Retirement planning

Tapping an IRA to help fund a business may sound like a good idea, but it can end in disaster if clients aren't careful.

Why the country's aging population has led U.S. policymakers to seek changes to Medicare 50 years after it was established; Plus, it's never too early – or too late – for your clients to plan for their retirement years and how to fix three retirement-savings flaws.

Savings rates and asset allocations are the key to making retirement accounts last. Here’s an approach that works.

Why the old tricks that many investors once used to gauge retirement allocations no longer apply; Plus, the use of private health plans surge as Medicare and Medicaid turn 50 and tips for a smarter retirement investing strategy.

Waiting to claim Social Security can result in a number of perks for clients. So why do so many people claim at 62?

New financial assessment requirements may make reverse mortgages into a retirement income tool for seniors with significant cash flow and assets.

Why working clients are advised to avoid borrowing from their 401(k) plans to fund their summer vacations; Plus, how Americans left $24 billion in retirement money on the table last year and the seven best places for your clients to retire overseas.

While the 4% rule was created to set a minimum income floor, that doesn't mean spending can never be raised. Here's a better approach to withdrawal rates.

Sometimes it makes sense for clients to collect Social Security before full retirement age, even if it temporarily reduces benefits.

Waiting for Social Security until age 70 can provide the surviving spouse with plumper payments.

Why timing is important for clients filing for Social Security; Plus, how to decide whether your client should invest in a 401(k) or a Roth IRA.

There's no doubt that professional long-term care is expensive and getting more so, but relying on family to provide care can still cost clients a fortune.

While raising the tax rate could help address Social Security's funding imbalance, there are other ways to shore up the program; Plus, when $1.5 million isn't enough to retire.

Planners should dispel these common misconceptions so that clients can make better-informed decisions.

Advisors and clients may not be as familiar with these other Social Security programs. Here's a brief primer.

Though the time period to make changes has narrowed in some instances, there are situations where Social Security allows a redo.

Critics charge that the fiduciary proposal will be a death knell for the brokerage model in the retirement space, leaving low- and middle-income investors without advice.

Potential regulatory legislation may soon restrict strategies surrounding the backdoor Roth IRA; plus, how to retire on $25,600 a year and why most clients can’t even guess what their Social Security benefits will be.

For married couples deciding when to claim Social Security, "it's all about the survivor benefits," for the higher-earning spouse.

Clients can have their cake (maximum payouts) and icing (years of spousal benefits) too.