Don't Worry About Today's Retirees - but Gen X Is In Trouble
It turns out that Americans in their sixties today have it better than any generation before them, but the generations behind them face a much less prosperous retirement.
baby boomers
Poll: Aging Americans in Denial About Need for Long-Term Care
Americans underestimate their chances of needing long-term care as they get older -- and are taking few steps to get ready, a new poll shows.
Financial Advice for the Sandwich Generation
Between "boomerang" children moving home on the one hand and financially dependent parents on the other, the Sandwich Generation could use a break -- and some sound advice.
Why J.C. Penney is Really Losing Customers (It's Not the Coupons)
While J.C. Penney's disastrous decline has been blamed on Ron Johnson no-coupons pricing strategy, our readers gave a different reason for ditching the retailer.
The Impending Economic Cliff Almost Nobody's Talking About
The Washington Post's Michelle Singletary calls it the "caregiver cliff." It's what will happen to the U.S. economy as a result of millions of caregivers "taking time off from work, and thus risking their jobs, or tapping into their limited resources to provide care."
Aging America: Changing Family Dynamic May Lead to Tax Relief
Members of the sandwich generation - caught between supporting elderly parents whose assets are nearly exhausted and adult children without jobs - might find some relief come tax time. The bottom line is, who's a dependent?
7 Tips for People Who Will Retire in 2013
The oldest baby boomers will turn 67 in 2013. Many of this first wave have already retired, while others may be contemplating taking the plunge this year. Here are some tips for those planning to retire in 2013:
The Surprising Generation that Has a Handle On Its Finances
We all know that we should save more and spend less, but we don't always follow that advice. When you break down our responses to the financial crisis by generation, however, some interesting patterns emerge -- and you probably wouldn't guess which generation is doing the worst at financial wellness.
Thanks a Lot for the Disastrous Economic Legacy, Baby Boomers
Baby boomers were handed the American dream. They enjoyed a jobs boom, falling income tax rates, rising wages and a soaring Dow -- all part of an unprecedented "demographic dividend." And the inheritance they are leaving for the next generations: a giant economic mess.
Jean Chatzky on Boomers' Incredible Shrinking Inheritances
Americans are now living longer, and the costs of elder care have soared, which means that many baby boomers%u2019 inheritances will be smaller than previous generations'. Today show financial editor Jean Chatzky offers advice on how to be ready.
A 5-Step Plan to Fill That Scary Retirement Income Gap
The average Gen Xer is on track to face $1,700 a month income gap in retirement. The average baby boomers will fall a whopping $2,100 a month short. Those may sound like insurmountable numbers, but don't throw in the towel yet.
Baby Boomers' Money Troubles: They're Worse Than We Thought
The sandwich generation kept its retired parents and jobless adult children afloat through the down years. Now, a new study makes clear how much their retirement plans have paid the price.
News About Social Security Trust Fund Shortfall Only Gets Worse
Recent government reports confirm that Social Security's finances are still falling apart, and apparently they're getting worse at an ever-faster pace. That shouldn't come as a surprise, and you need to prepare.
Point: Prepare for a Scary Income Gap in Retirement
Generations of Americans are facing threadbare finances in retirement: Judging by what people say they expect to spend versus what they expect to take in, the disparity between income and expenses will be severe.
An Insurance Policy Made to Order for the Sandwich Generation
Millions of baby boomers have watched long-term care expenses decimate their parents' finances, and realized they needed better plans for their own golden years. Could asset-based long-term care insurance policies be the solution?
Gen Y's Troubles: You'll Never Guess Who's Really to Blame
Today's economy is especially rough for the young members of Generation Y. And it's hard not feel sympathetic for them ... until you hear this alarming tidbit: Gen Y believes that success comes through luck. Yes, luck, not hard work.
What Boomers, Millennials, Elderly All Have in Common: Money Fears
For the past few years, it has seemed like depressing economic news has been America's only actual growth industry, and all that negativity is still echoing in our heads. Across the age spectrum, we're downbeat about the future, even as the signs are finally looking up.
Counterpoint: Social Security -- It Ain't Broke, So Don't Break It
Everyone's predicting the worst for Social Security. But should the chance of cuts in a quarter-century really have us in a panic today? Retirement expert Dan Caplinger explains why there's really no need for major changes.
How to Deal With Working During Your Golden Years
The financial crisis hammered boomers savings, and now more are forced to delay retirement or only semi-retire because they can%u2019t afford to permanently leave the workforce. Jan Cullinane, author of The New Retirement, offers these tips to help you juggle retirement and work.
Busted Boomers and Beyond: Living with Less Social Security
At the rate things are changing and in the direction they're moving, the early baby boomers will be the last people to receive both full pensions and full Social Security benefits. If that's not you, you have some extra preparing to do. Here's why, and how:
The Triple Threat to Baby Boomers' Retirement Plans
After long careers, members of the leading edge of the baby boom generation have gotten to the age where many would like to retire. But more boomers have chosen to put off their retirement plans -- and the latest impediment may surprise you.
Poll: Boomers' Anxiety About Retirement Grows
A majority of baby boomers say they have taken a financial hit in the past three years and most now doubt that they will be financially secure after they retire, according to a new poll. So much for kicking back at the lake house, long afternoons of golf or pretty much anything this generation had dreamed about in retirement.
Medicare's Next Patient: The Federal Budget Deficit
As the federal super committee looks for $1.5 trillion in cuts, it's clear that fixing the federal budget will mean tackling big items -- including Medicare, America's most popular social program and one of its most expensive.
Planning for Retirement
Amid Market Mayhem
Planning for retirement? Don't panic. Here's why you should ignore the market mayhem: You have complete control over the most important component of your retirement plan -- your contributions.
Caring for Aging Parents Will Cost Boomers $3 Trillion
You would probably do anything for your mom and dad, but the cost of caring for them in their old age can be crippling. A new study shows that the nearly 10 million Americans who are providing care for their aging parents will lose an estimated $3 trillion to do so.
The Demographics Behind the Boom in Working from Home
As the economy picks back up, more and more people are working from home. The number of home-based U.S. businesses will grow by more than 10% over the next four years, and the number of telecommuters will rise by 12%. But that's not all based on the recovery: Many are victims of the recession.
People@Work: Boomers Are Turning 65 -- but Staying on the Job
The dawning of 2011 marks a milestone: The first of the nation's 76 million baby boomers turn 65, the traditional retirement age. New polls, however, show that for a range of reasons few boomers of this age are ready to retire. In fact, some don't ever expect to stop working.