Retirement scan

Retirement calculators only give an opinion of the sufficiency of retirement savings and do not provide an accurate assessment; plus, what to do when markets tumble.

The soaring stock market this year has provided a boon for investors age 65 and over even more than people from other age groups; plus, sales pitches about annuities can distract savers from making an informed investing decision.

Clients should estimate the amount of income they will need to support their lifestyle rather than determining the right size of their nest egg; plus, eight tips for people who will retire in 2015 and why 401(k)s are still a problem.

Decreased creditor protection for inherited IRAs will impact retirement planning next year; plus, the hidden pitfalls of collecting Social Security benefits from an ex-spouse and three dividend stocks for retirees to consider.

The new approach enables workers to know their income at a specific age based on their plan's current balance; plus, mutual fund firms acting as 401(k) providers that favor their own funds and how your Social Security benefits measure up.

Buying immediate annuities early before retirement may not be a good strategy because the payouts will not account for future inflation; plus, deadlines for retirement plan contributions in 2014 and six things you need to know about Social Security benefits.

Nearly 97% of respondents said they were very or somewhat knowledgeable about saving for retirement, but just 20% passed a test to prove it; Plus, strategies to increase retirement income.

Some retirees regret past decisions based on greed, others for tinkering too much with their portfolios or keeping too much cash on hand; Plus, how to max out Social Security benefits.

Conventional wisdom says investors should reduce equities in their portfolios as they age, but a study takes a contrary view; Plus, more information doesn't necessarily make for better investment decisions.

Retirees should consider downsizing their homes before taking a reverse mortgage; Plus, the only time when retirees should use retirement funds for something other than retirement.

The income tax on conversions may not be worth the potential appreciation they will get over a period of time; plus, low-cost holiday gift ideas and ways in which to make your money last in retirement.

The IRS is considering regulations to limit assets in IRAs; plus, six ways to make a penalty-free 401(k) withdrawal and new rules that allow 401(k) rollovers into company pension plans.

Retirees may start their search by visiting Medicare's website where they can compare facilities; plus, a moderate retirement saver portfolio for young investors and eight things investors should be thankful for.

One is to check how much you've contributed to your 401(k) plans and IRAs; plus, how to determine the "funded status" of personal retirement plans and the steps to take to ease post-career anxiety.

Company founder filled account with stock that wasn't publicly traded and used low values to stay technically under the contribution limit; plus, jumbo-loan challenges for retirees and how to avoid the Medicare surcharge.

Madison and Omaha are among the top retirement havens; plus the factors retirees should consider in deciding where to retire and what pre-retirees need to do now.

Investors can protect their assets by asking their advisors the questions asked by the SEC; plus how to plan for an unplanned retirement and what to do before getting out of debt.

Americans can limit their spending, work past their retirement age or accept that they could spend their golden years in poverty; plus the benefits of a phased retirement and tips for choosing a country in which to retire abroad.

Tax benefits of homeownership are overstated, study finds; plus proposed changes that put Roth IRA advantages at risk and five takeaways on retirement from the midterm elections.

Clients report Social Security's employees being uninformed of the agency's rules, or worse, providing wrong information; Plus, the downside of target-date funds