Editorial Staff

They are advised to max out tax-deductible contributions to their 401(k) plan and IRA to pay less in taxes this year.

A typically "balanced" portfolio (with 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds) yielded a return of 4% or more just 66% of the time.

A typically "balanced" portfolio (with 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds) yielded a return of 4% or more just 66% of the time.

As many as 30% of accounts are either abandoned or lost because many providers can no longer locate the account holders.

As many as 30% of accounts are either abandoned or lost because many providers can no longer locate the account holders.

Investing in more bonds for a short period is a good strategy for retirement savers to curb the sequence of return risk.

Investing in more bonds for a short period is a good strategy for retirement savers to curb the sequence of return risk.

For a couple details: Part D monthly premiums are often in the $35 to $50 range and higher-income retirees pay more for drug coverage.

For a couple details: Part D monthly premiums are often in the $35 to $50 range and higher-income retirees pay more for drug coverage.

Creating an irrevocable trust is an option for elders to protect themselves from people who want to take advantage of their declining health and benefit from their wealth.

Creating an irrevocable trust is an option for elders to protect themselves from people who want to take advantage of their declining health and benefit from their wealth.

The tax benefits of an HSA make those plans a better option to max out first, although contributing just enough to a company plan to get any matching funds should be first.

The tax benefits of an HSA make those plans a better option to max out first, although contributing just enough to a company plan to get any matching funds should be first.

Trump has proposed making it easier to pass on HSAs to heirs, while some House Republicans want to nearly double contribution limits.

Trump has proposed making it easier to pass on HSAs to heirs, while some House Republicans want to nearly double contribution limits.

High front-end fees, complex payouts and a lack of dividend income are among the reasons.

High front-end fees, complex payouts and a lack of dividend income are among the reasons.

The proceeds can be used to pay the tax bill from converting a 401(k) and traditional IRA into a Roth account.

The proceeds can be used to pay the tax bill from converting a 401(k) and traditional IRA into a Roth account.

Instead, focus on things as they are today, and the most likely scenario for tomorrow, while remaining flexible enough to accommodate changing circumstances.