Retirement Planning

How much money will you need to retire? As you think about retirement planning, there’s a lot to consider, including when to retire, where to live, 401(k) plans, IRAs, annuities, Social Security and more. Explore these articles to learn how to plan effectively and when to start saving for retirement.

Senior business woman reviewing annuity.

Understanding a Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Annuity

Learn how taxes work on qualified and non-qualified annuities.

Multiple generation family at the beach at sunset

Get Familiar With Inherited IRA Rules

Learn what to expect with an inherited IRA, whether you're the original account holder or a surviving spouse or loved one.

Smiling older couple wondering when to retire look at a map

How to Know When to Retire

Choosing the right time to retire is difficult, especially if you've endured long-term unemployment. Here are some questions you may want to ask.

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 45?

If you're hoping to exit the workforce in your 40s, you'll likely need a very large investment account and the right asset mix.

How Much Money Do I Need to Retire at 40?

Those who hope to retire at 40 need to be focused on their savings. Accordingly, it's important to know how much to save. Here's how to find out.

Smiling older woman looking down at research on annuity benefits

6 Annuity Benefits to Consider

Purchasing an annuity provides you with certain benefits in retirement planning. Here are six for you to keep in mind.

A couple discusses how they can contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA

Can I Contribute to a 401(k) & an IRA?

If you qualify for making contributions to both types of retirement accounts, it may be beneficial to save and invest in a 401(k) and an IRA.

Young children and parents who have started preparing for retirement

5 Reasons to Start Preparing for Retirement Now

Here are just a handful of reasons why you should start preparing for retirement today.

middle-aged couple prepares their retirement budget and asks: how much to do I need to retire at 50?

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 50?

Planning to retire at 50 can seem like a stretch, but that's not to say it's impossible. Here are some factors to consider.

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 60?

Can you afford an early retirement? Here are some considerations — from savings to costs — to help you figure it out.

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 62?

Seeing as the "official" retirement age doesn't kick in until your mid-60s, 62 is considered an early retirement. Could you still make it work?

A young woman considers how much to contribute to a 401(k) in her 20s

4 Ways to Decide How Much to Contribute to a 401(k) in Your 20s

Time is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to retirement, so starting to save in your 20s could make all the difference.

A happy older couple smiles and laughs after purchasing a flexible premium deferred annuity

What Is a Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity?

A flexible premium deferred annuity is an annuity purchased with multiple payments or premiums.

A young women researching how to increase 401(k) contributions incrementally

When to Increase 401(k) Contributions: 3 Key Things to Consider

Increasing retirement contributions is a good idea, but factors need consideration? Here's when you might make changes, and what to take into account.

graphic illustrates what to know at every retirement age milestone to help your retirement planning

Planning for Retirement? What to Know at Every Retirement Age Milestone

Age is only a number — and an integral part of retirement planning. Here, we’ve outlined some of the most important retirement age milestones to consider, including Social Security, Medicare and retirement accounts.

Girl hugging her grandfather after discussing what happens to annuities when you die

What Happens to an Annuity When You Die?

Some annuities stop making payments when you die and others pass on to a beneficiary.

An older couple laughing and talking after looking at a house for retirement

Buying a House for Retirement? Consider These 3 Factors

Buying a new home could be a great way to start your golden years, but there are some considerations to think through first.

How to Make Money in Retirement

Want to earn a little extra retirement income? Here's why you may want to consider it — and how to get started.

Adult son and his father discussing annuity options after son becomes the beneficiary

Claiming Your Inheritance: Annuity Options for Beneficiaries

Not everyone knows the tax, and other, implications of being the beneficiary of an annuity. Here's what you should know.

Mother and young daughter holding cups of coffee and discussing a custodial IRA

What Is a Custodial IRA?

A custodial IRA, or a custodial Roth IRA, could help set your children or grandchildren on a path to financial security at an early age.

Gardening grandmother and granddaughter who will receive an annuity death benefit

How Does an Annuity Death Benefit Work?

Annuities often offer a death benefit. Here's some more information to keep in mind.

Middle-aged couple who share a spousal IRA walking their dog on a fall day

What Is a Spousal IRA?

A nonworking spouse can still save for his or her own retirement with an IRA.

Father high-fives his son while mother watches after parents discuss their annuity options.

What Are the Different Types of Annuities?

The different types of annuities each offer a variety of features. Learn the advantages of each and what to expect when you purchase an annuity.

5 Ways to Help Get Your Retirement Plan Off the Ground

Saving early for retirement could make a difference in the long run. Here are some potential steps to take to help you get started.

A couple sits on a park bench and discusses changing their medicare supplement insurance plan

When Can I Change My Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan?

Here's some information on when you can change from one Medicare supplement plan to another.

A retired couple reviews whether they need supplemental insurance if they have Medicare

Do I Need Supplemental Insurance if I Have Medicare?

Private insurance may help to cover the extra Medicare costs you could face in retirement. Knowing your options can help.

A daughter brings her mother flowers while they discuss withdrawal plans for an inherited IRA

How a New 10-Year Rule Could Affect Your Inherited IRA

"Stretch IRAs" are now a thing of the past due to a new 10-year rule that affects non-spousal beneficiaries of an inherited IRA.

One woman smiles with her husband after becoming a joint annuitant

What Is a Joint Annuitant?

Some annuities allow the annuity owner to name two annuitants, which are commonly called joint annuitants.

A young couple discusses how much they should contribute to their 401(k)

How Much Should I Contribute to My 401(k)?

Deciding how much to contribute to your 401(k) plan depends on several factors. Here's how to arrive at a good target retirement savings rate.

senior couple walks on a sunny day to discuss how annuities can provide guaranteed retirement income

Annuities 101: The Annuity Basics

What is an annuity, and how could it help you prepare for the future?

Happy mature couple on a couch looking up average retirement savings by age on a phone

Understanding Average Retirement Savings by Age

It's natural to want to know how your retirement savings stack up. Here's what the data shows at every age.

A smiling woman in a wheelchair researches planning for early retirement due to disability.

How to Plan for Early Retirement Due to Disability

Even if unexpected, it's wise to plan for early retirement due to disability, as this can help you prepare for bigger expenses with a lower income.

middle-aged couple walks their dog on a sunny hillside and contemplates an early retirement

Can I Retire Early?

Find out how you may be able to retire early — and learn what it takes to reach this big financial goal. Ready to leave work behind? It might be possible.

A mature couple walks alongside a bicycle after saving for health care costs in retirement.

Planning for Your Health Care Costs in Retirement

For many retirees, health care costs in retirement are a major financial concern. But with some planning, you may be more prepared for these expenses.

A woman using her laptop considers taking an early withdrawal from a 401(k)

4 Things to Consider Before Taking an Early Withdrawal From a 401(k)

Taking an early withdrawal can affect your long-term retirement savings. Here are some considerations before you move forward.

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4 Steps You May Want to Consider When Planning Your Retirement Income

Whether you want steady retirement income to last your lifetime or seek confidence to meet whatever the future holds, establishing a plan is an important step toward guiding your retirement in the right direction.

Retirees who receive an immediate annuity taking a break from hiking

What Is an Immediate Annuity?

An immediate annuity could help ensure a regular income in retirement. Learn how it provides guaranteed income by converting your assets into payments.

Happy senior couple enjoying the outdoors and discussing when to start claiming social security

When Can You Collect Social Security Retirement Benefits?

You can start claiming Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, but your monthly payment will be reduced. Here's what to consider.

Married couple moving into a new home after finding places to retire in the midwest

5 Places to Retire in the Midwest

There's more to the U.S. than coastal cities and beach towns for retirees.

Happy couple discusses their retirement expenses

7 Retirement Expenses to Prepare For

While you prepare for retirement, it's important to consider likely costs for things such as housing, transportation and health care.

A happy couple sitting on a couch discusses what to do in retirement

Wondering What to Do in Retirement? Consider These 12 Ideas

Retirement comes with lots of newfound free time. Here are some ideas for how to spend it.

Happy retired seniors smiling by the ocean and talking about basic retirement terms

Retirement Terms 101: 5 Terms to Know When Preparing for Retirement

Here are some of the basic retirement terms to know as you prepare for your golden years.

Retired couple taking a picture on a boat after they retired overseas

Want to Retire Overseas? Consider These Financial Details First

International retirement is possible, but it can affect your taxes, insurance and other financial factors.

Retired couple walking on a beach and discussing their retirement checklist

Retirement Checklist: 7 Steps to Prepare

Retirement is an exciting stage, but it may change your financial life. Making a plan in advance can help.

A happy couple embrace and smile after purchasing a single premium annuity

What Is a Single Premium Annuity?

A single premium annuity is purchased with a lump sum of money, known as a premium. There are different types of single premium annuities.

A man and woman look at a tablet together and consider retirement strategies

Retirement Strategies to Consider

Everyone retires differently — shouldn't you plan for it your own way, too?

A middle-aged couple sits at a table and looks at papers regarding their retirement income planning

A Guide to Retirement Income Planning

If you want to help make your income in retirement last, here are some things to consider as you start planning for the long term.

Couple jogging by a sunflower field, discussing a deferred annuity

What Is a Deferred Annuity & How Does It Work?

If you're ready to buy an annuity now but don't need the payout for a while, you might consider a deferred annuity.

A older man honing his photography skills which is one retirement hobby that makes money

Retirement Hobbies That Make Money

You don't have to rely on your savings alone in retirement. These hobbies can help you earn money, too.

Woman zipping up coat on a run and thinking about how annuities work

How Do Annuities Work?

If you're deciding whether to purchase an annuity, it may be helpful to understand how they work, the different types, and their potential benefits.

mature couple rides bikes and decides whether a roth individual retirement account is right for them

What Is a Roth IRA?

A beginner's guide to Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs). We look at the basics, benefits and rules for managing them.

multigenerational family enjoys a sunny spring day as the grandparents talk about an ira inheritance

Leaving an IRA Inheritance

Learn how a legacy IRA could help you leave an inheritance and potential tax benefits for future generations.

Not Saving for Retirement? Here's the Cost of Waiting

Saving for retirement could be a vital part of a secure future — so consider putting it on your checklist! Learn more about the cost of waiting.

What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Leave a Job?

When you change jobs, you'll likely have a few options when deciding what to do with your 401(k) savings.

four neighbors of various ages eat at a block party and discuss when is a good time for opening an ira

Is There a Right Age for Opening an IRA?

When it comes to IRAs, it's almost never too early — or too late — to open one. Here's how IRAs can be a good fit for different life stages.

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 65?

The current full retirement age is 67 — how do you know if you'll be prepared by then? Here are a few key factors in the retirement equation.

Retirement Planning for Women

From longer life expectancy to gender pay disparities, women's retirement considerations may be different from men's.

Older woman who has just heard annuities explained by her husband

Annuities Explained: 5 Myths Debunked

Annuities are sometimes misunderstood. Here are five common myths.

grandparents sit by a lake with their two grandkids and are happy they invested in a traditional ira

What Is a Traditional IRA?

A beginner's guide to traditional IRAs. How do these retirement plans work, what are the benefits — and what rules do you need to know?

African American male on computer researching where to invest after maxing out his 401(k)

Maxing Out Your 401(k)? Alternatives to Consider

Once you've reached the threshold of how much you can contribute to your 401(k), you may want to consider putting money into other accounts.

self-employed businessman works on his laptop in a sunny room to research: what is an IRA?

What Are the Different Types of IRA Accounts?

An IRA could offer a great way to boost your retirement contributions while getting some potential tax advantages along the way.

Senior couple riding bikes on a sunny day and discusses generating income in retirement

Generating Income in Retirement: 5 Strategies to Consider

Here's how you may be able to generate more income in retirement to help fund your lifestyle.

Man hiking on a sunny day considering options after finding out he has no 401(k) at work

No 401(k) at Work? Consider These Alternatives

If you don't have a 401(k) at work, there are some other ways to potentially save money or grow your existing funds.

Senior couple enjoying a walk on the beach and discussing a possible lost 401(k)

Tracking Down a Lost 401(k)

Do you have an unclaimed 401(k)? Whether you're unsure or know you have missing retirement money, here are some potential next steps.

How Are Annuities Taxed?

It's important to learn how annuities work and understand when you might pay taxes.

Young couple sitting on the floor and looking up the 2019 ira contribution limits on tablet

IRA Contribution Limits: How One Change Could Boost Your Retirement Income

The IRS increased the annual IRA contribution limit to $6,000 for 2022, meaning investing in an IRA may be more beneficial than ever.

Senior woman smelling flowers on a tree while thinking about retirement catch-up contributions

How to Make Catch-Up Contributions to Your Retirement Savings

Catch-up contributions can help you save more as you approach retirement.

What Is a Vested 401(k)?

If you're wondering what a vested 401(k) is, here's some information to consider.

businesswoman researches the difference between a 401(k) and IRA while traveling by train for work

What's the Difference Between a 401(k) & IRA?

If you have a 401(k), should you also get an IRA? Knowing the difference between the two is an important part of preparing for retirement.

The Civil Service Retirement System

Federal employees should understand how the Civil Service Retirement System can affect their retirement.

Woman checking her Social Security benefits and wondering what is COLA

What Is Social Security COLA?

A cost of living adjustment (COLA) is an important aspect of your Social Security benefits.

Married couple discussing how early retirement affects social security

How Does Early Retirement Affect Social Security?

Workers are able to collect Social Security as early as age 62, but retiring early can affect your monthly benefit.

An old man sitting and enjoying his beach retirement

5 Affordable Beach Retirement Towns

Do you want to spend your retirement years basking in sunny weather on a white sand beach? Consider these affordable beach towns.

Retired woman teaching a yoga class after looking at cool retirement jobs

5 Cool Retirement Jobs

If you still want to work in retirement, one of these fun jobs could be a good option.

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before I Retire?

Paying off a home while you're still working is an ambitious goal, but it's important to gather all the facts first.

Working After Retirement

Here are three financial considerations to keep in mind as you decide whether to go back to work after retiring.

3 Retirement Withdrawal Strategies to Help Make Your Savings Last

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing retirement funds — but there are some common strategies worth considering.

Senior couple on autumn camping trip discussing alternatives to social security

Alternatives to Social Security to Help Boost Your Retirement Income

You may want to consider these alternatives to Social Security in order to help boost your retirement income.

Evaluating an Early Retirement Offer

Taking an early retirement offer is a personal — and financial — decision. Here's what you may want to consider.

Middle aged couple happy and excited after deciding where to live in retirement

Deciding Where to Live in Retirement: What to Consider

Relocating in retirement could lower your cost of living and give you access to the activities you want to enjoy. Here's how to approach the decision.

How to start saving for retirement in your 50s, like this mature woman pictured jogging in the fall

How to Start Saving for Retirement at 50 & Beyond

Need to catch up on your retirement savings (and catch up fast)? Here are some ways to get started.

Man reading newspaper and considering how to increase social security benefits after retirement

How to Potentially Increase Social Security Benefits After Retirement

There are several options that could help you potentially increase your Social Security benefits after retirement.

retirees enjoying tea together and discussing moving into a retirement community

Moving Into a Retirement Community: Options & Considerations

There are a lot of living arrangements available to you in retirement. How can you start thinking about your options ahead of time?

Older couple riding their bikes on a beach and talking about social security

4 Social Security Myths Debunked

Here are some of the most common Social Security myths and the truth behind them.

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Types of Retirement Plans: Which Ones Apply to You?

There are many types of retirement plans available, depending on your place of work. Do you know which ones apply to you?

One of many happy married couples with Social Security benefits dancing together in the park

Married Couples With Social Security Benefits: What to Consider

Your age affects your Social Security benefits — but, as it turns out, so does your marital status. Here's how it works.

mature father and adult son on a park bench cheerfully discuss how to choose a fixed indexed annuity

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Fixed Indexed Annuity

A fixed indexed annuity could be an excellent tool for your retirement. These five questions could help you decide if one is right for your needs.

senior couple ride a motorscooter on a sunny day and recall common retirement myths they’ve learned

5 Common Retirement Myths Debunked

Don't let these common misconceptions stand in the way of preparing for the retirement you want.

How to Roll Over a 401(k) to a New Employer

A new job usually comes with a new retirement plan. So what can you do with the old one?

How Much Do I Need to Retire at 55?

Retiring a decade or more before the official retirement age could be an attainable goal if you save wisely and build out multiple income sources.

wife embraces husband as they review annuity income rider details on a tablet computer at home

What Is an Income Rider & Why Would You Include One?

Some annuities offer income riders that can increase potential growth and flexibility in your benefits. Does a rider fit into your plan?

smiling single father reads to his young daughter as he thinks about annuities after his divorce

10 Things to Consider When It Comes to Divorce & Annuities

Dividing property during a divorce can go a lot of ways — here are 10 important considerations when handling joint annuities.

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What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?

Looking to leave behind a bighearted legacy that also leaves room for your retirement plans? Consider a charitable gift annuity.

two women enjoy lunch together in a restaurant and discuss social security benefits after divorce

A Quick Guide to Social Security Benefits After Divorce

Did you know you may be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits — even if your marriage ended in divorce?

mature woman crochets in her home studio as she considers moving her previous 401(k) into a rollover IRA

When Could a 401(k) Rollover to IRA Make Sense?

Do you still have a 401(k) from an old job? You might want to consider a rollover IRA to manage your retirement savings.

smiling young couple sits on a bench in a park to discuss their new jobs’ pension plan benefits

What Is a Pension Plan?

Will a pension plan be part of your retirement future? Learn more about how these retirement accounts work and explore their benefits.