Retirement scan

Retiring at a time when the market is down is the biggest risk that employees will face. Here’s how to minimize the impact of a market slowdown.

Employees still have a few weeks to make deductible contributions to various retirement accounts, as well as health savings accounts, to reduce their 2017 tax liabilities.

The bill aims to help workers think in terms of lifetime income — as opposed to accumulated balances — by requiring benefit statements to include income estimates at least once a year.

These funds can help workers put saving plans on autopilot, but they can also take on more risk than expected.

Employees can simplify retirement portfolios by merging multiple accounts

Employees may expect a lower tax liability because of the new rates under the new tax law, especially those who were in the 25% bracket under the old law.

High living costs and lack of saving opportunities in the workplace are preventing many from building up a nest egg.

Parents should ensure that their child has earned an income adequate enough to be able to open an account, among other requirements.

In a bull market's later stages, some types of investments work better than others. Find out which ones they are.

Many Gen Xers do not have enough retirement savings even as they approach their peak earning years.

Employees who converted traditional IRA assets into Roth last year can still undo the conversion this year if they are going to pay more in taxes than what they were supposed to gain

Benefit are usually expected to replace about 40% of their pre-retirement income, but that's an average, so many workers will get even less. The question is: how much less?

Employees should consider limiting their traditional 401(k) savings, as the plans provide taxable distributions that can boost their tax bill in retirement

Despite the recent market downturn, workers should remain invested in their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.

A decline in income as a result of the death of a spouse and an increase in medical expenses both pose a serious risk to retirement but can be curbed with proper planning.

More workers are gaining access to a Roth 401(k), and employees should take advantage of it.

Employees who intend to invest in an IRA and make the most of the account should determine which of a Roth and a traditional IRA will best suit their needs.

Working seniors who intend to start collecting Social Security benefits in the middle of the year should know about the monthly earnings test.

A study suggests seniors tend to be healthier and live longer if they continue working past the retirement age, rather than leaving the labor force for good.

The solo 401(k), the SEP IRA and a SIMPLE IRA are retirement savings vehicles that are meant for contractors, freelancers and other self-employed individuals