Retirement income

These products get a bad rap, but they can be useful in certain situations. However, advisors must make sure their clients aren’t losing money from sky-high expenses.

Whether the husband takes reduced benefits has no impact on the spousal rate, although it could effect potential widow's benefits, according to a Social Security expert.

The products are designed to provide some upside potential yet limit investment risk, which has helped boost their popularity.

A recent report from Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee says that Social Security is being threatened, and the federal government should consider modernizing and enhancing the program.

The differences generally come down to investor eligibility and when taxes are paid, but that can have a significant impact.

Many people expect to collect more than they actually will, which can prompt them to retire and file for benefits early and, in turn, reduce their actual payouts.

While seniors are often encouraged to lead an active lifestyle in retirement, too much activity may do more harm than good, according to one professor.

Advisors need to educate clients — but not dumb down their advice — when it comes to the complex world of these investment vehicles.

Instead of amassing $1 million in savings, clients should consider asking themselves if they are prepared financially for several decades of retirement.

A Roth IRA is an excellent savings vehicle for older people as it is for younger clients.

Clients have to change their retirement goals and strategies over the years, starting off heavily in stock allocation while in their 30s.

Clients who think they have lost their retirement assets are advised to seek help from the Labor Department or nonprofit pension counseling centers funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Even if a client does not use the triple tax advantage of these accounts, the benefits are still valuable.

Fraudsters call seniors and get them to provide their Social Security number or pay a "processing fee" for the new Medicare card.

Life changes, like a child entering college or changes made to retirement goals, can leave serious gaps in financial plans.

Seniors who are retired or approaching retirement are advised to weigh their options carefully before deciding on how much income to draw from their portfolio

Your client’s long life could be the death of their retirement savings

Updated calculators and a leaner interface are intended to raise awareness of “retirement readiness.”

There can be substantial penalties for those who are late to sign up, but when exactly is that deadline?

Contributing $300 a month to a 401(k) over 40 years with an average 7% return will result in more than $700,000. So the benefits are there, but do your clients know the details?