Social Security

Recipients of Social Security benefits, as well as railroad retirement and veterans benefits recipients, will need to act fast.

For one, clients will owe taxes still on the distributions, unless they recontribute the money into the account within three years.

“Traditionally, 401(k)s generally have some really good investment options that you wouldn’t be able to do on your own,” an expert says.

Retirees will end up locking in substantial losses if they decide to cash out their investments during a bear market to generate income.

By extending their working years, seniors can see an increase in their Social Security payouts.

If they plan to use them for current spending, “then the timing of the distribution would not matter for tax purposes,” an expert writes.

Clients are advised to minimize spending and tap possible sources of cash and credit, including their tax refund.

“Having retirement assets in both traditional and Roth accounts can help clients hedge their tax bets for retirement,” an expert says.

Retirees tapping their long-term savings accounts for income in an emergency are advised to strongly consider reducing their withdrawal rates.

While younger clients may be putting away more money than Gen Xers and baby boomers, they’re not better prepared for retirement compared with their older counterparts, experts say.