Our daily roundup of retirement news your clients may be thinking about.
Clients may consider including bitcoin as an alternative investment in their retirement portfolios as part of their asset allocation strategy especially if they can manage the risk associated with this option. The writer of this article shares how his bitcoin investments have grown 100% since he invested in them in May last year. He stuck to his bitcoin investments despite a big drop in value months after he acquired them, knowing that as alternative investments, bitcoins carry a significant risk. –MarketWatch
Buying a qualified longevity annuity contract within an IRA or a 401(k) plan is a good option for clients who want to reduce their required minimum distributions from these accounts when they reach 70 1/2 and leave more retirement funds to grow tax-free while taking RMDs. Those who consider getting a QLAC need to understand that the decision is irreversible, the potential growth can be minimal since it is a fixed annuity and they may need to buy an inflation rider to ensure inflation-adjusted payments. –The Motley Fool
Although a new law has ended the use of Social Security claiming strategies for couples to maximize their retirement benefits, these strategies are still available for some couples provided they meet certain requirements. Couples who are 66 years old and older on or before May 1 next year have until April 29 to file for and suspend their retirement benefits. Couples are also allowed to use the restricted application strategy when they reach full retirement age if they were born on or before Jan. 1. 1954. –USA Today
Clients who want to boost their Social Security retirement benefits need to record at least 35 working years and increase their income as much as possible. They can also get higher benefit payments if they opt to work until they reach their full retirement age, defer their benefits until the age of 70 and take advantage of spousal benefits. Those who have children under 19 may also secure additional benefits while those who continue working through retirement are advised to minimize their income and Social Security taxes. They should also make the most of survivor's benefits if they qualify and make sure Social Security's records reflect all the jobs they have had. –Yahoo Finance
Government employees are advised to take advantage of a thrift savings plan to save for retirement. Such a plan offers relatively lower fees and enables participants to achieve a well-diversified portfolio. Also, the plan has a Roth IRA option, which can help them reduce their tax burden on withdrawals. Having these features will allow them to use dollar-cost averaging, which is a very effective strategy to grow investments. –Nasdaq
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