- What Are the General Guidelines for Saving for Retirement?
Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial goals you’ll ever set, and knowing how much to save can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re nearing retirement age or planning ahead, understanding general retirement savings guidelines can help you prepare for a financially secure future. It’s important to determine how much you’ll need for retirement,… read more…
- 10 Ways to Avoid Being Bored in Retirement
Retirement is intended as a well-deserved break after decades of hard work. However, the reality is that many retirees can experience unexpected bouts of boredom. Without the daily structure and social interactions a career provides, it’s easy to feel adrift. Instead, there are ways to keep your retirement years vibrant and fulfilling. Whether you’re looking… read more…
- How to Create Retirement Savings Benchmarks for Your Goals
Creating retirement savings benchmarks can ensure financial security in your golden years. Setting clear retirement goals can help you enjoy a financially secure and fulfilling retirement with peace of mind and a sense of purpose. These benchmarks act as milestones, helping you evaluate whether you are on track to meet your objectives. After assessing your… read more…
- 8 Retirement Savings Strategies for High-Income Earners
High-income earners can optimize their retirement savings by using strategies like maximizing contributions to retirement accounts, making backdoor Roth conversions and managing investments strategically. These approaches can provide tax advantages and help grow wealth to meet long-term financial goals. If you want to build your nest egg, a financial advisor could help you identify investment… read more…
- What Percentage of Income Should You Save for Retirement?
Saving for retirement is a major focus during your working years. You want to make sure you have enough money during your golden years, but also enjoy the present. Determining what percentage of your income to save for retirement can help you set some guardrails to accomplishing both. The general recommendation is to save about… read more…
- 7 Types of Model Portfolios for Retirees to Consider
Retirees can use model portfolios to balance income generation and risk management based on their goals and risk profile. They typically include a diverse mix of stocks, bonds and other types of investments designed to support their desired lifestyle in retirement. If you need help balancing your portfolio, a financial advisor can work with you… read more…
- What Retirement Looks Like for a Lawyer: Things to Consider
For lawyers, retirement looks very different depending on your practice. A big-firm litigator, for example, will have spent decades with very high income and very little time. For them, retirement is typically well-funded but might be their first significant free time since law school. A government regulator, on the other hand, will have spent decades… read more…
- 11 Tips to Help You Retire on a Budget
Many Americans are looking for ways to stretch their savings and retire on a budget without compromising their quality of life. By focusing on practical tips you can create a sustainable retirement plan that allows you to live comfortably in your golden years. Here are 11 general tips that can help you retire on a… read more…
- 401(k) Beneficiary Rules Based on Marital Status
A spouse beneficiary is the person who will inherit a 401(k) account if the account holder passes away. The rules for spouse beneficiaries determine how the account assets are distributed, which can affect the financial security of loved ones relying on those funds. Understanding these rules could help you distribute 401(k) benefits according to your… read more…
- When Is the Best Time of Year to Retire?
Choosing the best time of year to retire is largely subjective as it can impact your taxes, healthcare costs, retirement account withdrawals and Social Security benefits. Retiring early in the year might allow you to benefit from lower tax rates, retiring later could maximize your Social Security payments, and aligning your retirement date with the… read more…
- I’m 55 With $1.2 Million in My 401(k). Should I Pivot to Roth Contributions?
Building up some retirement savings in a Roth account when you already have a significant traditional 401(k) at age 55 can make sense. For one thing, withdrawals from Roth accounts, unlike traditional 401(k) withdrawals, are generally tax-free in retirement. Roth accounts are also exempt from Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules, and Roth withdrawals won’t affect… read more…
- 6 Unexpected Retirement Expenses You May Face
Unexpected expenses could creep up in retirement and put your nest egg at risk. These can include healthcare, housing or inflation, and add up quickly. Preparing for these expenses can help you avoid surprises. Here’s a roundup with six general expenses that could eat into your nest egg. A financial advisor can help you create… read more…
- How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings in Your 30s
When you’re in your 30s, retirement may be far from your mind. But saving for retirement in your 30s is highly beneficial, especially if you’re trying to catch up. At this stage of life, compound interest has plenty of time to help grow your savings. Regardless of how much you already have saved, there are several… read more…
- Understanding 401(k) Contribution Errors
Correcting 401(k) contribution errors involves identifying the mistake, adjusting future contributions and potentially making retroactive corrections to comply with IRS limits and plan rules. If you discover that you have over-contributed, the first step is to notify your plan administrator. If you need help with your retirement plan, a financial advisor can work with you… read more…
- Roth TSP vs. Roth IRA
Both Roth thrift savings plans (TSPs) and Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can offer significant tax advantages and the potential for tax-free growth, but they cater to different needs and circumstances. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision about which can be better suited for your retirement strategy. If you… read more…
- What Retirement Accounts Can Be Held Jointly?
While bank accounts and many other financial accounts can be jointly owned, retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are inherently individual. That means each person must open and maintain their own retirement account. The IRS does not permit sharing these accounts between spouses or any other individuals. Spousal IRAs represent an exception that allows a… read more…
- IRS Grants Retirement Account Holders Ability to Withdraw $1,000 for Urgent Needs
It is easier to take up to $1,000 out of retirement plan savings to help with an emergency under a new rule from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS announcement clarifies a 2022 law that aimed to reduce paperwork, costs and delays when savers tap retirement funds to cover unexpected expenses. Previously, withdrawing retirement funds… read more…
- How to Make Your Own Retirement Income Distribution Plan
Creating a retirement income distribution plan involves managing your savings and investments to generate a steady stream of income throughout your retirement. Making a retirement income distribution plan can give you peace of mind and help you avoid the risk of outliving your savings. The goal is to balance income needs, investment growth and tax… read more…
- 11 Financial Planning Tips for Seniors
As you age, your financial priorities can shift to focus more on preserving wealth, ensuring a steady income stream and covering healthcare costs. As a senior, effective financial planning can help you maintain the lifestyle you desire without worrying about running out of money. A plan can also allow you to navigate the uncertainties of… read more…
- How Do Retirees Make Money?
Retirement is a time when individuals finally have the opportunity to devote their lives to leisure. However, it also means transitioning from a steady paycheck to a fixed income, which can be challenging. And you may need to find ways to sustain your lifestyle. Retirees can use different strategies to generate income, ranging from traditional… read more…
- I’m 62 With $425k in a Roth IRA and $2,600 per Month between Social Security and Pension. Can I Retire Now?
For many people, early retirement means 62. This is the age they can start withdrawing money from their retirement accounts and receive Social Security. For example, let’s assume an individual with $425,000 in a Roth IRA, a $1,000 monthly pension, and expect $1,600 in Social Security. Is it going to be enough? As often in… read more…
- 5 Budgeting Strategies to Help You Save More for Retirement
Saving for retirement can be challenging, but learning how to effectively budget money can make a significant difference. While you cannot change what has already been spent or saved, you do have control over your financial decisions moving forward. By focusing on the present and setting a clear plan, you can begin to make substantial… read more…
- We’re 66 With $715k in 401(k)s and $2,700 Social Security Between Us. What’s Our Retirement Budget?
Making a retirement budget calls for considering not only income but also expenses. With $2,700 monthly from Social Security and $715,000 in 401(k) accounts invested and distributed conservatively, a couple may be able to expect about $61,000 in annual income. This is close to the annual expense level reported by the average retiree. However, individual… read more…
- 10 Reasons You May Want to Retire Early
Picking the right time to retire is one of the most important parts of the equation, second only to building the right savings plan. Leave work too early, and you could outrun your savings; wait too long, and you could outwork your good health. Part of this decision is what “early” means to you. Will… read more…
- How to Stay Socially Active as a Retiree
Retirement can be an exciting new chapter, offering ample opportunities to stay socially active. Engaging in community activities, joining clubs and pursuing hobbies can significantly enhance your social life. Whether it’s volunteering, participating in fitness classes or attending local events, finding ways to stay socially active in retirement is important for maintaining a fulfilling and… read more…