Retirement benefits

Military families can use one of these provisions to seriously cut their tax burden. Plus, can clients make an IRA contribution on behalf of a deceased person?

There are specific benchmarks to gauge your client's 401(k) plan — do they measure up?

While tax reform has been a mixed bag for muni bonds, a few factors working in their favor include constrained supply this year, as well as historically low defaults.

In addition to health insurance considerations. people considering this need to determine whether they can afford the missed earnings and the ability to continue building their nest egg.

More states should follow in California’s footsteps in making it easier and cheaper for seniors to tap home equity, writes Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

There are hundreds of claiming strategies — using the wrong one can have major repercussions.

A small group will actually pay less in premiums because the cost-of-living adjustment in their Social Security benefits next year won’t be large enough to cover the premium increase.

The wealth in retirement accounts could shrink by that much due to annual defaults on 401(k) loans. The projected loss is about 2.7% of the $7.8 trillion in retirement accounts.

The average beneficiary will receive $39 more a month next year.

What are the best strategies for clients looking to tap assets while minimizing penalties?

Advisors can help by being familiar with tax relief options that might be available to affected clients. Here's what to look for.

Seniors will have to pay income taxes on a certain portion of their benefits if their taxable income plus 50% of the benefits exceed a certain threshold.

Premiums appear to be stabilizing finally and even dropping in some states.

About that tax deduction, it’s not enough of a reason to keep a mortgage. Remember, it’s only a deduction, not a credit.

Certain clients may consider donating directly from their IRAs.

Someone who starts saving from age 20 can sock away 90% less per month than someone who gets a later start at age 50 and still build the the same size of portfolio.

Incumbents and startups are developing partnerships to help clients navigate difficult rollovers.

With the expenses no longer deductible, will clients ask for new planning options?

Investors have an average of 25 funds to choose from in their 401(k) plans, but some financial advisors suggest that the best approach is to pick a small number of very broad funds.

Some senior clients might consider buying a quality supplemental insurance plan, according to a Morningstar expert.