Retirement scan

Clients should not lose sleep over health care expenses after they retire as they can sign up for Medicare Parts A, B and D to cover hospital visits, doctor services and outpatient care and prescription drugs; Plus, essential money lessons for retirees.

Contrary to what some experts say, the U.S. is unlikely to experience a retirement crisis as data show that Americans have considerable savings for their golden years; Plus, the best way to donate to charity from an IRA.

Clients may consider including bitcoin as an alternative investment in their retirement portfolios, especially if they can manage the risks involved; Plus, why a qualified longevity annuity contract within an IRA or a 401(k) plan is a good option for clients.

Seniors are better off enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan to get coverage for their prescription medicine, which is not included in Medicare Part A and Part B; Plus, nine ways to save more and spend less in 2016.

Workers with high-deductible health insurance plans qualify for health savings accounts, which gives them an opportunity to do tax-free investing and supplement their coverage even after they are retired; Plus, how retirement saving changed in 2015.

Retirees who plan to go on a foreign trip in the early part of next year are advised to attend to their tax obligations before leaving; Plus, why more people in the U.S. and other industrialized nations are likely to retire poor.

Singles are advised to develop an estate plan and have an emergency fund that can cover six months of expenses; Plus, nine retirement strategies for women.

The government deemed file-and-suspend an "aggressive" claiming strategy, but some clients can use it for 6 more months; Plus, clients should use the bucket approach to emergency savings.

Spousal election to treat an IRA inherited from a deceased spouse as the surviving spouse's own IRA may not be made until after the death of the first spouse; Plus, Some Americans leave tens of thousands of Social Security benefits on the table.

If there are subsequent rate hikes in the coming years, clients will feel an effect; Plus, why falling gold and oil prices shouldn't be a concern for older clients.

Clients who have $30,000 in student loan debt would have missed as much as $325,000 in investment opportunities in their 401(k) plans; Plus, the one money move to make before the end of the year.

Seniors are advised to work longer and retain their equity investments to help their portfolios keep up with inflation; Plus, why retirees are moving again.

Inflation is just one of the risks that annuity investors face since higher prices could lower the purchasing power of annuity payments; Plus, changing strategies for Social Security.

Some clients may be better off claiming benefits early if they are younger than their spouse and expect a shorter life span because of medical problems; Plus, what clients need to know about annuities.

The Wall Street Journal offered opposing opinions on the recent Social Security changes, and specifically whether the file-and-suspend claiming strategy constituted a loophole.

Waiting until age 70 to claim benefits may not be the best option for all clients; Plus, 3 ways clients are unwittingly sabotaging their retirements.

People in higher income brackets can consider replacing less of their pre-retirement income than the 80% usually suggested by financial planners; Plus, five things retirees can do to navigate the current environment.

Retirement investors who want a new approach to asset allocation may consider one that classifies securities based on how long they intend to keep the investments in their portfolio to achieve their targets; Plus, which retirement savings plans are best for teachers?

Transition to retirement means that clients need to shift from being a saver to a spender, and this could pose certain challenges; Plus, how indexed annuities could be subject to additional regulations under Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule.

Despite the flaws in 401(k) plans, clients can take steps to improve their situations; Plus, clients should beware the retirement splurge.