What workers anticipate in terms of retirement income sources may differ considerably from what retirees actually experience. For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here's a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered retirement income program. Workers become eligible after paying Social [...]

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed the SECURE Act 2.0, a new set of rules designed to help investors who wanted to contribute to retirement plans. Many of these changes were intended to give investors more flexibility and new ways to enhance their retirement strategies. It was a follow-up to the Setting [...]

Yes, you might be able to create a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) if you’re over the income limit. This strategy involves converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The idea, often referred to as a “backdoor Roth conversion,” is sometimes used by individuals whose incomes exceed the current limits for direct Roth [...]

Few events are more stressful and disruptive than an unexpected job loss or layoff. For many, it’s a hit not just to finances but also to confidence and sense of self. You're not alone if you’ve been laid off—or if the idea is an all-consuming concern. According to a November 2024 MarketWatch survey, 70% [...]

When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, here is a checklist that you may find useful at such a time. [...]

There is a growing popularity among individuals to broaden their investment strategy beyond conventional allocations and investment styles. Some see sector investing as a way to seek new opportunities for enhanced portfolio performance.1 Because of its narrow focus, a sector investing strategy tends to be more volatile than an investment strategy that is diversified [...]

As you build your legacy, considering how to leverage your charitable contributions can be a fulfilling endeavor. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can offer an opportunity to support your favorite causes and manage your retirement income. Here are some factors to consider with QCDs and how they've changed based on recent legislation, such as the [...]

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at all. Without a strategy, you may have no goals, leaving you no way of knowing how you’ll [...]

Social Security can be complicated, and as a result, many individuals don't have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind. 1. Social Security Is a Critical Source of Retirement Income Some have the perception that Social Security is [...]

In a recent survey, 75% of current workers stated they plan to work for pay after retiring.1 And that possibility raises an interesting question: how will working affect Social Security benefits? The answer to that question requires an understanding of three key concepts: full retirement age, the earnings test, and taxable benefits. Full Retirement [...]