Retirement scan

In September, the inflation rate was 2.23%, slightly higher than the proposed Social Security increase. So realistically, recipients "will not be better off at all."

Those who leave the workforce can maximize the tax benefits by donating a portion of their IRA assets directly through a qualified charitable distribution

More employers are increasingly becoming more open to making seasonal jobs into a year-round work and hiring retirees on a part-time basis.

High-yield or junk bonds, equities, and real estate investment trusts are excellent investment options for IRAs.

Indeed they are. Not only are they less healthy, they are more likely to worry about not having enough funds for housing, utilities and other necessities.

The tax cut proposal would not benefit retirees because most of them either owe no federal income taxes or face a modest tax burden.

Employees aged 50 and above would no longer be able to make catch-up contributions on a pretax basis to their retirement plans under the Senate version of the GOP tax proposal.

Employees aged 50 and above would no longer be able to make catch-up contributions on a pretax basis to their retirement plans under the Senate version of the GOP tax proposal.

A health savings account can be used to cover medical bills and can also be a great savings vehicle for retirement.

Employees who sock all their savings in a tax-deferred 401(k) plan will owe taxes at a higher rate when the funds are withdrawn in retirement.

Far too many financial advisors overlook home equity as part of a retirement income plan.

The tax plan would make itemized deductions less valuable so some retirees would lose a deduction that covers payments for nursing homes, assisted living or inpatient hospital care.

Under the rules, seniors face a tax liability for HSA contributions if they carry health coverage other than the high-deductible policy.

The Roth 401(k) is more flexible than a Roth IRA, and it is funded with after-tax dollars, which can help "diffuse the potential tax bomb."

The Roth 401(k) is more flexible than a Roth IRA, and it is funded with after-tax dollars, which can help "diffuse the potential tax bomb."

Workers should learn to reduce their housing, transportation and food costs, cut unnecessary expenses, and develop the habit of packing their lunch to work.

Clients should learn to reduce their housing, transportation and food costs, cut unnecessary expenses, and develop the habit of packing their lunch to work.

Employees should search the Department of Labor's Form 5500 filings to get their former employer's contact information.

Clients should search the Department of Labor's Form 5500 filings to get their former employer's contact information.

Clients who intend to name minor children as beneficiaries of their IRAs should take taxes into consideration before making a decision.