Retirement readiness

When giving cash gifts to grandchildren this holiday season, clients have options that can also help minimize their estate taxes in the future.

Fixed indexed annuities guarantees minimal investment returns amid a down market, but investing in them still carries some risk.

Clients ask: "Will I run out of money?" Here’s how planners can confidently tell them "no." Like every approach, however, there are a few drawbacks.

A relatively new approach for measuring savers’ progress toward goals is gaining steam, but it’s not without its imperfections.

With the right steps, clients can reduce their tax liability, as well as new sources of retirement income with different tax treatments,

If clients set aside a portion of earnings in a 401(k) or IRA, taxes weren't forgiven, just deferred. They'll still owe money to the IRS at some point.

Clients should claim their retirement benefits only when other taxable income sources are used up, as their benefits could be taxed if their taxable earnings reach a certain threshold.

Financial advisors can still be held liable for violating impartial conduct standards even though the fiduciary rule has been delayed until 2019.

Variable products suffered their worst quarter in two decades, while fixed contracts also declined.

A new body of research suggests an ideal retirement-planning approach may exist — but buyer beware.

One-third of households headed by Americans aged 65 and older derive 90% of their retirement income from Social Security, according to a GAO report.

Most Americans would prefer to age in place, but sometimes the costs make it impractical. Here's how to help.

Tax cuts today will increase deficits and future retirees will bear the brunt in reduced Medicare and Social Security benefits, according to one expert.

"Sun and sand are great," says one analyst, but they're not the only considerations. They certainly didn't help boost the top city in this survey.

For a retired military service man, delaying his Social Security would mean he's not subject to the earnings test that can reduce his check by $1 for every $2 he earns over the current threshold of $17,040.

The tax cut proposal would not benefit retirees because most of them either owe no federal income taxes or face a modest tax burden.

Where your client resides may determine how much they'll need to pay.

Few Americans have coverage today even though most will need it after they turn 65, LIMRA says.

Far too many financial advisors overlook home equity as part of a retirement income plan.