Retirement scan

A new study finds that 36 online calculators provide "extremely misleading" advice about retirement planning; plus, dreams of living well in retirement dim for Americans.

Over half of people in their 60s have done no retirement planning in the past three years, according to one survey; plus, Medicare's biggest problem is not what your clients think.

President Obama's proposed 2017 budget includes provisions that would scrap the "backdoor" Roth IRA and Roth contributions after 70, ending the tax benefits from these strategies; plus; are 401(k)s and 529 college savings plans safe places for clients to invest?

Seniors who consider living in 55+ communities should determine whether the homes are age-ready and conducive for people with diminished physical activity; plus, how boomers became the disillusioned generation.

President Obama's fiscal 2017 budget proposal includes rules that would block investors from making "backdoor Roth" contributions; plus, the best cities for retirement jobs.

More seniors are opting to rent a home rather than own one, with the trend expected to continue in the foreseeable future; plus, are guaranteed retirement accounts the answer to the nation's looming retirement crisis?

Maintaining a special fund for hefty health costs and getting a Medigap policy are just two options to trim costs; Plus, tips for small business owners looking to retire.

The oldest GenXers are turning 50 this year, and most are north of 35. If they don't have a financial plan yet, here are steps they can take.

Why clients entering retirement should consider adjusting their spending and saving habits; Plus, the 10 toughest investment decisions for retirees.

Why a federal judge ruled that a retirement plan is required to show the custodial agreements it forged with a service provider; Plus, the only annuity solution 'bonus' investors should be looking for.

Why the compensation model for variable annuities may need to change because of the Labor Department's fiduciary proposal; plus, the pros and cons of 401(k) loans and six critical moves for a carefree retirement.

Why your recently retired clients should avoid an overly conservative investing approach; Plus, three smart ways to maximize your Roth IRA and advice for women nearing retirement age.

Retirement savers need to review their asset allocations because many investments are becoming more correlated as the global economy increasingly becomes intertwined; Plus, why the gender gap haunts women even in retirement.

Workers and employers would benefit from a phased retirement, but only one in four workers aged 55 and older have such an option; Plus, clients should avoid being dogmatic about withdrawals.

The benefits debate is part of a concerted effort to show that Social Security is too expensive and needs to be cut, writes Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

Finding the right investment mix is challenging since it's an imprecise science and depends on market history and asset class valuations; Plus, what clients need to know about the first required distribution.

If mutual funds in 401(k) plans underperform yet charge hefty fees, participants can take action; Plus, President Obama plans to push new rules making it easier for small businesses to offer 401(k) plans.

Even those clients who have amassed substantial savings or have pensions are not ready to leave the work force if they have no health care plans; Plus, talk to clients about these retirement myths.

When stocks tumble, retirement investors are advised to check market fundamentals to determine whether the drop is temporary or signals a broader decline; Plus, nine money apps to keep your clients' retirement planning on track.

One contributor takes exception with the idea that many Americans are in trouble with their savings; Plus, clients should ignore calls to 'sell everything!'