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

What Is a Roth IRA & How Does It Work?

A beginner's guide to Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs). We look at the basics, benefits and rules for managing them.
Retirement Planning
grandparents sit by a lake with their two grandkids and are happy they invested in a traditional ira

What Is a Traditional IRA & How Does It Work?

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

What Are the Different Types of Annuities?

Annuities come in a few varieties, and not every option will best suit your needs. Knowing the key differences can help you choose.
Retirement Planning
Mature man looking into his IRA tax deduction on a computer

Are You Eligible for an IRA Tax Deduction?

Here are some of the eligibility rules for tax deductions for traditional IRAs.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
A happy man and a woman sitting on a car planning an early retirement

6 Signs You May Be on Track to an Early Retirement 

You might be closer than you realize to making your early retirement a reality. 
Retirement Planning
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. 
Retirement Planning
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. 
Retirement Planning
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. 
Retirement Planning
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. 
Retirement Planning
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 2019, meaning investing in an IRA may be more beneficial than ever.
Retirement Planning
Senior woman leaning on a fence, looking out over a field and wondering is probate necessary

Is Probate Necessary for All Wills?

Here are some of the factors that determine whether it's necessary for a will to go through probate.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
Man checking his retirement plan balance on his work computer and wondering what is a vested 401k

What Is a Vested 401(k)?

If you're wondering what a vested 401(k) is, here's some information to consider. 
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
Happy women sitting with her dog on the couch during her mini retirement

Could a Mini Retirement Be Right for You?

A mini retirement is a break from your career, and it could be the right move for you for a number of reasons.
Retirement Planning
3 generations of women discussing what to do in retirement

What to Do in Retirement: 10 Ideas

Spending your time on activities you enjoy can help make for a fun and fulfilling second act.
Retirement Planning
Senior couple enjoying coffee talking about retirement bucket list ideas

25 Retirement Bucket List Ideas

Having a list of goals and experiences can help you live out a fulfilling retirement.
Retirement Planning
An elderly woman talking to her granddaughter about disability and retirement benefits

Can I Receive Disability & Retirement Benefits at the Same Time?

Here's how Social Security disability and retirement benefits work together in retirement.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
A woman taking a water break in the woods and thinking about the civil service retirement system

The Civil Service Retirement System: Understanding How It Works

Federal employees should understand how the Civil Service Retirement System can affect their retirement.
Retirement Planning
Older pensive woman looking out the window and thinking about running out of money in retirement

Worried About Running Out of Money in Retirement? Here's What to Consider

If you're concerned about not having enough money to live comfortably in retirement, here are some things to keep in mind. 
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
Adult daughter hugging her mother while they cook together and discuss a prepaid funeral

How Does a Prepaid Funeral Work?

Prepaying a funeral can help make life easier for loved ones. But how does it work, and is it a good idea?
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
Man sitting with his dog in a field by a tree line thinking about his estate planning checklist

Estate Planning Checklist: 10 Steps to Help You Prepare

If you're ready to start estate planning, this checklist can help you get the ball rolling.
Retirement Planning
A pensive man wondering whether cashing out your 401(k) to pay off debt is the right move

Does Cashing Out Your 401(k) to Pay Off Debt Make Sense?

A substantial retirement account may be able to help reduce your debt, but is it worth it? 
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
Mother and daughter at the beach discussing what to do if you inherit an IRA

What to Do if You Inherit an IRA

Do you know how to handle assets if you inherit an IRA? The rules can be a bit complicated, so here's what to consider.
Retirement Planning
Person resting on their bike's handlebars in a park

Forced Into Retirement Early? Here's What to Consider

You don't always get to choose when to end your career. Here's what to consider if you're forced into retirement.
Retirement Planning
Man retiring from work and sitting at his desk

Retiring From Work? 4 Financial Considerations Before You Leave

As you prepare to leave your job for retirement, you may want to consider these four financial details.
Retirement Planning
A old woman sitting on a park bench smiling after retiring single

Retiring Single? Here's How to Start Planning & Preparing

Retiring single comes with some unique financial challenges, but proper planning may help set you up for success.
Retirement Planning
Veteran tucking his daughter in under a blanket on the couch after discussing active duty retirement

Active Duty Retirement: 4 Ways to Plan Financially

It's important to thoroughly consider the many retirement benefits available to active duty servicemen and women.
Retirement Planning
parents help their two kids with homework and wonder if they should save for retirement or college

Will You Save for Retirement or Your Children's College Education?

Putting your retirement needs first could help your children in the long run. Learn how you could make this difficult decision with certainty.
Retirement Planning
old couple eating ice cream on a cruise and wondering if retiring on a cruise ship is right for you

Is Retiring on a Cruise Ship Right for You?

If you're leaning toward a more adventurous retirement, living on a cruise ship full-time might be right for you.
Retirement Planning
an elderly woman sitting in a kitchen in front of a laptop smiling and working after retirement

Working After Retirement: 3 Financial Considerations

Here are three financial considerations to keep in mind as you decide whether to go back to work after retiring.
Retirement Planning
Husband and wife filing paperwork for Social Security planning over coffee

5 Social Security Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Before you start collecting benefits, consider these five common Social Security mistakes.
Retirement Planning
Retired couple hiking on a trial

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.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
A retired couple smiles as they walk together in a park on a spring day: variable annuity

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Variable Annuity

A variable annuity could be a good tool for your retirement. These five questions could help you decide if one is right for your needs.
Retirement Planning
older couple doing paperwork and planning their retirement budget

7 Steps to Building a Retirement Budget

A retirement budget may help you stay more financially stable. Here are some steps to consider as you get started.
Retirement Planning
Carpenter smiling as he designs a project and considers how to make money in retirement

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. 
Retirement Planning
Senior couple checking map on a walk and talking about starting an emergency fund in retirement

Why You May Need an Emergency Fund in Retirement

Your retirement savings may cover your daily lifestyle, but you might want to also prepare for the unpredictable.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
Older couple with bikes who are evaluating an early retirement offer

Evaluating an Early Retirement Offer 

Taking an early retirement offer is a personal — and financial — decision. Here's what you may want to consider.
Retirement Planning
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?
Retirement Planning
grandmother discusses types of retirement plans with grandchildren

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?
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
multigenerational family dines at home as sandwich generation couple discusses retirement strategies

5 Retirement Strategies for the Sandwich Generation

Being a member of the sandwich generation doesn't have to mean retirement worries. Here are five strategies to help balance finances with commitments.
Retirement Planning
Senior couple knowledgeable about the difference between Medicare vs. Medicaid walking on the beach.

Medicare vs. Medicaid: How Covered Am I?

Medicare and Medicaid are different programs serving different purposes. Understanding them in the context of retirement planning is crucial.
Retirement Planning
How much do I need to retire at 60, like the couple pictured here walking on the beach?

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.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
couple laughs and walks on the beach and discusses the question: how much do I need to retire at 62

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?
Retirement Planning
woman works at desk and talks with human resources about how to roll over a 401(k) to a new employer

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?
Retirement Planning
happy 50-something couple relaxes at home and asks each other: how much do I need to retire at 55?

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.
Retirement Planning
happy daughter embraces father near the ocean as they discuss average retirement savings by age

What Are the Average Retirement Savings by Age?

Although there are plenty of retirement savings recommendations out there, it can help to know how they typically pan out in reality.
Retirement Planning
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?
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
happy retired couple uses required minimum distribution from their ira to take a fun road trip

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD): How Does It Work?

Thinking about your required minimum distribution (RMD) is part and parcel of planning (and saving) for retirement. Here's how it works.
Retirement Planning
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.
Retirement Planning
happy senior couple takes a selfie and imagines retiring together due to solid retirement planning

Retirement Planning: Will You & Your Spouse Retire at the Same Time?

Not all couples retire together — and for those who don't, planning for a staggered retirement is important for a smooth transition.
Retirement Planning
parents help adult daughter unload van and learn to balance their boomerang kid and retirement planning

How to Balance Boomerang Kids & Your Retirement

While the boomerang kids phenomenon isn't completely new, it's still a consideration facing many parents trying to balance their kids with retirement.
Retirement Planning
seniors at home using tablet researching leaving a legacy

Leaving a Legacy Through a Charitable Gift Annuity

Looking to leave behind a bighearted legacy that also leaves room for your retirement plans? Consider a charitable gift annuity.
Retirement Planning
multigenerational family enjoys a sunny spring day as the grandparents talk about an ira inheritance

Leaving an IRA Inheritance: What Do You Need to Know?

Learn how a legacy IRA could help you leave an inheritance and potential tax benefits for future generations.
Retirement Planning
young family of four plays soccer in the park as parents think about benefits of roth ira conversions

How Roth IRA Conversions Could Fit Into Retirement Planning

Explore the basics and benefits of Roth IRA conversions to discover if a conversion could help you prepare for your golden years.
Retirement Planning
middle-aged group of two male and two female joggers run together and discuss divorce and retirement

Divorce & Retirement: The Divorcee's Guide to Retirement

Retirement may be the farthest thing from your mind after a divorce but considering how to reach your goals could help you move forward confidently.
Retirement Planning
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?
Retirement Planning
smiling retired couple researches different annuity payment options at home on their laptop

Annuity Payment Options: More Than Just Lump Sums

You don't have to own a luxury car or a beach house in Bali to own an annuity. Learn why annuities could be an option for everyone.
Retirement Planning
retiree plays chess outside with his son and grandson and reflects on things he wants to do in retirement

Life's Next Adventure: 5 Things to Do in Retirement

Quality over quantity — this saying is true for retirement too. Discover how a little self-reflection could help you enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
Retirement Planning
happy retired couple relaxes at home while talking and planning how to reduce their retirement taxes

Could Planning Ahead Help You Reduce Your Retirement Taxes?

Taxes are a certainty in life, and it doesn't change once you retire. Discover how planning ahead could help you reduce your taxes in retirement.
Retirement Planning
mature man assists female customer in a flower nursery and pursues an encore career in retirement

Ready for an Encore? How to Pursue an Encore Career in Retirement

Retirement doesn't have to mean the end of your professional life. An encore career could open the door to new adventures.
Retirement Planning
mature couple is preparing for retirement and discusses unexpected costs on a bike ride in the forest

Preparing for Retirement? Don't Forget Unexpected Costs

Preparing for retirement might seem straightforward, but unexpected costs could have a significant effect on your finances.
Retirement Planning
older female employee shakes manager’s hand after accepting an early retirement buyout

Should You Accept an Early Retirement Buyout?

An early retirement buyout offer could spark many important questions. Here are some things to consider before accepting the offer.
Retirement Planning
multigenerational family discusses avoiding common retirement mistakes on a fall walk in the woods

3 Common Retirement Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Retirement may be just around the corner for you, but have you thought about some of the most common financial mistakes retirees make?
Retirement Planning
mature female volunteer leads charity event with young women and enjoys being a volunteer in retirement

Volunteer in Retirement: A New 'Career' in a Field You Love

Pursue your passions in retirement with a new "career" as a volunteer. Learn how you could give back to your local community — or the world.
Retirement Planning
senior father and his adult son eat pizza after hauling boxes to celebrate his moving after retirement

Is Moving After Retirement in Your Future?

To move, or not to move, that is the question. It's important to weigh your options when considering a significant change after entering retirement.
Retirement Planning
senior couple dances at an outdoor party after discussing medicare coverage and retiree insurance

Medicare Coverage & Retiree Insurance: 5 Things You Need to Know

Are you confused about how Medicare works with retiree insurance? Here are five things that could be helpful to know.
Retirement Planning
senior couple clinks coffee mugs outside in the morning as they discuss rising costs in retirement

Don't Let Rising Costs in Retirement Blindside You

You may need to save more money for retirement than you think. Costs in retirement could add up quickly, especially when it comes to things like health care.
Retirement Planning
mature couple relaxes outside in the fall and decides when to start collecting social security benefits

Social Security: When Will You Start Collecting Benefits?

Learn more about Social Security and key benefit ages to discover when you could start collecting Social Security.
Retirement Planning
middle-aged couple laughs together outside of a café and discusses how to start planning for retirement

How to Start Planning for Retirement — From Scratch

Are you feeling uncertain about how to start saving for retirement? Learn how you could get on the right track.
Retirement Planning
friends celebrate life after retirement at backyard party and discuss how to stretch your savings

Life After Retirement: 5 Ways to Stretch Your Retirement Savings

Is retirement just around the corner? Learn how you could make your strong financial foundation last long after you leave the workforce.
Retirement Planning
smiling senior couple, happy to have medicare supplement insurance, embraces each other outside

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance & Is It Right for You?

Where Medicare leaves off, Medigap begins. Learn more about Medicare supplement insurance, and discover if it's the right choice for you.
Retirement Planning
senior couple eats at home and decides to discuss when to start saving for retirement with their kids

When to Start Saving for Retirement

Learn about the steps you could take to help plan for your future needs — no matter what life stage you're in.
Retirement Planning
happy senior couple walks along the beach and realizes how important it is to save for retirement

Save for Retirement & Don't Outlive Your Retirement Savings

We've got some ideas on saving for retirement and managing your expenses so you don't end up outliving your retirement savings.
Retirement Planning
mature couple rides bikes in the woods and discusses choosing a single premium immediate annuity

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Single Premium Immediate Annuity

A single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) could give you a steady stream of income in retirement. These five questions could help you learn more.
Retirement Planning
father holding his son and realizes the need for saving for retirement costs when you’re young

Saving for Retirement Costs When You're Young — Expect the Unexpected

Retirement might not be top of mind when you're decades away, but preparing now could help you lead a comfortable lifestyle in your golden years.
Retirement Planning
middle-aged couple walks their dog on a sunny hillside and contemplates an early retirement

How You May Be Able to Retire Early

Contrary to what you might think, you don't necessarily have to wait until your late 60s to retire. Here are some strategies to help you get started.
Retirement Planning
mother counsels her young daughter at home about how to plan for retirement while you’re young

How to Plan for Retirement — While You're Young

Retirement might not feel like a priority when it's still decades away, but here's why it might be a good time to start planning.
Retirement Planning
mature couple smiles at each other in front of their home and is preparing for retirement in a few years

Preparing for Retirement When It's Just Around the Corner

If you're close to retirement age, consider your goals in order to enjoy retirement to its fullest. We cover the strategies you need.
Retirement Planning
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