Retirement scan

“The advice I give is to calculate the financial impact for each option,” an expert says.

Seniors choosing between traditional and Roth IRAs must account for their current and future tax rates.

The Social Security retirement rate is based on their highest 35 years of wage-indexed earnings.

The spike in the number of older employees in the workplace reflects a trend over the past decade.

Pre-retirees may consider funding a Roth account to take advantage of tax-free compounding and tax-exempt withdrawals in retirement, an expert writes.

A Roth conversion “not only to minimize heirs’ tax burden but also to sustain the growth of [their] retirement savings."

Taking advantage of catch-up contributions is one of several methods that can help them get back on track.

The HSA has become increasingly valuable for future medical expenses, "and the triple tax benefit simply can’t be ignored,” an expert says.

Retirees can reverse their claiming decision, but not without considering one important caveat.

Seniors may consider working longer or relocating somewhere where their benefits are not subject to state taxes.

Pre-retirees are encouraged to save aggressively and create a list of things they plan to spend their money on without remorse, an expert says.

Clients can void overspending by seeking out sales and discounts to lower their food and entertainment costs.

While it’s recommended they have at least three sources when they retire, just 6.8% of savers have done so, according to a report.

"Since no one has a crystal ball to predict what will happen, I advise saving money on both sides of the tax fence," an expert says.

While retirement readiness among Americans has improved in general, Gen Xers are struggling with housing, college and medical costs, a survey finds.

After developing a plan to cover their bills and emergency expenses, clients in a new marriage are advised to start working on their long-term goals.

Nearly 48% of younger Americans feel they are not saving enough to secure their lifestyles after leaving the workforce, a report finds.

Salary increases can make long-term planning more complicated if investors boost their lifestyle instead of their savings, an expert warns.

To reduce the risk of retiring early, seniors are advised to take on a part-time job or downsize to reduce expenses.

While there are strategies to help reduce risk, clients should recognize the order of investment returns is crucially important, an expert writes.