Retirement scan

The funded ratio for defined benefit plans at Fortune 1,000 firms rose to 83% at the end of 2017, a new report says.

One strategy to enhance financial prospects is to get a part-time job via the gig economy.

Clients may want to opt for a fund that follows small companies as they will benefit from a lower corporate tax rate under the new tax law.

Clients will no longer be able to undo Roth conversions once the new tax law takes effect next year.

Seniors who are 70 1/2 and older should ensure that they take their first required minimum distribution from tax-deferred retirement accounts by December 29.

Clients should refrain from cosigning their child's student loan, as Social Security could garnish their retirement benefits if the child defaults on the loan payments.

Many millennials find it difficult to think beyond their student debt, which averages $32,731 with an average monthly payment of $393, according to the Federal Reserve.

If clients miss an RMD, they will be subject to a penalty equal to half the amount they should have taken, and they'll still owe ordinary income taxes on distributions.

When giving cash gifts to grandchildren this holiday season, clients have options that can also help minimize their estate taxes in the future.

Fixed indexed annuities guarantees minimal investment returns amid a down market, but investing in them still carries some risk.

Investors are advised to do a Roth conversion before year-end to make the most of the federal tax deduction for state and local income taxes, which could disappear next year.

Relying too much on tax-loss harvesting to generate an income is a common mistake that clients should avoid after they retire.

Retirees should take advantage of their flexible schedule, which allows them to go on vacation during off season to save on costs.

Retirees who have reached the age of 70 1/2 should take required minimum distributions from tax-deferred accounts, while those who are younger should draw from their taxable accounts.

With the right steps, clients can reduce their tax liability, as well as new sources of retirement income with different tax treatments,

If clients set aside a portion of earnings in a 401(k) or IRA, taxes weren't forgiven, just deferred. They'll still owe money to the IRS at some point.

While clients cannot determine their health care expenses and taxes in retirement, they can improve their prospects by minimizing investment fees and diversifying their portfolios.

Small firms are allowed to set up multiple-employer plans, but the government needs to "simplify and rationalize the rules" for these types of plans, says an expert.

Medicare Part B premiums will stay flat next year, but most retirees will still pay more.

Clients should claim their retirement benefits only when other taxable income sources are used up, as their benefits could be taxed if their taxable earnings reach a certain threshold.