These Pitfalls Could Derail Clients' Savings: Retirement Scan

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

These pitfalls could derail clients' retirement
Including volatile stocks in a retirement portfolio is a risky move for investors because it could hurt their nest eggs when stocks fumble and push their retirements to a later date, says Matt Frankel, an expert with The Motley Fool. Buying stocks or investing in the markets using loaned money can also derail their retirement, since the losses would be bigger with failed investments, says Dan Dzombak. Many people also put their retirement at risk if they get directly involved in their children's financial troubles, says Dan Caplinger.  --The Motley Fool

Should U.S. expats buy variable annuities? Ask an expert
Workers overseas who want to save for retirement may consider a variable deferred annuity, according to this article in The Wall Street Journal. The product offers tax-deferred growth on investments within the annuity, no limits on contributions, and a death benefit. However, contributions to a variable annuity are not tax-deductible and the expensive fees can partially offset tax-deferred gains. Expats are advised to look into in a low-cost, diversified portfolio in a taxable account that can provide tax deferral benefits with no costs before making a decision.  --The Wall Street Journal

Your Roth IRA questions answered
Holding a Roth IRA is a good option to save for retirement because the earnings are not subject to federal income tax and the investors can make tax-free withdrawals if the account exists for over five years and they are age 59 1/2 or older, according to this article on MarketWatch. Investors who hold a traditional deductible or nondeductible IRA can convert the account into a Roth, but such a move is considered a taxable distribution and would mean an additional federal income bill. Read more information about the account and how retirement savers can make use of it to their advantage. --MarketWatch

Social Security Q&A: How will marriage affect my disability benefit?
Social Security will allow the wife of a worker who is collecting disability benefits to file for a reduced spousal benefit at the age of 60, but they need to married for nine months, according to this article on Forbes.  The marriage will not have a negative impact on the benefit that the disabled worker received, but the union can affect his Supplemental Security Income and eligibility for government assistance, such as food stamps.  --Forbes

Does employer match count toward 401(k) limit?
The maximum 401(k) contribution limit does not include the employer's match contribution, according to this article from Bankrate. According to the article, 401(k) participants were allowed to contribute up to $17,500 in 2014, with an additional $5,500 for those aged 50 and older. However, there is combined contribution limit for the employer and employee contributions, which stood at $52,000.  --Yahoo Finance

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