Retirement

The guideline used a specific set of assumptions: a retirement lasting 30 years with savings in a tax-deferred account and nothing left for heirs. Change just one and your “safe” withdrawal rate may differ.

Retirees will owe taxes for up to 85% of their Social Security benefits if their adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest exceed a certain threshold.

Grave risks give advisors even more reasons to make retirement planning a priority.

A study notes that retirees might be experiencing the “Homer Simpson” mindset, in which they choose immediate gratification without thinking about the long-term consequences.

Among current retirees, the numbers aren't much better: 60% of them have not calculated how much health care costs impact their savings.

Forget bond ladders. Laddering defined-maturity exchange traded funds may be a safer fixed-income strategy for clients.

The order is for the Treasury Department to review rules that require mandatory distributions to begin when someone turns 70 1/2, and to make it easier for small businesses to offer 401(k) plans.

For wealthy people, Uncle Sam is a major challenge to asset growth.

Cost of living is a key consideration, but a retiree’s goals and objectives are also important.

While proceeds from life insurance are not subject to income tax, there are other taxes that will apply. But there are steps to take to avoid those liabilities too.

These property tax deferral programs are available to older homeowners who want to postpone real estate taxes provided they remain living in their home.

Most people, particularly younger clients, worry that they will not be able to get their Social Security benefits by the time they retire.

Clients still scarred from the losses are better prepared for the next market nosedive, advisors say.

Sometimes a planner's advice can go awry, despite best intentions.

Plan design features like automatic enrollment and automatic increases are having a positive impact. Such steps are designed to increase participation even from people who may be suffering from inertia, says a researcher.

Millennials and other younger clients would see their Social Security benefits decrease 21% once the program runs out of funds by 2034.

Many single baby boomers opt to stay put in retirement because they have no children who would advise them to move to an assisted living or continuous care community.

When the financial clouds are gathering, your clients have preparations to make. Top of the list: reduce risk.

Clients have a tax-saving opportunity to transfer pre-tax contributions in retirement accounts to a Roth or life insurance policy under the new law.