If you haven't checked the beneficiary designations on your financial accounts lately, you really should. It's quick, easy, and though it may not sound all that important, getting it squared away now could make a huge difference to your family later.
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 new retiree has a lot in common with a lottery winner. But there is at least one major difference. If you buy a lottery ticket, you have a miniscule chance of winning. If you contribute to your retirement account, you're bound to win.
Smart retirees have done everything they could lately to stretch their retirement accounts, but taking too little out of them will get you into big trouble with the IRS. Fail to withdraw your full required minimum distribution, and the penalty you pay to the tax man will be severe.
This is an interesting question because many people believe that $1 million is a comfortable amount to meet their retirement goals. We can also look at the different ways in which a couple can use this $1 million without running out of money.
A recent study reveals a telling disconnect between employers' intent in setting up 401(k) plans and their perception of whether workers are actually using the plans well.
Chalk it up to the nation's lingering economic malaise: More Americans this year plan to sock some of their tax refund away in savings. If you're among them, here are a few smart ways to stash that cash.
One of the toughest days in many people's lives comes when they realize that their parents need financial help. Especially if your mom and dad were always there for you when you needed them, it's only natural to want to return the favor when they need you. Here's how you can help your folks -- and what you definitely shouldn't do.
New disclosure rules don't go into effect until next January, but in the meantime you could be paying far too much in savings-sapping fees. The two challenges for individuals are figuring just what your plan's fees are, and are they fair? Here's how to get that info.
Although you contribute after-tax money to a Roth, the withdrawals are tax-free, giving Roths an advantage over traditional IRAs. And from now till year-end, several unique conditions apply that make converting to a Roth even more advantageous.
Minimum distributions are back, after a break intended to give accounts some time to bounce back. If you're out of practice -- or making a required distribution for the first time -- here's what you need to know.
Personal finance expert Jean Chatzky has reached the last post in this series, aimed at those of you who are age 60 and over -- or interested in a little advance planning. Here are your tips for making that nest egg last as long as you do.
The Labor Department's new regulations don't address the core problems of this broken system. Disclosing revenue-sharing payments for retirement-plan mutual funds isn't nearly enough. Those fees are laden with conflicts of interest, and should be prohibited altogether.
