Inflation may not seem like much of a concern right now, but the author of today’s article points out that periods in which inflation has been significantly higher than average have typically arrived without any advance warning. Given this, and considering the fact that, as he notes, “even average rates of inflation can take a large toll”, it’s worthwhile to…
When it comes to the ultimate size of your retirement nest egg, the author of today’s article notes that “Calculating future savings requires numerous factors, including current age and predicted retirement age, any current assets, how the portfolio is invested and at what rate a person can realistically expect that money to grow.” And it’s this latter factor – the…
Calling it “a transformative science”, the author of today’s article outlines some of the ways in which “you and your employer and plan sponsors can hack your retirement” using the principles of behavioral economics – including how simply visualizing your future (older) self can help you boost your retirement savings and how, when it comes to 401(k) plans, it’s important…
“Let me put it this way: you wouldn’t not take your mortgage interest deduction because… you didn’t feel like it? Or it was hard?” points out the author of today’s article. And yet a surprisingly large number of Americans are not taking advantage of major tax breaks available to them – including what the author refers to as “The one…
Stress tests aren’t just for banks – they’re useful for retirement plans too! And a comprehensive stress test of your retirement plan involves more than just stress testing your portfolio: the author of today’s article advises that “you should stress test your venue, your retirement and income portfolios, and anticipated leisure pursuits.” For more on carrying out a comprehensive stress…
“Maybe your retirement plan is on track, but that doesn’t mean you can rest easy. We all exist within a society and an economy. Its problems are ours, too, as we may find out when taxes rise to help pay for others to retire,” warns the author of today’s article. He proceeds to examine the state of retirement in the…
“Save as much as possible as early as possible” is a generally accepted principle of retirement saving – and widely viewed as the most important principle. There are, however, exceptions – and today’s article details how “contributing too much to your 401(k) or similar retirement plan too early in the year may be hazardous to your retirement-savings health” and cause…
The ultimate success of your retirement plan may depend to a significant degree on moves made – or not made – during the final 12 months before your actual retirement date. Today’s article outlines a number of considerations, as identified by financial experts, for this critical period – considerations pertaining to investments, debts and homes, expenses, taxes and lifestyle. For…
The foundation of any retirement plan is the age at which we plan to retire. Unfortunately, as today’s article highlights, “that foundation isn’t nearly as solid as we think. We often systematically misjudge when we’ll actually retire, and that can wreak havoc on our finances.” What does a new study – which found that roughly half of Americans retire earlier…
“Annuities often get a bad rap,” states the author of today’s article, who acknowledges some of the drawbacks associated with these products. However, he notes that all investments have drawbacks – and that annuities can be “the hedge against the emotion of fear that you will run out of funds before you die.” He proceeds to outline the numerous ways…