401(k)

Higher-than-anticipated health-care costs are among the most unexpected expenditures clients face in retirement.

Financial planners should at least consider modeling early retirement to prepare clients for the possibility of uncertainty, says Morningstar.

"Keep records and watch the statute of limitations. The usual IRS statute of limitations is three years after you file your tax return," an expert writes.

Contributing to these accounts makes sense for clients who anticipate higher tax rates in the future.

Clients should understand Medicare, Social Security and 401(k) changes that will impact on their retirement savings and income.

This recently passed bill is groundbreaking retirement legislation and will substantially alter the landscape for employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual savers.

Workers from both generations share similarities — and financial pressures — when planning for retirement, writes an expert.

To secure retirement for both spouses, married clients need to determine their savings rate in their 401(k)s and take advantage of the employer's match.

The change would affect seniors who converted traditional accounts to Roth and paid taxes for the benefit of their heirs.

Female clients should start as early as possible and take advantage of the employer match, contributing at least 15% of their income.

The Secure Act will pave the way for expanded distribution channels, even as J.D. Power finds issuers lagging in measures of client satisfaction.

Seniors hoping to begin retirement next year are advised to review their risk exposure, pay down their debt and save for additional health care costs.

One tip for younger clients is to create multiple income streams that are subject to varying tax treatments.

Failing to enroll in a health care plan and taking on a hefty student loan debt are just two of the most common blunders younger clients should avoid.

"A long life is wonderful, but it is also costly and a bigger drain on resources," an expert says.

Of all the end-of-year financial faults affecting workers, this one could cause them to end up working longer than they had intended.

Medicare savings programs, discounts on prescription drugs and rental assistance are a few ways retirees can lighten their load.

Vesting schedules applies to the type of money, not on the exact amount that was deposited, according to an expert.

Helping clients develop a solid investment strategy is an important step to help them survive market volatility.

Fund industry Darwinism should be seen as healthy and natural in a thriving — albeit brutal — market, an expert says.