401(k)

The CARES Act waiver of penalties for premature 401(k) withdrawals may hurt the very American workers and families the Act is supposed to help.

Gauging any possible changes to their health insurance coverage is just one consideration they must address before they retire.

For starters, they can use the windfall to pay off debt, shore up their HSAs and build a cash reserve.

For one, clients will owe taxes still on the distributions, unless they recontribute the money into the account within three years.

Older clients are advised to take extra steps to protect their finances as the current crisis may leave them prone to making poor financial decisions.

Clients are advised to minimize spending and tap possible sources of cash and credit, including their tax refund.

Clients are advised to keep some of their savings in cash and focus on their long-term prospects.

“Find ways to generate income,” says one financial planner.

While some retirees have seen a substantial increase in spending, many others are enjoying financial freedom.

Aside from refinancing, retirees are advised to consider downsizing their homes to reduce overall spending.