Retirement Planning Articles
Covered Call Writing as a Supplemental Income Strategy
August 2026 by Alan Ellman
Selling call options can offer a third income stream when the strategy’s risks are understood.
August 2026 by Alan Ellman
Selling call options can offer a third income stream when the strategy’s risks are understood.
Investing for Life on the Smoother Path
November 2025 by Chris Pedersen
The power of using a 50/50 combination of a target-date fund and U.S. small-cap value over 40 years of saving for retirement.
November 2025 by Chris Pedersen
The power of using a 50/50 combination of a target-date fund and U.S. small-cap value over 40 years of saving for retirement.
This Isn't Your Grandpa's Retirement
October 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
AAII Retirement Investing guides retirees and those saving for retirement through the constantly evolving challenges and opportunities.
October 2025 by Cynthia McLaughlin
AAII Retirement Investing guides retirees and those saving for retirement through the constantly evolving challenges and opportunities.
A One-Page Wealth-Building Plan for FIRE and Early Retirement
August 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Retiring early requires careful planning, but a simplified one-page approach can help you stay focused on what matters most.
August 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Retiring early requires careful planning, but a simplified one-page approach can help you stay focused on what matters most.
Is 4.7% the New Safe Retirement Withdrawal Rate?
August 2025 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen, Cynthia McLaughlin
William Bengen’s latest research shows that adding asset classes allows for a higher withdrawal rate in retirement than 4%.
August 2025 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen, Cynthia McLaughlin
William Bengen’s latest research shows that adding asset classes allows for a higher withdrawal rate in retirement than 4%.
A One-Page Wealth-Building Plan for Semiretirement
June 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Key considerations for planning a period of part-time work before full retirement.
June 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Key considerations for planning a period of part-time work before full retirement.
Moving Your Retirement Savings: The Basics of Rollovers
May 2025 by Tudor Pop
Understanding the rules of retirement account rollovers can help you steer clear of unnecessary taxes and penalties.
May 2025 by Tudor Pop
Understanding the rules of retirement account rollovers can help you steer clear of unnecessary taxes and penalties.
Retirement Reality Check: Who’s Ready and Who’s at Risk?
April 2025 by Omar Beirat
Retirement readiness in the U.S. varies significantly by income level, with lower-income workers needing to replace a larger share of their pre-retirement income but facing greater shortfalls in doing so.
April 2025 by Omar Beirat
Retirement readiness in the U.S. varies significantly by income level, with lower-income workers needing to replace a larger share of their pre-retirement income but facing greater shortfalls in doing so.
Understanding the Role of Long-Term Care Insurance
March 2025 by Charles Rotblut, Cynthia McLaughlin, Howard Gleckman
Dispelling misconceptions can help you make an informed decision.
March 2025 by Charles Rotblut, Cynthia McLaughlin, Howard Gleckman
Dispelling misconceptions can help you make an informed decision.
Adviser Communication Gaps Can Lead to Inadequate Retirement Preparation
February 2025 by Tudor Pop
A research study reveals a disconnect between financial advisers and their clients on whether important retirement discussions are held.
February 2025 by Tudor Pop
A research study reveals a disconnect between financial advisers and their clients on whether important retirement discussions are held.
It's Hard to Be Great at Everything, Including Investing
November 2024 by Chris Pedersen
Although none of us, or our portfolios, can succeed all the time in all circumstances, we can all strive to improve our fit.
November 2024 by Chris Pedersen
Although none of us, or our portfolios, can succeed all the time in all circumstances, we can all strive to improve our fit.
401(k) Managed Accounts Are an Underutilized Resource
September 2024 by Max Hayes
A study by Cerulli Associates outlines the value proposition of 401(k) managed accounts and their associated benefits for retirement plan participants.
September 2024 by Max Hayes
A study by Cerulli Associates outlines the value proposition of 401(k) managed accounts and their associated benefits for retirement plan participants.
How to Start Saving for Retirement
September 2024 by Anine Sus
Retirement will likely be your longest-term financial goal—the earlier you begin thinking about retirement, the better off you will be.
September 2024 by Anine Sus
Retirement will likely be your longest-term financial goal—the earlier you begin thinking about retirement, the better off you will be.
Projecting the Effect of Retirement Matches for Student Loan Repayments
July 2024 by Eunice Kim
While altering loan repayment behaviors, employer 401(k) matches for student debt payments are not predicted to materially change retirement payouts.
July 2024 by Eunice Kim
While altering loan repayment behaviors, employer 401(k) matches for student debt payments are not predicted to materially change retirement payouts.
Navigating the Risks of Investing in Retirement
June 2024 by Charles Rotblut
There is so much debate about how investors should allocate their portfolios in retirement because we have no way of predicting what market conditions will be during our retirement years.
June 2024 by Charles Rotblut
There is so much debate about how investors should allocate their portfolios in retirement because we have no way of predicting what market conditions will be during our retirement years.
Why Don’t College Degrees Include a Manual for Retirement?
May 2024 by Jenna Brashear
Share your wisdom on planning for retirement to get the younger generation headed in the right direction.
May 2024 by Jenna Brashear
Share your wisdom on planning for retirement to get the younger generation headed in the right direction.
Wealth and Retirement: Climate-Induced Financial Vulnerabilities
January 2024 by Eunice Kim
Extreme weather events have negative implications on income and retirement savings, particularly among younger individuals.
January 2024 by Eunice Kim
Extreme weather events have negative implications on income and retirement savings, particularly among younger individuals.
Design Your Portfolio With the Worst 2% of Times in Mind
August 2023 by William Bernstein
A “suboptimal portfolio” that you can tolerate is better than an “optimal” one that you can’t stick with.
August 2023 by William Bernstein
A “suboptimal portfolio” that you can tolerate is better than an “optimal” one that you can’t stick with.
Record-High Participation in Retirement Plans
August 2023 by Andrew Gomes
Vanguard’s annual look at the performance of nearly five million defined-contribution plan participants shows encouraging results.
August 2023 by Andrew Gomes
Vanguard’s annual look at the performance of nearly five million defined-contribution plan participants shows encouraging results.
Changes Made to Retirement Savings by SECURE 2.0 Act
July 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The rules in plain-English plus post-passage observations can help you make changes for the current and future tax years.
July 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The rules in plain-English plus post-passage observations can help you make changes for the current and future tax years.
SECURE 2.0 Act Benefits Many, but Social Security Needs Fixing
July 2023 by Charles Rotblut
While the SECURE 2.0 Act will benefit many people, our legislators once again missed the opportunity to shore up Social Security.
July 2023 by Charles Rotblut
While the SECURE 2.0 Act will benefit many people, our legislators once again missed the opportunity to shore up Social Security.
Key Numbers for Your Retirement Prep Checklist
June 2023 by Craig Israelsen, Jason R. Parker
You can retire with confidence by estimating four numbers that are used to calculate a Secure Income Score.
June 2023 by Craig Israelsen, Jason R. Parker
You can retire with confidence by estimating four numbers that are used to calculate a Secure Income Score.
A One-Page Wealth-Building Plan to Get a 60-Year-Old Couple to Retirement
May 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The years leading up to retirement involve many important decisions. A simplified plan is essential to keep you on track.
May 2023 by Charles Rotblut
The years leading up to retirement involve many important decisions. A simplified plan is essential to keep you on track.
Auto Rollovers May Lead to Account Abandonment
May 2023 by Grace Malone
Employees whose retirement plan assets are automatically rolled over into an IRA when they leave their jobs are at greater risk of losing track of their accounts.
May 2023 by Grace Malone
Employees whose retirement plan assets are automatically rolled over into an IRA when they leave their jobs are at greater risk of losing track of their accounts.
The Rules Regarding Retirement Account Rollovers
May 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Terms and tips to help you decide whether to transfer retirement savings from one account to another.
May 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Terms and tips to help you decide whether to transfer retirement savings from one account to another.
How Target-Date Funds Work
January 2023 by Jack Gilleland
Understand what you’re investing in and how it fits into your retirement plan when choosing a target-date fund, as variations abound.
January 2023 by Jack Gilleland
Understand what you’re investing in and how it fits into your retirement plan when choosing a target-date fund, as variations abound.
Younger Adults Are Increasingly Participating in 401(k) Plans
January 2023 by Sean Murphy
An annual analysis of 401(k) retirement plans showed that 38% of plan participants were in their 20s or 30s as of year-end 2020.
January 2023 by Sean Murphy
An annual analysis of 401(k) retirement plans showed that 38% of plan participants were in their 20s or 30s as of year-end 2020.
Double Your Lifetime Purchasing Power in 20 Minutes
October 2022 by Chris Pedersen
Taking advantage of your workplace retirement plan can make a big difference in your end balance and spending capacity.
October 2022 by Chris Pedersen
Taking advantage of your workplace retirement plan can make a big difference in your end balance and spending capacity.
Early Cash-Out Can Significantly Impact Retirement Income
June 2022 by Sean Murphy
Younger adults with small retirement accounts are prone to small cash-outs, which can significantly impact retirement income, data shows.
June 2022 by Sean Murphy
Younger adults with small retirement accounts are prone to small cash-outs, which can significantly impact retirement income, data shows.
Important Differences Exist Among Retirement Calculators
May 2022 by AAII Staff
When looking for an online calculator to make retirement estimates, seek out the ones that best fit your profile and customization desires.
May 2022 by AAII Staff
When looking for an online calculator to make retirement estimates, seek out the ones that best fit your profile and customization desires.
Level of Financial Literacy Impacts Retirement Preparedness
May 2022 by Adam Scheg
Near-retirees would be expected to take actions to reduce the odds of running out of money in retirement, yet the data shows that this is not universally the case.
May 2022 by Adam Scheg
Near-retirees would be expected to take actions to reduce the odds of running out of money in retirement, yet the data shows that this is not universally the case.
11 Key Retirement Dates You Should Pay Attention To
April 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Meeting important retirement deadlines doesn’t have to be confusing if you plan early.
April 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Meeting important retirement deadlines doesn’t have to be confusing if you plan early.
What Drives Variation in Investor Portfolios?
March 2022 by Charles Griswold
Differences in income, wealth, age, retirement, education, employment and past fund returns can affect investment behavior such as asset class allocation.
March 2022 by Charles Griswold
Differences in income, wealth, age, retirement, education, employment and past fund returns can affect investment behavior such as asset class allocation.
A Plan for Achieving the Financial Goal of Building Retirement Savings
January 2022 by Charles Rotblut
We use the example of a hypothetical couple to illustrate how the PRISM process can get you to your retirement goal.
January 2022 by Charles Rotblut
We use the example of a hypothetical couple to illustrate how the PRISM process can get you to your retirement goal.
How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings at 50
January 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Once you turn age 50, the tax code provides help in saving for retirement through catch-up contributions.
January 2022 by Charles Rotblut
Once you turn age 50, the tax code provides help in saving for retirement through catch-up contributions.
The Pandemic Altered Retirement Plans for Many
December 2021 by Adam Scheg
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the timing and savings of retirement for tens of millions of Americans in the last year.
December 2021 by Adam Scheg
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the timing and savings of retirement for tens of millions of Americans in the last year.
Many 401(k) Participants in the Dark on Fees
October 2021 by Dylan Dease
Many workers do not understand the expenses they incur when participating in a workplace retirement plan.
October 2021 by Dylan Dease
Many workers do not understand the expenses they incur when participating in a workplace retirement plan.
Can a Roth IRA Conversion Save You Money?
September 2021 by Roger Young
Moving assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is most compelling when you pay tax on the converted amount at a relatively low rate.
September 2021 by Roger Young
Moving assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is most compelling when you pay tax on the converted amount at a relatively low rate.
How to Score a Retirement Home Run
September 2021 by Paul Merriman
A look at hypothetical returns using four different scenarios reveals the optimal combination of assets and withdrawal strategies.
September 2021 by Paul Merriman
A look at hypothetical returns using four different scenarios reveals the optimal combination of assets and withdrawal strategies.
Online Exclusive: Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA—Differences You Should Know
September 2021 by Matthew Bajkowski
The most powerful aspect of any IRA is its tax advantages; however, traditional and Roth IRAs approach tax advantages differently.
September 2021 by Matthew Bajkowski
The most powerful aspect of any IRA is its tax advantages; however, traditional and Roth IRAs approach tax advantages differently.
Challenging the Conventional Wisdom of Roth IRA Conversions
August 2021 by AAII Staff
Recent changes to IRAs have led a professor emeritus at Santa Clara University to call for adjusting the established thinking regarding Roth IRAs.
August 2021 by AAII Staff
Recent changes to IRAs have led a professor emeritus at Santa Clara University to call for adjusting the established thinking regarding Roth IRAs.
Personalizing Your Glide Path to Avoid Financial Peril
August 2021 by Jason M. West, Michael E. Drew
The use of observed income profiles can be efficiently incorporated into glide path designs to maximize retirement income sufficiency.
August 2021 by Jason M. West, Michael E. Drew
The use of observed income profiles can be efficiently incorporated into glide path designs to maximize retirement income sufficiency.
Retirement Plan Participants Kept Saving Despite Pandemic
August 2021 by Anine Sus
Despite the coronavirus pandemic’s impact in 2020, most retirement plan participants did not make trades, loan use fell and only a small minority took withdrawals.
August 2021 by Anine Sus
Despite the coronavirus pandemic’s impact in 2020, most retirement plan participants did not make trades, loan use fell and only a small minority took withdrawals.
Multiple Factors Impact How Employees Manage Retirement Savings
July 2021 by AAII Staff
A worker’s income, education level, marital status, level of debt and employment status have been found to have a major impact in determining what they do with their 401(k) and other defined-contribution (DC) retirement accounts.
July 2021 by AAII Staff
A worker’s income, education level, marital status, level of debt and employment status have been found to have a major impact in determining what they do with their 401(k) and other defined-contribution (DC) retirement accounts.
Using Bond Ladders and Income Annuities for Retirement Income
July 2021 by Aaron Brask
A discussion of two specific tools investors can use in retirement to generate fixed cash flows and manage relevant risks.
July 2021 by Aaron Brask
A discussion of two specific tools investors can use in retirement to generate fixed cash flows and manage relevant risks.
5 Critical Decisions for Retirement Income
May 2021 by AAII Staff
Pre-retirees need to make five important decisions about their retirement long before they start drawing upon their savings.
May 2021 by AAII Staff
Pre-retirees need to make five important decisions about their retirement long before they start drawing upon their savings.
Automatic Enrollment Positively Impacts 401(k) Participants
May 2021 by AAII Staff
Automatically opting employees into their workplace retirement plans has a strong influence on participant saving and investment behavior.
May 2021 by AAII Staff
Automatically opting employees into their workplace retirement plans has a strong influence on participant saving and investment behavior.
Employers Keeping Retirement Match Steady
March 2021 by Anine Sus
The majority of employers did not change their retirement account contribution formula in 2020 in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.
March 2021 by Anine Sus
The majority of employers did not change their retirement account contribution formula in 2020 in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.
One-Third of Employees Are Withdrawing From Retirement Accounts
February 2021 by Anine Sus
Thirty-three percent of workers have already or plan to take a loan or withdrawal from their retirement account due to the coronavirus pandemic.
February 2021 by Anine Sus
Thirty-three percent of workers have already or plan to take a loan or withdrawal from their retirement account due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Benefits and Costs of Long-Term Care Insurance
June 2020 by Terry Savage
A little bit of insurance coverage for long-term care could make a big difference for your entire family. And now there’s a new policy type worth considering.
June 2020 by Terry Savage
A little bit of insurance coverage for long-term care could make a big difference for your entire family. And now there’s a new policy type worth considering.
Roth Versus Traditional IRA
December 2019 by AAII Staff
This decision tree walks you through the key questions to answer when choosing whether to keep your retirement assets in a traditional IRA or convert to a Roth IRA.
December 2019 by AAII Staff
This decision tree walks you through the key questions to answer when choosing whether to keep your retirement assets in a traditional IRA or convert to a Roth IRA.
Five Major Considerations for Early Retirement
June 2019 by Charles Rotblut
Regardless of whether retiring early is planned or involuntary, taking the time to create a comprehensive plan is critical.
June 2019 by Charles Rotblut
Regardless of whether retiring early is planned or involuntary, taking the time to create a comprehensive plan is critical.
Older Workers Investing More in IRAs
February 2019 by AAII Staff
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have grown in popularity among U.S. households and older, higher income Americans.
February 2019 by AAII Staff
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have grown in popularity among U.S. households and older, higher income Americans.
Illustrating the Value of Retirement Accounts
November 2018 by Aaron Brask
Two examples show the considerations to be taken into account when deciding between a taxable account, a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA.
November 2018 by Aaron Brask
Two examples show the considerations to be taken into account when deciding between a taxable account, a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA.
Actions to Take During the Five Years Prior to Retirement
August 2018 by AAII Staff
Based on interviews with financial advisers, economists and retirees, The New York Times put together a list of tips to smooth the transition from a working career to retirement.
August 2018 by AAII Staff
Based on interviews with financial advisers, economists and retirees, The New York Times put together a list of tips to smooth the transition from a working career to retirement.
Increasing Your Retirement Resources: The Power of Working Longer
July 2018 by Jason Scott, John B. Shoven, Sita Nataraj Slavov
Postponing retirement by even just one year can boost a couple’s annual inflation-adjusted retirement income by 6.5% to 8.0%.
July 2018 by Jason Scott, John B. Shoven, Sita Nataraj Slavov
Postponing retirement by even just one year can boost a couple’s annual inflation-adjusted retirement income by 6.5% to 8.0%.
Quantifying the Value of Retirement Accounts
June 2018 by Aaron Brask
The golden goose of retirement accounts is the return boost attributable to avoiding taxes on capital gains, dividends and bond interest.
June 2018 by Aaron Brask
The golden goose of retirement accounts is the return boost attributable to avoiding taxes on capital gains, dividends and bond interest.
Retirement Planning Strategies Following the 2017 Tax Act
March 2018 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
The lower tax rates and higher standard deductions make taking advantage of Roth IRAs more attractive now.
March 2018 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
The lower tax rates and higher standard deductions make taking advantage of Roth IRAs more attractive now.
Insights on Using the 4% Withdrawal Rule From Its Creator
January 2018 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen
Bill Bengen explains why he now suggests a 4.5% withdrawal rate and what the biggest threat to his withdrawal strategy is.
January 2018 by Charles Rotblut, William Bengen
Bill Bengen explains why he now suggests a 4.5% withdrawal rate and what the biggest threat to his withdrawal strategy is.
The Impact of Expense Ratios on Retirement Income
September 2017 by Craig Israelsen
Simply lowering investment expenses on a $1 million portfolio by 0.01% boosts annual portfolio income by more than $200 per year.
September 2017 by Craig Israelsen
Simply lowering investment expenses on a $1 million portfolio by 0.01% boosts annual portfolio income by more than $200 per year.
Solving the Problem of Retirement
July 2017 by Paul Merriman
Retirement places potentially unlimited demands on finite savings, but there are three actions investors can take to mitigate the problem.
July 2017 by Paul Merriman
Retirement places potentially unlimited demands on finite savings, but there are three actions investors can take to mitigate the problem.
When You Haven't Saved Enough for Retirement
May 2017 by Charles Rotblut
Saving more, working longer, delaying the claiming of Social Security benefits and tapping home equity can all help fund retirement.
May 2017 by Charles Rotblut
Saving more, working longer, delaying the claiming of Social Security benefits and tapping home equity can all help fund retirement.
IRA Rollover Chart: Rules Regarding Rollovers and Conversions
July 2016 by Charles Rotblut
A helpful chart showing what types of retirement accounts can be rolled over or converted into another type of retirement account.
July 2016 by Charles Rotblut
A helpful chart showing what types of retirement accounts can be rolled over or converted into another type of retirement account.
The Labor Department's Fiduciary Rule for Retirement Accounts
May 2016 by Charles Rotblut
The new rule requires that financial professionals put their clients’ interests first, but investors should not let their guard down.
May 2016 by Charles Rotblut
The new rule requires that financial professionals put their clients’ interests first, but investors should not let their guard down.
Retirement Readiness Is Being Assessed in the Wrong Manner
April 2016 by Charles Rotblut, Moshe A. Milevsky
No consensus exists on an acceptable risk of outliving savings, and current models don’t reveal the magnitude of the shortfall retirees face.
April 2016 by Charles Rotblut, Moshe A. Milevsky
No consensus exists on an acceptable risk of outliving savings, and current models don’t reveal the magnitude of the shortfall retirees face.
The Mathematics of Retirement Portfolios
January 2016 by Craig Israelsen
The amount saved, the allocation followed and the withdrawal rate chosen all determine how much retirement income a portfolio can safely provide.
January 2016 by Craig Israelsen
The amount saved, the allocation followed and the withdrawal rate chosen all determine how much retirement income a portfolio can safely provide.
How Big Is Longevity Risk?
October 2015 by Bob Collie
The uncertainty of how long a person will live poses negligible risk at younger ages and substantial risk at older ages.
October 2015 by Bob Collie
The uncertainty of how long a person will live poses negligible risk at younger ages and substantial risk at older ages.
The Sequence in Which Returns Occur Affects Your Wealth
May 2015 by Charles Rotblut
The timing of positive and negative returns significantly impacts wealth, particularly if withdrawals are taken or other changes are made.
May 2015 by Charles Rotblut
The timing of positive and negative returns significantly impacts wealth, particularly if withdrawals are taken or other changes are made.
The Importance of Diversification in Retirement Portfolios
April 2015 by Craig Israelsen
Diversifying a portfolio among four primary asset classes allows for large withdrawals to be taken throughout retirement.
April 2015 by Craig Israelsen
Diversifying a portfolio among four primary asset classes allows for large withdrawals to be taken throughout retirement.
Converting to a Roth IRA Can Minimize RMDs
March 2015 by Judith Ward
Gradually converting traditional IRA assets into a Roth IRA can both increase lifetime wealth and reduce the total amount of taxes paid.
March 2015 by Judith Ward
Gradually converting traditional IRA assets into a Roth IRA can both increase lifetime wealth and reduce the total amount of taxes paid.
A Checklist for Rolling Over a 401(k)
October 2014 by AAII Staff
Even if you decide when changing jobs or retiring to leave your investments in your former employer’s plan, you should investigate your options to ensure you are making the best choice.
October 2014 by AAII Staff
Even if you decide when changing jobs or retiring to leave your investments in your former employer’s plan, you should investigate your options to ensure you are making the best choice.
Required Retirement Savings Rate Depends on Age and Income
September 2014 by AAII Staff
What percentage of income you need to save each year depends on the amount of replacement income needed, when you start saving for retirement and when you plan to retire.
September 2014 by AAII Staff
What percentage of income you need to save each year depends on the amount of replacement income needed, when you start saving for retirement and when you plan to retire.
Retirement Planning: Focus First on Covering Fixed Expenses
September 2014 by Michael Falk
Once all fixed costs have been immunized, withdrawal rates no longer matter as any additional retirement assets can be used for discretionary spending.
September 2014 by Michael Falk
Once all fixed costs have been immunized, withdrawal rates no longer matter as any additional retirement assets can be used for discretionary spending.
Which IRA Should You Contribute to and When?
July 2014 by AAII Staff
Roth IRAs offer better wealth incomes than traditional IRAs do on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
July 2014 by AAII Staff
Roth IRAs offer better wealth incomes than traditional IRAs do on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
From Saver to Spender: Managing Your Money in Retirement
May 2014 by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
Following these nine guidelines can help reduce your financial stress and increase the odds of enjoying a successful retirement.
May 2014 by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
Following these nine guidelines can help reduce your financial stress and increase the odds of enjoying a successful retirement.
Be Aware of IRA Rollover Rules
April 2014 by AAII Staff
A tax court case cast a light on the rules governing and the prudence needed for individual retirement account (IRA) rollovers.
April 2014 by AAII Staff
A tax court case cast a light on the rules governing and the prudence needed for individual retirement account (IRA) rollovers.
Social Security Basics
October 2013 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
In this first article of a new three-part series, the impact of a worker’s retirement age on Social Security benefits is explained.
October 2013 by William Reichenstein, William Meyer
In this first article of a new three-part series, the impact of a worker’s retirement age on Social Security benefits is explained.
Using the Bucket Approach With Your Retirement Portfolio
October 2013 by Christine Benz
By segmenting their portfolios based on when they will need the money, retirees can fulfill both short-term cash and long-term growth requirements.
October 2013 by Christine Benz
By segmenting their portfolios based on when they will need the money, retirees can fulfill both short-term cash and long-term growth requirements.
A Key to a Lasting Retirement Portfolio
April 2013 by John Sweeney
Staying within or below a 4% to 5% withdrawal rate (adjusted annually for inflation) will decrease your risk of outliving your retirement savings.
April 2013 by John Sweeney
Staying within or below a 4% to 5% withdrawal rate (adjusted annually for inflation) will decrease your risk of outliving your retirement savings.
Magic Numbers: Reduce the Math of Annuities to Simple Arithmetic
October 2011 by Robert Muksian
Magic numbers are used in shortcuts that help you calculate portfolio growth, how long your savings will last and how much you can withdraw.
October 2011 by Robert Muksian
Magic numbers are used in shortcuts that help you calculate portfolio growth, how long your savings will last and how much you can withdraw.
Delaying Retirement, But Not Your Retirement Dreams
July 2011 by Christine S. Fahlund
Investors can practice retirement by continuing to work but diverting dollars meant for new retirement savings to pursuing retirement dreams now.
July 2011 by Christine S. Fahlund
Investors can practice retirement by continuing to work but diverting dollars meant for new retirement savings to pursuing retirement dreams now.
Determining Your Allocation at Retirement
July 2010 by Charles Rotblut
There is no strategy for retirement allocation that universally applies to all investors. The best place to start is to determine your needs.
July 2010 by Charles Rotblut
There is no strategy for retirement allocation that universally applies to all investors. The best place to start is to determine your needs.
How Much Should You Have in Equities Until Retirement?
July 2010 by Jerome Clark
A more conservative investment strategy might not do as well as a more aggressive strategy.
July 2010 by Jerome Clark
A more conservative investment strategy might not do as well as a more aggressive strategy.
A Do-It-Yourself Approach to Target Date Retirement Investing
September 2008 by Ben Branch
Using index funds, it doesn't take a lot of work to adopt the do-it-yourself approach to target date investing if you want to save on fees and possible expenses.
September 2008 by Ben Branch
Using index funds, it doesn't take a lot of work to adopt the do-it-yourself approach to target date investing if you want to save on fees and possible expenses.
Optimizing Your Retirement Income: What Works Best and Why
August 2008 by Christine S. Fahlund
Only a small minority of Baby Boomers are accumulating enough savings to provide for their income needs. But those approaching retirement can improve their financial security in retirement, depending on their flexibility and their approach to four big decisions that are under their control.
August 2008 by Christine S. Fahlund
Only a small minority of Baby Boomers are accumulating enough savings to provide for their income needs. But those approaching retirement can improve their financial security in retirement, depending on their flexibility and their approach to four big decisions that are under their control.
Invest or Delay? Strategies for Taking Social Security Benefits
February 2007 by Christine S. Fahlund
Individuals who are eligible for Social Security face a complicated question: Are you better off delaying the start of your benefits so you can receive higher benefits, or are you better off receiving earlier but lower benefits? An analysis of various strategies for taking benefits.
February 2007 by Christine S. Fahlund
Individuals who are eligible for Social Security face a complicated question: Are you better off delaying the start of your benefits so you can receive higher benefits, or are you better off receiving earlier but lower benefits? An analysis of various strategies for taking benefits.
When Should You Start Your Social Security Benefits?
November 2002 by William Reichenstein
Is it worth the delay in receiving Social Security benefits to get a higher monthly payment? Strategies for maximizing the present value of expected benefits.
November 2002 by William Reichenstein
Is it worth the delay in receiving Social Security benefits to get a higher monthly payment? Strategies for maximizing the present value of expected benefits.
Withdrawing From Your IRA: A Guide to the Basic Distribution Rules
August 2002 by Clark M. Blackman
Since IRAs are vehicles to encourage saving for retirement, penalty-free regular distributions cannot start until after the account owner turns age 59 1/2. But there are exceptions that allow you to avoid the 10% penalty.
August 2002 by Clark M. Blackman
Since IRAs are vehicles to encourage saving for retirement, penalty-free regular distributions cannot start until after the account owner turns age 59 1/2. But there are exceptions that allow you to avoid the 10% penalty.
Valuing Your Pension Benefits and the Asset Allocation Implications
July 2002 by William W. Jennings
Asset allocation should be based on the family's extended portfolio that includes the present values of income from Social Security and pension plans. Including these values may have dramatic investment implications.
July 2002 by William W. Jennings
Asset allocation should be based on the family's extended portfolio that includes the present values of income from Social Security and pension plans. Including these values may have dramatic investment implications.
What You Need to Know About Making Contributions to an IRA
June 2002 by Clark M. Blackman
There are several types of IRAs, each of which has unique rules pertaining to account contributions and distributions. Understanding the rules will help you decide which one is the best retirement vehicle for you.
June 2002 by Clark M. Blackman
There are several types of IRAs, each of which has unique rules pertaining to account contributions and distributions. Understanding the rules will help you decide which one is the best retirement vehicle for you.
What You Need to Know to Protect Your Pension Benefits
June 2002 by Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Pension administrators do make mistakes, although most aren't intentional. One culprit is federal laws, which are difficult to understand and constantly changing. The other culprit is plain old human error.
June 2002 by Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Pension administrators do make mistakes, although most aren't intentional. One culprit is federal laws, which are difficult to understand and constantly changing. The other culprit is plain old human error.
Planning for Retirement: What to Expect From Social Security
February 2002 by William Reichenstein
To properly manage Social Security benefits, you need to understand their key features. And as you approach retirement, you need to have an idea of how your decisions could affect the size of future benefits.
February 2002 by William Reichenstein
To properly manage Social Security benefits, you need to understand their key features. And as you approach retirement, you need to have an idea of how your decisions could affect the size of future benefits.
Planning Considerations With the New Roth IRA
October 1998 by Clark M. Blackman
One of the most difficult decisions is whether an existing IRA should be converted into a Roth IRA. The interrelated factors you may need to consider.
October 1998 by Clark M. Blackman
One of the most difficult decisions is whether an existing IRA should be converted into a Roth IRA. The interrelated factors you may need to consider.
Approaching Retirement: The Transition From One Mix to Another
September 1996 by Maria Crawford Scott
Portfolio Strategies Workshop: How do you move from one asset mix to another? A case study on making the transition as you approach retirement.
September 1996 by Maria Crawford Scott
Portfolio Strategies Workshop: How do you move from one asset mix to another? A case study on making the transition as you approach retirement.
Receiving a Retirement Plan Distribution: Considerations for Younger Investors
April 1996 by Maria Crawford Scott
Portfolio Strategies Workshop: What should a twentysomething investor do with a retirement distribution when changing jobs? A look at the alternatives.
April 1996 by Maria Crawford Scott
Portfolio Strategies Workshop: What should a twentysomething investor do with a retirement distribution when changing jobs? A look at the alternatives.
The Rules for Required Minimum Distributions & Beneficiary Designations
April 1996 by Clark M. Blackman
Retirement Plans Column: The rules for minimum distributions and beneficiary designations: Shedding some light on a complicated tax area.
April 1996 by Clark M. Blackman
Retirement Plans Column: The rules for minimum distributions and beneficiary designations: Shedding some light on a complicated tax area.
The Impact of 401(k) Plan Decisions on Accumulated Retirement Wealth
February 1996 by Charles Jones
Your decisions as to timing, amount, and allocation of contributions will have a direct impact on the total wealth you accumulate for retirement.
February 1996 by Charles Jones
Your decisions as to timing, amount, and allocation of contributions will have a direct impact on the total wealth you accumulate for retirement.