Retirement scan

Those new to Medicare may not realize they need to buy a separate policy to cover prescription drugs. There are some partial exceptions, but even in those cases, coverage can vary.

Someone who starts saving from age 20 can sock away 90% less per month than someone who gets a later start at age 50 and still build the the same size of portfolio.

Investors have an average of 25 funds to choose from in their 401(k) plans, but some financial advisors suggest that the best approach is to pick a small number of very broad funds.

Other groups, such as those who used to itemize tax deductions but will now use the high standard deduction, are also advised to check their withholding taxes.

High-net-worth clients can bump into income limits when it comes to making Roth IRA contributions, but they can find other tax-saving strategies to save for retirement.

Many older Americans are now facing hefty life insurance premiums due to dwindling interest rates. Many seniors are sitting on a "ticking time bomb."

These loans can be a good option in some cases, but they're not a cheap way to borrow money so senior citizens with good credit may have cheaper alternatives.

Boosting the widow's benefit, while limiting the size of the increase for higher earners, could be a “well-targeted way to help reduce poverty for this vulnerable group.”

The Trump administration is considering pushing back the age at which retirees have to take required minimum distributions from tax-deferred retirement account.

Waiting until your 70th birthday is the much-discussed strategy to maximize benefits. But in some circumstances, you won't miss out if you file earlier.