Editorial Staff

Index funds can have longer-term benefits than just a one-time expense that's lower than the other investment options.

Index funds can have longer-term benefits than just a one-time expense that's lower than the other investment options.

Many Americans make the mistake of tapping their home value for immediate financial issues instead of using it to help fund their retirement.

Many Americans make the mistake of tapping their home value for immediate financial issues instead of using it to help fund their retirement.

Why timing is so important for college graduates when making contributions to their employers' 401(k) plans.

Why timing is so important for college graduates when making contributions to their employers' 401(k) plans.

Even index funds don’t necessarily escape workers' scrutiny when looking for unnecessary costs.

Even index funds don’t necessarily escape workers' scrutiny when looking for unnecessary costs.

Retirees who used a 4% withdrawal rate on a portfolio with a 50/50 asset allocation have retained 67.5% of their wealth 16 years out.

Retirees who used a 4% withdrawal rate on a portfolio with a 50/50 asset allocation have retained 67.5% of their wealth 16 years out.

Spousal and survivor benefits have become outdated and no longer address the needs of today's families given divorce rates and the number of single households.

Spousal and survivor benefits have become outdated and no longer address the needs of today's families given divorce rates and the number of single households.

While a stock-first withdrawal approach is viewed as a prudent way for retirees to tap into their retirement accounts, advisers should not readily recommend this strategy.

While a stock-first withdrawal approach is viewed as a prudent way for retirees to tap into their retirement accounts, advisers should not readily recommend this strategy.

Retirees may receive no increase in benefits in 2017, as the Social Security Trust Fund says that the cost-of-living-adjustment could range between zero to .7%.

Retirees may receive no increase in benefits in 2017, as the Social Security Trust Fund says that the cost-of-living-adjustment could range between zero to .7%.

Congress can help by creating a law that will enable states and local governments to lower the benefits they promise their employees.

Congress can help by creating a law that will enable states and local governments to lower the benefits they promise their employees.

Although market volatility makes stocks a risky investment option, retirement investors should continue to hold stocks in their portfolio.

Clients and their family members looking into assisted-living options should avoid making the decision at the last minute, particularly when a health crisis occurs.