Half of Boomers Don't Realize They Pay IRA, 401(k) Fees: Retirement Scan

Our daily roundup of retirement news your clients may be thinking about.

Half of baby boomers don't know they pay IRA, 401(k) fees
A recent survey found that 46% of baby boomers believe that they don't pay any fees on their individual retirement accounts or 401(k)s, while about 20% didn't know the distribution of their investments between stocks and other funds. To address costs, investors should determine the exact fees they are paying and assess alternatives, according to Daily Finance. It's also better to make moving to low-cost options as soon as possible, rather than delay it, which will cost investors more money, it adds.  --Daily Finance

Advisor sends his clients on a road trip
A financial advisor helped a retired couple lower their cost of living after finding out that the high mortgage, taxes and maintenance of their house would dry out their retirement cash in 15 to 20 years. The couple decided to sell the house and purchase and RV to travel and search for an ideal low-cost retirement location, which they eventually found in Oregon. In this case, thinking outside the investment aspect of retirement planning is critical in helping clients reach an amicable retirement setup that they'll also be happy and content with, the advisor says--The Wall Street Journal

401(k) contribution ‘max’ to rise to $18,000 for 2015
Beginning Jan. 1, contribution limits for 401(k) plans will increase from $17,500 to $18,000, the Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday. For baby boomers, catch-up contribution will also increase by $500. The adjusted limits correspond with the amount of money an employee can save annually on a tax-deferred basis, according to MarketWatch.  --MarketWatch

Navigating the new retirement world
Among the strategies that retirement investors can use as they face the challenge of decreasing yields is to save more and retire later, according to Morningstar. The approach may be unattractive for clients, but these steps, especially higher savings, are the best options to maximize retirement resources. Other options are to diversify investments, managing withdrawal strategies on portfolios, and choosing lower fees and portfolio management costs to maximize investment returns.  --Morningstar

Cheap oil presents opportunity for retirement portfolios
Retirement investors with extra cash may consider investing in the oil industry and related services, as oil prices have fallen almost 20% in the last few months, according to MarketWatch. This presents a buying opportunity for investors looking to rotate the stocks they are holding, given the expected recovery in the petroleum sector. Though oil prices may remain volatile, the sector offers relatively good value. Investors may start with making minimal purchases and adjusting constantly, while watching for the market to turn, the article adds.  --MarketWatch

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