Hold tight or splurge? Booming retirement accounts prompt tough questions
Savers are starting to take money out of their 401(k) accounts—despite taxes and penalties involved—assuming it will be replaced as markets continue to surge upward.
Retirement scan
Do Social Security rules change by state?
Employees should consider that state laws may differ on who may be legally recognized as a beneficiary's spouse and thus whether their partner would be entitled to spousal benefits.
Do target-date funds make sense for employees?
While the funds are ideal for certain people, they don't address important retirement considerations, such as the cost of funding a comfortable living and a person’s savings rate.
Lower worker expectations on pension-plan promises
With many private and public pensions in the red, employees are advised to look for options that will improve their prospects, such Roth IRAs.
4 ways to take money from 401(k)s or IRAs without paying a penalty
IRA investors can draw funds from their accounts tax-free if the money will be used to fund college tuition and other related costs.
Should employees invest part of a bonus in their 401(k)?
Workers have an option to stash their bonus in their 401(k), but doing it may not be a good idea.
Workers putting retirement savings ahead of regular savings
New research finds that Americans are stashing more cash in their 401(k)s than in savings account.
5 key differences between Roth and traditional IRAs
Not knowing the differences between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA could be costly for retirement savers.
Why working past 65 can be doubly rewarding
Adding five years to working years will enable workers to replace their pre-retirement income by up to 90% instead of 60% in some cases,
5 changes to retirement savings for 2018
Annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans have been raised to $18,500 this year, with catch-up contribution limits capped at $6,000.
3 reasons workers should claim Social Security early
Employees looking to launch a business should consider collecting their retirement benefits early.
5 big changes for retirees in 2018
Retirees will have to alter the way they file taxes under the new tax law, including making two years' worth of charitable donations every other year to exceed the standard deduction and itemize.
The super-easy retirement investing plan
Employees who prefer a simple retirement investing strategy should consider a dividend stock index fund.
Health savings account vs. 401(k), which is better for savers?
Tax-free withdrawals could outweigh an employer's match if early withdrawals are made for expenses like healthcare.
Retirement savers should ignore market forecasts
Retirees should stick to their strategies and diversify their portfolios with various sources of income.
One thing workers can do now to improve odds of retiring early
Employees should do a quick assessment of their retirement prospects while still working.
How workers can get the most out of 2018 financial resolutions
One strategy to enhance financial prospects is to get a part-time job via the gig economy.
3 top index funds for an employees’ IRA
Workers may want to opt for a fund that follows small companies as they will benefit from a lower corporate tax rate under the new tax law.
What makes the U.S. retirement system a bad example
A pension expert from the Netherlands says that the U.S. retirement system sets a bad example in securing the golden years of its workforce.
Missing this retirement deadline could trigger a 50% tax penalty
Seniors who are 70 1/2 and older should ensure that they take their first required minimum distribution from tax-deferred retirement accounts by Dec. 29.
