Editorial Staff

Your late clients' surviving spouses or children are entitled to a $255 lump-sum death benefit, as long as they meet these requirements.

Your late clients' surviving spouses or children are entitled to a $255 lump-sum death benefit, as long as they meet these requirements.

79% of people supported raising the full retirement age to 68 from 67, according to a survey from the University of Maryland, which could reduce benefits even for those who wait until 70 to retire.

Clients are likely to overlook the possibility of portfolio failure, unexpected financial responsibility and health issues.

While some experts recommend annuitizing at least 25% of savings to generate guaranteed income in retirement, clients should weigh other options before making a decision.

While some experts recommend annuitizing at least 25% of savings to generate guaranteed income in retirement, clients should weigh other options before making a decision.

The U.S. ranks poorly among 14 developed nations, with U.S. females having the shortest life spans and U.S. males the second shortest.

The U.S. ranks poorly among 14 developed nations, with U.S. females having the shortest life spans and U.S. males the second shortest.

The one-size-fits-all approach may not suit everyone as circumstances vary. Investors may consider a managed account, plus a robo, which is an inexpensive alternative.

People who were born in 1960 and later can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits as soon as they reach 62, but their full retirement age has been increased to 67.

Knowing full retirement age is a key to developing a claiming strategy that will enable pre-retirees to maximize Social Security benefit.

Knowing full retirement age is a key to developing a claiming strategy that will enable pre-retirees to maximize Social Security benefit.

With the full retirement age increased, the advantages of waiting until age 70 have been somewhat diminished.

With the full retirement age increased, the advantages of waiting until age 70 have been somewhat diminished.

While workers are better off leaving their money in the plans, they’re allowed to make penalty-free withdrawals if it’s for out-of-pocket medical bills not covered by insurance.

While workers are better off leaving their money in the plans, they’re allowed to make penalty-free withdrawals if it’s for out-of-pocket medical bills not covered by insurance.

Proponents of defined-contribution plans envisioned them as supplements to defined benefit plans; they didn't anticipate that 401(k)s would largely replace pensions.

Proponents of defined-contribution plans envisioned them as supplements to defined benefit plans; they didn't anticipate that 401(k)s would largely replace pensions.

A retired substitute teacher can expect a two-thirds cut to her Social Security spousal benefits because of the government pension offset provision.

A retired substitute teacher can expect a two-thirds cut to her Social Security spousal benefits because of the government pension offset provision.