Retirement scan

This type of insurance will not cover a policy holder's expenses for the first 180 days of care, a major concern for those without substantial savings; Plus, how to make the most from a Roth IRA.

Clients who want bigger investment returns can supplement their target-date funds by directing 40% of their assets to small-cap value stocks; Plus, why investors will need less money for retirement than they think.

One third of pre-retirees are likely to retire poor or near poor as a result of a significant decrease in employer-sponsored retirement savings plans; Plus, the single most obnoxious retirement fund fee.

Boomers who fail to create an estate plan will create trouble for their heirs; Plus, three questions to ask before converting to a Roth IRA.

Clients can take an early retirement and withdraw from their accounts without paying any penalty if they opt for a substantially equal periodic payment program in their pre-tax IRA and 401(k) plans; Plus, how to navigate Social Security's highways and byways.

More Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a measure that would increase Social Security benefits and raise payroll taxes to address the program's financial woes; Plus, how retirees can reduce their RMDs with a Roth conversion.

Some advisors are hesitant to recommend a conversion for high-net-worth clients since President Obama supports changes to key features of Roth IRAs; Plus, can Social Security benefits increase after age 66?

A client who earns a higher income than her spouse is advised to file for benefits before reaching full retirement age so her husband can begin getting a spousal benefit.

Clients should use the first-in, first-out strategy when selling stocks or funds in their portfolio to avoid hefty penalties; Plus, why middle class households are saving more than the rich.

The overall retirement system in the U.S. works, but a few improvements are necessary as people need guidance on how to grow their savings, experts say; Plus, the steps retirees need to take in order to live comfortably and not outlive their money.

Transferring an IRA asset to a trust is a strategy that provides the beneficiaries protection from creditors and divorce; Plus, what the proposed Medicare 'doc fix' means for seniors.

Knowing the cost of a retirement community is key to making a smart decision, with independent living communities costing $2,520 per year; Plus, the price tag of a bipartisan bill averting Medicare doc fee cuts.

Pension funds are joining the currency markets to protect their offshore investments and gain from future price changes as the U.S. dollar continues to perform well; Plus, three reasons to use a Roth IRA to save for college.

Top earners understand that annuities unburden them of some investment risks and give their assets a layer of legal safety from creditors and frivolous lawsuits; Plus, how to assess lump-sum payments of future benefits.

Falling interest rates and the increase in the number of people retiring are two big risks facing the Social Security system; Plus, why 401(k) participants should forgo a higher allocation to their employer stock.

Long-term care expenses rise throughout retirement to the point of crisis, according to one expert; Plus, how do your clients stack up in retirement savings?

Clients who turned 70 1/2 last year need to take their first required minimum distribution by April 1 or face a tax of 50%; Plus, reducing fees is the best way to boost investment returns.

More workers than ever are staying on the job well into their seventies, which will make the U.S. a "very different place" for the next 30 years; Plus, Why an empty nest can be hazardous to a client's retirement.

Are you likely to change your job? Is your spouse unemployed? Do you expect non-taxable income when you retire? These reasons and more for why you might need an individual retirement account.

Help make sure your clients aren't among those who say they wish they had saved more, or started at an earlier age. Plus, questions over the proposed revamp of Medicare payments to long-term-care hospitals.