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.

A couple leans on their kitchen counter discussing "how much should I save for retirement?"

How Much Each Month Should I Save for Retirement?

Liz Froment

The amount you should save for retirement each month depends on various factors such as your desired retirement age, expected lifestyle, and current savings. Financial experts recommend saving 10-20% of your income towards retirement, but it's crucial to assess your individual circumstances.

A father and son fish on a dock in the wilderness.

A Look at Target Retirement Savings by Age

Understanding age-based retirement targets can help you gauge whether you're on track or need to ramp up your contributions.

A mediator helps two people sitting across from each other try to settle inheritance disputes.

Strategies for Avoiding Family Inheritance Disputes

If you're going to receive an inheritance, it's important to help head off disputes when your loved one is still alive, as well as after they pass.

Senior business woman reviewing annuity.

Understanding a Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Annuity

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

The ability to pay off debt can lead to a more comfortable retirement.

Should I Pay Off Debt Before I Retire?

The ability to pay off debt can help reduce financial strain in retirement. But low-cost loans may not be a problem if you budget for that expense.

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.

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.

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.

Young couple discussing how a 401(k) works when they retire

How Does a 401(k) Work When You Retire?

If you're wondering what to do with your 401(k) after retirement, you'll be happy to know that you have plenty of options. Here's what to know.

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.

Daughter sitting on couch with her father talking about the role of a death doula

Understanding the Role of a Death Doula in End-of-Life Care

A death doula can provide supportive care for a loved one and help family members better manage end-of-life care.

How to Invest for Retirement

Generating enough money for retirement may be easier if you start saving early and choose investment vehicles with the right tax features.

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.

An older couples walks on a trail and discusses their IRA

7 Common IRA Terms to Understand

An IRA can be a vital tool for retirement planning, yet the terms can be confusing. Here's what you need to know to better understand IRAs.

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?

How Much Does a Couple Need to Retire?

The amount a couple needs to retire depends on various factors such as their lifestyle, desired retirement age, and current savings. Generally, financial experts suggest that couples should aim to replace at least 70-90% of their pre-retirement income during retirement.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

A mature couple sits on a dock by a lake and discusses how to invest in retirement

How to Invest in Retirement Strategically

Investing in retirement can be made easier by learning how to use the investment types and income strategies that work for your financial goals.

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?

A mature couple sits on the steps outside their home and discusses sequence of returns risk

Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk & How It Can Impact Your Retirement

The order in which your investments generate a return can affect how long your retirement savings last.

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.

An old man sitting on a bench contemplating the differences between a roth IRA and traditional IRA

What Are the Differences Between a Roth IRA & Traditional IRA?

There are a few key differences between a Roth IRA and traditional IRA that long-term investors should know before choosing a retirement account.

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.

Where's the Best Place to Retire in the Midwest? 5 Options for Retirees

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.

Businessman on the phone while working on his computer outside looking up 401(k) fees

A Guide to 401(k) Fees

Understanding 401(k) fees and expenses may help you make the most of your retirement savings.

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?

Woman stretching and smiling by the shore after considering her asset allocation in retirement

Asset Allocation in Retirement: 4 Considerations

What will your financial needs and goals look like in retirement? How you allocate your assets may help you address them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

mature couple meets with financial advisor to discuss how to approach investing after retirement

Have You Considered Investing After Retirement?

Investing after retirement can be a tricky balancing act. Explore the whys and hows of investing in your golden years.

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?

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are an excellent tool for saving money for your retirement and come in different types. In this article, we will explore the various types of IRAs and their benefits, so you can decide which type of IRA is right for you.