Retirement scan

Women are advised to double check their beneficiary information, update legal documents regularly and create a plan for long-term care.

Most respondents to an informal survey said they view Social Security as an income stream rather than as an asset. At least one expert disagrees.

More small businesses are motivated to provide 401(k) plans by technological advances as well as an expense war among mutual fund companies.

Buffalo, N.Y., is one of five cities where retirees who rely solely on Social Security for income can live comfortably.

Instead of buying one expensive car after another, clients should invest the money and let it grow. They may even be able to retire early.

Benefits are not capped at a predetermined level. They are based on two variables: a client’s highest earnings over 35 years and their age when they file for benefits.

High-yielding investments come with a significant risk, as exemplified by ETFs that own energy-focused master limited partnerships.

Investors should understand that market volatility will remain a risk to their portfolio, and investing in low-volatility funds does not guarantee protection.

Investors should rebalance their portfolio, consider investing in foreign markets and avoid trendy ways to minimize risk. Find out what they shouldn’t do.

Retirees who opt to manage their investments are advised to streamline their portfolio maintenance into a process that they can roll out toward the year's end.