How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits Without Breaking the Rules
Our Social Security expert answers some of the trickiest questions posed by real benefits recipients.
Financial Planning
Be Cautious When Naming Beneficiaries for Your IRA
As many readers are aware, IRAs can offer many benefits including the ability to defer…
Your Retirement Savings Goal Is Almost Certainly Too Low
Americans are massively underestimating how much they need to save to have the retirements they want.
How Does Your Financial Health Stack Up Against America’s?
Just 28% of Americans are financially “healthy,” despite statistics that indicate a strong economy. Here’s what you can do to make sure you are not just “coping” or “vulnerable.”
Robo Advisors Are Closing Down—Here’s What to Do
Robo advisors were supposed to make it easier to invest for the long-term, but several have already closed. Here’s how to deal with the dangers.
Beware Brokers Who Run Up Charges Through Excessive Trading
When the market’s going up, many investors don’t notice that their brokers are churning their accounts—don’t get ripped off this way.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes With Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Mistakes are common on taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts, and the penalties are steep. Here’s how to avoid them.
Young Americans Can’t Buy Homes Anymore—and It’s Going to Hurt Them Big Time
Shifting trends have made it harder for young people to own homes and have put generations of Americans at enormous risk for financial insecurity.
Best Way to Earn a Few Extra Bucks…or A Lot…In Retirement
Whether you want extra spending money or to bulk up your nest egg, there are plenty of ways for retirees to make $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000+.
Americans Feel Better About Aging, But Savings Lag Behind
More people are embracing aging, but most are not ready for retirement and, in many cases, they don’t even know what ready means.
Rolling Over Your 401(k) Could Hurt You
It’s conventional wisdom to roll over your retirement assets from a 401(k) into an IRA when you leave a job. But that’s not always the right move.
The Surprising Power of Retiring Just a Little Later
Working an additional year beyond 66 provides 8% more annual income for 30 years. And the longer you delay retirement, the greater the effect.
This Rising Money Trend Could Help You Save More
The pattern that Americans show in saving money provides encouragement for people who don’t save enough.
An Annuity Gains Appeal
Retirees are turning to deferred income annuities in droves to address concerns about market volatility and outliving their nest eggs.
Are You Being Too Frugal in Retirement?
Many Americans are reluctant to tap into their retirement funds even when they can afford to, making their lives more miserly than they need to be.
To Retire Successfully, Don’t Be Like These People
Making these financial mistakes could undermine your retirement.
The Ideal Ages for Financial Milestones
What’s the right age for getting a car…buying a home…getting a credit card?
Divorced? Find Out What It’ll Do to Your Retirement Nest Egg
If you’ve been divorced or are going through one now, your retirement may be a victim. Take these steps to protect your future.
People Who Live Together Before Marriage Tend to Be Poorer
Couples who live together while delaying or opting out of marriage are more likely to have lower net worth and fewer assets.
You’re Probably Not As Financially Savvy As You Think
Americans feel pretty darn good about their money knowledge—too bad they don’t actually know much.