Social Security

Surviving spouses will either receive their own Social Security benefit or the survivor's benefit, whichever is higher. But they also may get pushed to a higher tax bracket, which. in turn, could mean higher taxes on Social Security benefits.

Recent actions by the federal government are not helping Americans to improve their retirement prospects, says analyst.

Unlike when they were still working and their employer withheld an amount for their taxes, retirees need to make estimated tax payments to the IRS.

There is a way to help reshape deeply ingrained destructive habits.

The most important consideration is that clients are able to complete the 35-year work period because benefits are based on the 35 highest-paid years from their careers.

Clients should work together with their spouses and plan as a couple to develop a Social Security claiming strategy that will maximize their retirement benefits.

The government should tax the health insurance employers provide to employees to generate revenue to fix Social Security's financial woes, an expert says.

To avoid paying high fees, retirement savers should ensure that their plan administrator is a no-load fund company and avoid overpriced house funds.

Retirement investors can use their loss carryforward to write off the taxes triggered by a Roth IRA conversion.

Although the market continues to rally, a possible setback remains likely and retirement investors should be ready for this scenario.