Protecting Your 401(k) From a Big Market Drop: Retirement Scan

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

Here’s how to protect your 401(k) from the next big market drop
The possible decline of the stock market in the foreseeable future is not reason enough for 401(k) participants to reduce their investment in stocks, says an expert. Retirement investors can determine their appropriate stock allocation based on their age, the date of retirement, and their tolerance for risks. For example, younger workers with plenty of years ahead before retirement may invest up to 80% of their 401(k) assets in stocks, as long-term earnings from these products can offset the risks.   --CNN Money

Social Security Q&A: Collect benefits on your ex-spouse's record
Clients who are divorced or contemplating getting a divorce are entitled to receive divorcée spousal and survivor benefits on their ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, according to Forbes. Couples only need one year of marriage to make them eligible for spousal benefits and just nine months to be able to receive window(er)’s benefits. Couples who have been living together should consider tying the knot to receive these benefits, according to the article. --Forbes

No need to worry about Social Security
Contrary to what many people think, Social Security will not go bankrupt based on the recent report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, according to MarketWatch. Fixing Social Security's financial woes may be addressed by raising taxes or reducing benefits, but Congress may wait for a non-election year to pass a law to address the problem. Clients are advised not to file for early benefits if they are approaching retirement age, while younger workers may expect to receive benefits that could be less than what they pay for Social Security.   --MarketWatch

Why a mini-retirement may rejuvenate your career
Some workers are embarking on mini-retirements or short periods in between jobs, to travel or pursue other endeavors they cannot do while working full-time, according to an article in U.S. News & World Report. The time spent on mini-retirement offers an opportunity for clients to rethink their career decisions and consider taking a new path, such as starting a business or working as a freelancer. Workers who decide to go on a mini-retirement are advised to keep a few steps in mind: try out the activity they intend to do before making a decision; prepare financially for the subsequent changes; resign gracefully from work; and update their resume for future job opportunity . --Yahoo Finance

Using health savings accounts to invest for retirement
An individual who contributes a maximum amount to a health savings account and invests the money at a rate of return of 2.5% could save as much as $360,000 over 40 years, according to a report. An HSA offers tax advantages but is available only to workers who have a high-deductible health insurance plan. Clients who want to have substantial savings through an HSA should start contributing to the account as early as possible and avoid any withdrawal, which means making out-of-the-pocket payments of their medical expenses until they retire .    --The New York Times

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