401(k): Risks and rewards for the rest of 2018

Our daily roundup of retirement news your clients may be thinking about.

401(k) investors: What are the risks and rewards for the rest of 2018
Despite the bumpy ride for 401(k) plans in the first half of this year, analysts say that investors can still expect a rosy scenario in the remainder of the year, according to this article on USA Today. "The market is being convicted (using) circumstantial evidence, and that type of investing will fail," says an investment strategist. "The business fundamentals in the U.S. are in great shape. People should ignore the negative rhetoric."

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Think twice about withdrawing from your IRA
Unlike in a 401(k) plan, an IRA does not allow investors to take a loan from the account, according to this article on Nasdaq. While they can withdraw the funds from the account, clients should weigh other options before making decision. That's because IRA investors who make withdrawals before the age of 59 1/2 will trigger a tax event plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Can a reverse mortgage help save an underfunded retirement?
Retirees who have home equity have the option of applying for a reverse mortgage to shore up their nest egg, according to this article from the Washington Post. However, they are advised to account for tax and other policy changes before making a decision. "Reverse mortgages may be a tool that is appropriate sometimes, but it should be considered a last resort,” says an expert.

For aging singles, here's how to plan for your golden years
Many Americans are growing old alone, making retirement planning all the more important to make sure they will be taken care of in the golden years, according to this article on CNBC. “The biggest challenge I find for singles with no family nearby is estate planning and care,” says an expert. “You have to have someone to look out for you financially and medically.”

Retirement catch up contributions - Supercharge your nest egg
Seniors aged 50 and older should make the most of the catch-up contributions in their retirement accounts such as 401(k) and IRA to secure their retirement, writes a Forbes contributor. "A large number of Americans are way behind when it comes to achieving financial security," writes the expert. "However, adding just a bit more money to those accounts could potentially make a significant difference in your retirement nest egg."

This article originally appeared in Financial Planning.
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Retirement income Social Security Social Security benefits 401(k) IRAs Reverse mortgages
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