Retirement planning

This week, IRA expert Ed Slott tackles questions about rolling inherited annuities into separate IRAs and the rules and requirements regarding SEP IRAs.

A study by Ameriprise Financial and Harris Interactive found that men outpace women in planning for the financial aspects of retirement at a ratio of 77% to 72%. However, women are more likely to say they have thought about what they would like to do during retirement.

The vast majority of U.S. households — regardless of demographic and financial characteristics — overwhelmingly support preserving the nation’s current tax incentives to encourage retirement savings.

Payroll and benefits outsourcing provider Paychex has launched Paychex Advisor Select 401(k), an offering designed for fee-based financial advsors.

Reports focused on Gen X and multi-age workers reveal varied confidence levels when it comes to planning a retirement strategy.

This week, IRA expert Ed Slott addresses questions about the tax implications resulting from tapping into Roth IRAs and the timing of required minimum distributions.

Financial planners know all too well how difficult it can be to get their clients motivated enough to make the sacrifices and investment decisions that are necessary to ensure a comfortable retirement. But what could possibly derail the retirement plans of those clients who are already doing everything right?

Financial planners know all too well how difficult it can be to get their clients motivated enough to make the sacrifices and investment decisions that are necessary to ensure a comfortable retirement. In fact, according to a recent ING Retirement Research Institute study, 71% of Americans – regardless of age – still lack a formal investment plan to help them reach their retirement goals. And the latest Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that more than half of all respondents are either “not at all” or “not too confident” that they’ll be able to afford the retirement and lifestyle they desire once they’re done working. This reality is keeping far too many Americans up at night, worrying about an uncertain economic future at a time when they’re living longer, retiring later and – most disturbing for many – have seen the value of their homes plummet virtually overnight. But what about those clients who have done everything right? They’ve been working with a financial planner, contributing to their 401(k)s, maybe have a pension in the offing, are saving money at a decent clip and are following the sound investment advice offered by the professionals but, according to Fidelity Investments, there's still a good chance they might not have enough put aside to live out their golden years in style. Here’s an interactive slide show detailing five of the biggest threats to even the most well-prepared investor's retirement plan. Source: Fidelity Investments

Americans overall aren’t saving enough for retirement, and as a group, women especially seem not to be prepared. Only 8% of women workers believe that they’re building a large enough retirement fund for themselves, according to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

Americans overall aren’t saving enough for retirement, and as a group, women especially seem not to be prepared. Only 8% of women workers believe that they’re building a large enough retirement fund for themselves, according to a new study.

This week, IRA expert Ed Slott answers questions from people concerned about the details surrounding inherited IRAs and distribution options.

Schwab Retirement Plan Services already serves 1.5 million workers saving for retirement, but hopes that its new Schwab Index Advantage service will increase participation even more by demystifying the 401(K) saving process.

The offering gives 401(k) plan participants access to index mutual funds with low operating expenses as an alternative to more expensive actively managed funds typically found in most 401(k) plans.

Raymond James has named a former Goldman Sachs Investment Management vice president to the new position of director of retirement solutions.

While all eyes were on Bank of America’s stock price last year, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch retirement and employee financial benefit plan businesses quietly thrived by pulling in $19 billion in new financial benefit plan assets.

Americans of all political leanings are showing signs of increased anxiety about having enough money to make ends meet during retirement, a recent survey commissioned by the Americans for Secure Retirement found.

A new Wells Fargo retirement study focusing on affluent Americans reveals that women are much less confident than men when it comes to their retirement savings.

Planners need to ensure that clients with self-directed IRAs are protected against a variety of scams.

This week, IRA expert Ed Slott fields some questions from investors about non-deductible IRAs and RMDs on inherited IRAs.

The reduction in pension and health care benefits for public sector employees in Florida has led to a rush by people nearing retirement age to opt out early.