Retirement scan

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.