- Americans Are Saving Less, Stressing More
Saving for retirement is a common financial goal, but it’s often easier said than done. A new survey suggests that despite the pressure to plan for the future, retirement savings rates have dropped. Meanwhile, concerns about not having enough money in retirement have risen. If you haven’t saved much for your golden years, keep reading… read more…
- Top 4 Financial Tips for Retirees Starting Businesses
Traveling and volunteering are both great ways to spend your golden years. But some seniors are more interested in starting the businesses they’ve always dreamed of founding. Donning a small business owner’s hat later in life can be rewarding, but it comes… read more…
- Top 4 Things Retirees Get Wrong About Social Security
Social Security benefits supplement existing savings in retirement and while they’re valuable to many seniors, they’re often misunderstood. In a recent survey, only 28% of participants earned a passing grade when quizzed on their knowledge about Social Security. Here’s a look at the most common things seniors get wrong when it comes to Social Security. Find… read more…
- Top 3 Reasons Your Teen Needs a Custodial IRA
One of the most challenging aspects of raising teenagers is helping them develop good money management skills. Teaching them how to budget and save can help them build a solid financial foundation. Setting up a custodial IRA can help them start preparing for retirement. Basically, it’s a traditional or Roth IRA that you’ll maintain control… read more…
- Top 4 Retirement Planning Moves for Newlyweds
Tying the knot means making a commitment to share every aspect of your life with your significant other. As you begin merging your money, one area that requires special attention is your retirement planning strategy. Building a nest egg as a team can be easier than doing it alone if you know which steps to… read more…
- 5 Ways You Risk Going Broke in Retirement
Everyone wants to be able to retire comfortably, but making that dream a reality is easier said than done. Even if you’re socking money away here and there, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have enough cash for your golden years. In… read more…
- Where Are Retirees Moving? – 2016 Edition
As the baby boomer generation ages into their 60s and 70s, the number of retirees in the United States is going to increase. So too will their economic sway. Many retirees, no longer anchored to a city or region by their job, choose to pack up and leave. Some seek a lower cost of living.… read more…
- Pros and Cons of Converting an IRA to an Annuity
Retirement planning involves making strategic decisions about how to manage your savings for long-term financial security. One option that some retirees consider is converting an IRA to an annuity. This financial move transforms your retirement account from a self-managed investment vehicle into a product that provides guaranteed income streams. While IRAs offer tax advantages and… read more…
- How to Save When You Live Paycheck to Paycheck
Retirement planning is a hot topic and the research suggests that Americans are overwhelmingly unprepared. According to the Employee Benefits Research Institute, only 22% of workers say they’re very confident about their ability to save enough for a comfortable retirement.… read more…
- The Best Cities for an Active Retirement in 2016
What’s your ideal retirement? For the couch potatoes among us, it probably involves lots of big books, television shows and classic movies. Beach bums might envision a spot in the sand with a cool drink and a bit of shade. Others prefer the purpose (and income) provided by entrepreneurship or a part-time job. For many,… read more…
- 3 Retirement Planning Rules Rich People Swear By
If retiring rich is one of your financial goals, one of the best ways to make that happen is to study the habits of wealthy savers. When it comes to money, the rich know a thing or two about growing… read more…
- How to Start Saving in an IRA
You probably understand that saving for retirement is important, but you might not know exactly how to get started. Whether you’re able to participate in an employer-sponsored plan or not, contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA) can be a… read more…
- How to Convince Your Employer to Add 401(k) Plans
Participating in a 401(k) plan is one of the simplest ways to start planning for retirement. Unfortunately, not all employers offer this tax-advantaged savings plan. If you don’t have the opportunity to invest in a 401(k), you may need to… read more…
- 3 Easy Ways to Boost Your Retirement Income
Saving for the future can be intimidating. But you don’t want to put it off or settle for strategies that save you very little. There are plenty of ways to take charge of your finances now in order to enjoy a big payoff later in retirement. So whether you’ve recently started your career or you’re… read more…
- 4 Ways You’re Putting Your 401(k) at Risk
A 401(k) account is one of the most powerful tools you can have when it comes to saving for retirement. If you’re not using yours wisely, however, you could be putting your savings in jeopardy. When you’re focused on creating sustainable,… read more…
- 5 Foolproof Ways to Build Wealth in Your 40s
Building wealth takes time. Your approach will depend in part on the stage of life you’re in. The way you handle your money as a 40-something is likely a bit different than the way you managed your finances in your 20s and your 30s.… read more…
- The Average Retirement Age in Every State in 2015
Choosing the right retirement age is as difficult as it is important. A premature retirement can also cost you a chunk of your annual Social Security income. Retiring too early could leave you short on savings years into your retirement. Regardless of when you retire, you’ll want to stick to a retirement budget to ensure your… read more…
- The Economics of Golf
When you think “golf” do you think of executives doing business on the links or wealthy retirees? If so, you might have a good reason for associating golf with money. The sport is big business, from the manicured courses to… read more…
- The Best States for an Early Retirement
Thinking about an early retirement? If so, you’ll need to plan carefully. There are a number of financial challenges for early retirees that those who wait until 65 or later don’t need to worry about. For instance, while you can start claiming Social Security benefits as early as 62, doing so will cut into the… read more…
- 4 Ways to Get Your Retirement on Track in Your 30s
It’s natural for your financial priorities to shift once you reach your 30s. Instead of living on a broke college student’s budget, you’re likely earning more. And if you haven’t done it already, now is the time to start building your nest egg. Even though your retirement is still decades away, there are some steps you’ll… read more…
- What Is a Stretch IRA?
A stretch IRA is a way to limit required distributions on an inherited IRA, avoiding a sizable tax bill in the process. Instead of naming his or her spouse as the IRA’s beneficiary, an account holder can name children, grandchildren… read more…
- Roth vs. Traditional IRAs
Saving for retirement is important, and if you don’t have access to a workplace savings account an individual retirement account (IRA) might be your best option. You may be considering, though, how to choose between traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA.… read more…
- How to Do a Roth IRA Conversion
Thinking of converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? There are several reasons this might make sense. While you’ll have to pay income tax on the converted amount, a Roth IRA allows your money to grow tax-free and then… read more…
- Why Your Retirement Age Matters
Whether your dream is taking early retirement or working through your eighties, you should know why your retirement age matters. Choosing when to retire is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make for the rest of your life and it… read more…
- The Top 10 Cities for a Worktirement
It’s called a worktirement and it’s becoming increasingly common. Instead of leaving the workforce entirely sometime in their 60s, many seniors are continuing to work (at least part-time) well into their 70s and 80s. There are the obvious benefits to a worktirement like having an additional source of income to go along with Social Security… read more…