Retirement scan

The recent volatility in the stock market has a mixed impact on target-date funds; Plus, why the average American is just plain wrong on Social Security's importance.

Recent volatility in the stock market shows that people need an "idiot proof" safety blanket such as Social Security to ensure they will be guaranteed an income after they leave the workforce; Plus, 3 moves to make in a crazy market.

The decline in the stock market gives clients an opportunity to convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA; Plus, Gen X is sleeping through retirement wake-up call.

Investment costs, including inflation, can put a heavier dent on retirement income than many clients realize; Plus, can downsizing save a client's retirement?

Equity allocations are generally higher than years past even for retirees, but some clients are still overexposed to stocks; Plus, the idea of privatizing Social Security is being suggested again by some.

Risk assessment and rebalancing are especially important when the market goes on wild swings; Plus, how clients can benefit from the market correction.

A 55-year-old client who decides to withdraw from his 401(k) account with his former employer may be exempt from paying the penalty if he is totally and permanently disabled and has an IRS levy; Plus, wallet-friendly travel tips for retirees.

Laddering is a good fixed-income strategy that will enable clients to earn higher yields and protect them from rate increases; Plus, how retirees can make money in the sharing economy.

Couples need to plan on how they will claim their Social Security retirement benefits if one of them is receiving disability benefits or has a public pension to avoid complications; Plus, what happens to Social Security benefits after a guardian dies.

The federal government is calling on comments for its proposal to allow Medicare to cover physicians' fees for discussing end-of-life issues with beneficiaries; Plus, how to transfer inherited IRAs.

Retirees who can no longer afford to settle their debts because of job loss, business failure and other misfortunes may seek a one-time-payment settlement with their creditors; Plus, ways in which retirees can tap their portfolio using various strategies.

Taking a required minimum distribution from a retirement account to satisfy the RMD of another account is allowed only if both accounts are traditional noninherited IRAs or noninherited 403(b) plans; Plus, how to decide between a 401(k) and an IRA when saving for retirement.

A 1035 Exchange is a good option for clients who wish to replace their old annuity with a new policy that offers a better package; Plus, a three-step plan to getting the retirement income clients need.

Why retirees whose premiums that are not deducted from Social Security payments can expect an increase next year; Plus, explaining the menu of income annuity features and options.

Nearly a dozen Democratic state senators express their concerns over the Obama administration's proposed changes to the fiduciary standard; plus the crazy way Social Security punishes spouses who claim early benefits.

Clients can avoid risk by replacing low-yield bonds in their portfolio with high-dividend stocks; plus how and when clients should apply for Social Security and why parent education loans can ruin your clients' retirement.

Clients planning to retire with adequate savings are advised to reduce their spending and develop a strategy to lower their tax burden; Plus, how clients should decide on the right 401(k) and are baby boomers too optimistic about retirement?

Retirees can expect no inflation adjustment in their Social Security benefits in 2016; Plus, the cheapest and most costly states for retiree health care.

Take a more strategic look at the role of Social Security benefits in your clients' retirement accounts; Plus, how to play catch-up with your clients' retirement savings and the rules for making penalty-free withdrawals.

How one son's distribution mistakes when inheriting his late father's IRA can be avoided; Plus, the IRS and U.S. Treasury say no more lump-sum offers and how one couple plans to retire at 33.