Retirement scan

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

Employees can simplify their retirement portfolio by merging multiple accounts.

The new tax law has extended the grace period for outstanding 401(k) loans made by workers who switch jobs, luring more participants to borrow from their accounts, exposing them to greater risk.

Taxation of retirement plan distributions and Social Security benefits remains unchanged under the new tax law, but retirees are likely to see an increase in after-tax income.

The proposed budget includes a provision that would give Medicare recipients the option to contribute to a health savings account, which would offer various tax benefits.

Workers who are looking for new investments may want to invest in small-cap dividend payers,

Raising the payroll tax is the easy way (in theory); here are other solutions for funding the Social Security shortfall.

Younger investors may see the market's swing as just another fluctuation in the market, while assuming that time is on their side. Older investors, on the other hand, may be far more stressed.

Working longer and delaying Social Security could result in a bigger retirement benefit.

Retirees are advised to step back to get a better perspective and then review their asset allocation in their portfolio.

Investors are advised to liquidate some assets or transfer them to certificates of deposit and money market funds.