security Early
Deciding when to claim Social Security can be one of the most important retirement decisions you’ll make. Delaying your benefits can result in higher monthly payments. But there are many reasons you might choose to take Social Security earlier — as soon as age 62. Early retirement, health concerns or a need for more income… read more…
- Safe Withdrawal Rate By Age: How to Calculate
Planning how much to withdraw in retirement often starts with understanding the safe withdrawal rate by age. This concept helps retirees estimate how much they can spend each year without running out of money over time. While a 4% withdrawal rate has been a common benchmark, actual safe rates can vary depending on a retiree’s… read more…
- Can I Cash Out My 401(k) at Age 62? Pros and Cons
Cashing out a 401(k) at age 62 is allowed, but it comes with trade-offs many savers will want to consider. Withdrawals at this age avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty, though income taxes still apply. Taking a lump sum of part of the account balance could offer immediate access to funds for retirement expenses or… read more…
- Maximum Social Security Benefit If You’re Born in 1958
If you were born in 1958, 2025 is a milestone year. You’ll be turning 67, which marks your full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits. This means you’re eligible to claim your full Social Security retirement benefit without reductions for early claiming. Many individuals in your age group are evaluating when to start collecting… read more…
- SEP vs. Annuity: Which Is Better for the Self-Employed?
If you’re self-employed, saving for retirement is your responsibility. Two common tools are SEP IRAs and annuities, but they work in different ways. An SEP IRA gives you tax advantages, control over investments and flexibility. An annuity offers guaranteed income, but usually with less access to your money and slower growth. Understanding the differences can… read more…
- How to Roll Over a 401(k) to a 403(b)
Rolling over your 401(k) to a 403(b) is only an option if you start a job that offers a 403(b) plan. These plans are typically available through public schools, nonprofits and certain government organizations. If you do become eligible, transferring your retirement savings from a 401(k) to a 403(b) can help consolidate your funds and… read more…
- How to Withdraw From Your 401(k) After Age 60
Reaching age 60 is a major financial milestone, particularly when it comes to your 401(k) retirement savings. While you can access your 401(k) without penalties after age 59.5, there are important rules, strategies and tax implications to keep in mind. As you near or enter retirement, you’ll likely begin to consider how and when to start… read more…
- 5 Strategies to Convert Retirement Assets Into Income
Saving for retirement is only half the battle. Once you leave the workforce, you’ll need a plan for turning your assets into a reliable income stream. Managing how you draw down your nest egg can be just as important as building it. For many retirees, creating sustainable, tax-efficient income is a challenge. Especially while adapting… read more…
- Can 401(k) Participants Also Make SEP IRA Contributions?
Many people who contribute to a 401(k) wonder if they can also make SEP IRA contributions. The answer depends on factors like employment status, income sources and how the SEP IRA is structured. Business owners and self-employed individuals often have more flexibility, while traditional employees generally cannot contribute directly to a SEP IRA unless they… read more…
- When Can You Retire If You Were Born in 1959?
If you were born in May 1959, you are turning 66 in 2025. This puts you right at the doorstep of traditional retirement age. When you can retire depends on your Social Security eligibility, Medicare enrollment and, most importantly, your financial readiness. While age 66 is often associated with retirement, full retirement age (FRA) for… read more…
- How Much Should I Have in My 403(b) to Retire?
Wondering how much you should have in your 403(b) to retire comfortably? It’s a common question for educators, healthcare workers and employees of non-profit organizations who rely on these tax-advantaged retirement plans. The answer varies based on your desired retirement lifestyle, expected expenses, other income sources and retirement age. While financial advisors often suggest aiming… read more…
- Roth IRA vs. Index Fund: What’s the Difference?
The comparison between a Roth IRA and an index fund often mixes structure with strategy—one is a retirement account, the other an investment product. A Roth IRA provides tax-free growth and withdrawals, while an index fund offers low-cost, diversified market exposure and can be held within or outside that account. Viewing a Roth IRA and… read more…
- Rule of 110: How to Calculate and Examples
When building an investment strategy, your asset allocation is one of the most important decisions you will make. The Rule of 110 helps investors decide how much of their portfolio to allocate to stocks versus bonds based on their age. It is a helpful starting point for those looking to balance growth potential with risk… read more…
- What Is the Typical Wage Replacement Rate?
A key question in retirement planning is how much of your income you’ll need to replace once you stop working. This figure, called the wage replacement rate, is a helpful retirement planning tool. It helps you estimate how much to save and what kinds of income sources to rely on. While everyone’s situation is different,… read more…
- At What Age Can You Retire With $1 Million?
For many Americans, $1 million is the benchmark for a secure retirement. But in today’s economy, at what age you can retire with $1 million dollars will depend on a range of factors. These include lifestyle and expenses, your investment strategy and your withdrawal rate. You might find that it’s only enough for a more… read more…
- How Much Should I Have in Retirement Savings at 55?
At 55, many people are about 10 years from retirement and may wonder how much they should have saved to support their desired lifestyle. Comparing your savings to different benchmarks can help guide your retirement decisions. And a financial advisor can work with you to assess your progress, identify gaps and adjust your plan to… read more…
- How Much Money Does a Couple Need to Retire?
Planning for retirement as a couple adds another layer of complexity to what’s already an important financial goal. If you’re asking, “how much money does a couple need to retire?” then you’re likely trying to support a comfortable lifestyle for two. No two couples are alike, but there are benchmarks and planning strategies that can… read more…
- How Much Should I Have in Retirement Savings at 35?
Reaching your mid-thirties is a milestone that can prompt you to reflect on your financial future, especially when it comes to retirement savings. At this age, you still have decades to grow your savings, but it’s not too early to make sure you’re on the right track. Industry-developed guidelines can give you a quick estimate… read more…
- What Is the Average 401(k) Balance for Retirees?
For many Americans, the 401(k) is the cornerstone of their retirement savings strategy. Knowing where your 401(k) balance falls compared to others in your age range can help you determine whether you’re on track, ahead of the curve or falling behind when it comes to preparing for a comfortable and secure retirement. It can also… read more…
- 5 Safe Investments for Retirees: Types and Examples
After decades of building wealth, retirees often prioritize preserving capital, generating steady income and reducing exposure to market volatility. So what are the safest investments for retirees? From government-backed securities to insured bank products, these lower-risk investments can serve as the financial foundation of a retirement portfolio. Here are five safe investments for retirees. How… read more…
- 7 Things to Know About Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security is not just a benefits program for retired workers. It also provides essential support to nearly 5.8 million survivors of deceased workers each month. The benefits can help replace lost income and maintain financial stability during an incredibly challenging time. Eligibility depends on how long the deceased worked and your relationship to them.… read more…