Retirement Planning: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
2009 IRA Contribution Limits
Many retirement plan limits have changed. Some have not. Learn what you need to know about IRAs, Roth IRAs, contributions, and conversions.
Many retirement plan limits have changed. Some have not. Learn what you need to know about IRAs, Roth IRAs, contributions, and conversions.
Regular IRA Withdrawal Rules
An IRA withdrawal is any distribution from your individual retirement account. It's critical to understand how your distribution will affect your financial future, both from tax and retirement planning perspectives.
An IRA withdrawal is any distribution from your individual retirement account. It's critical to understand how your distribution will affect your financial future, both from tax and retirement planning perspectives.
Higher Limits, Higher Savings
Learn the 2009 401(k) contribution limits so you can take maximum advantage of this powerful tax-deferred retirement plan.
Learn the 2009 401(k) contribution limits so you can take maximum advantage of this powerful tax-deferred retirement plan.
401K Withdrawals Rules
Every 401K withdrawal affects your taxes and your future retirement planning. Make sure to consider these implications and others concerns whenever contemplating a 401K distribution from your 401K.
Every 401K withdrawal affects your taxes and your future retirement planning. Make sure to consider these implications and others concerns whenever contemplating a 401K distribution from your 401K.
Roth IRA Basics
Learn the basics of Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (Roth IRAs): where and how to open an account, Roth IRA contribution limits, income limitations, what is an IRA, who's eligible, when they're called for, and how you can profit from a Roth IRA today.
Learn the basics of Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (Roth IRAs): where and how to open an account, Roth IRA contribution limits, income limitations, what is an IRA, who's eligible, when they're called for, and how you can profit from a Roth IRA today.
Start Retirement Planning
An introduction to 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAS and the importance of early saving to a successful retirement plan.
An introduction to 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAS and the importance of early saving to a successful retirement plan.
What is an IRA?
Lean the basics of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): where and how to open an account, IRA contribution limits, income limitations, what is an IRA, who's eligible, when they're called for, and how you can profit from an IRA today.
Lean the basics of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): where and how to open an account, IRA contribution limits, income limitations, what is an IRA, who's eligible, when they're called for, and how you can profit from an IRA today.
Roth Conversion
A Roth Conversion means entering retirement with tax-free income. However, a Roth IRA conversion also comes at an upfront cost of paying taxes now. Converting your qualified retirement account (like a traditional IRA or old 401(k) plan) to a Roth IRA may be a great idea. But since your tax may be significant, make sure to learn the key considerations.
A Roth Conversion means entering retirement with tax-free income. However, a Roth IRA conversion also comes at an upfront cost of paying taxes now. Converting your qualified retirement account (like a traditional IRA or old 401(k) plan) to a Roth IRA may be a great idea. But since your tax may be significant, make sure to learn the key considerations.
Your Social Security Benefits
Learn the two components of calculating your Social Security Benefits: your earnings history and the age you retire. Understand the impact your normal retirement age has on your retirement benefit too.
Learn the two components of calculating your Social Security Benefits: your earnings history and the age you retire. Understand the impact your normal retirement age has on your retirement benefit too.
Retirement for Overachievers
"Can I Contribute to a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?" is a common question. The answer is almost always yes. Learn the details.
"Can I Contribute to a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?" is a common question. The answer is almost always yes. Learn the details.
401(k) loans-9 things to know
401(k) loans are available with no credit checks. Are they a good idea? Learn the advantages, disadvantages and limits of borrowing from your 401(k) plan.
401(k) loans are available with no credit checks. Are they a good idea? Learn the advantages, disadvantages and limits of borrowing from your 401(k) plan.
401(k) Plan Introduction
Lean the basics of 401(k) accounts; what is a contribution percentage, contribution limitations, tax-deferred growth, required distributions, IRA contribution limits, and how you can profit from a 401(k) plan today.
Lean the basics of 401(k) accounts; what is a contribution percentage, contribution limitations, tax-deferred growth, required distributions, IRA contribution limits, and how you can profit from a 401(k) plan today.
Retirement Savings
When planning for retirement, one of the most challenging questions is "How much savings do I need?" Although there's no one-size-fits-all answer, there are numerous savings considerations. Learn what to think about and how to incorporate your personal goals into your individual retirement savings plan. It's much easier to save when you know what you're saving for!
When planning for retirement, one of the most challenging questions is "How much savings do I need?" Although there's no one-size-fits-all answer, there are numerous savings considerations. Learn what to think about and how to incorporate your personal goals into your individual retirement savings plan. It's much easier to save when you know what you're saving for!
Definition of RMD
Definition of a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k) or IRA
Definition of a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k) or IRA
401K Match Means Free Money
Taking advantage of an employer's 401K match is a critical piece of proper retirement planning. This company match provides you with the opportunity to receive free money into your retirement plan.
Taking advantage of an employer's 401K match is a critical piece of proper retirement planning. This company match provides you with the opportunity to receive free money into your retirement plan.
Life Expectancy Impacts RMD
Shortly after your 70th birthday, you will be forced to begin taking required minimum distributions (RMD). As such, you will need to begin withdrawing money from your 401K and regular IRA. Learn how to calculate your required minimum distributions (RMD) and view the Uniform Life Expectancy tables.
Shortly after your 70th birthday, you will be forced to begin taking required minimum distributions (RMD). As such, you will need to begin withdrawing money from your 401K and regular IRA. Learn how to calculate your required minimum distributions (RMD) and view the Uniform Life Expectancy tables.
Roth IRA as Emergency Fund?
The use of Roth IRA distributions as an emergency fund is a noteworthy concept. Nonetheless, it is fraught with significant disadvantages including negative tax and retirement planning consequences. Learn what to consider whenever you take a Roth IRA distribution, be it before or during retirement.
The use of Roth IRA distributions as an emergency fund is a noteworthy concept. Nonetheless, it is fraught with significant disadvantages including negative tax and retirement planning consequences. Learn what to consider whenever you take a Roth IRA distribution, be it before or during retirement.
Social Security tax rate
Social Security taxes are limited to the first $106,800 of earnings during 2009. Learn the current and future impact of this cap on your retirement planning.
Social Security taxes are limited to the first $106,800 of earnings during 2009. Learn the current and future impact of this cap on your retirement planning.
Is a SEP-IRA for You?
SEP-IRAs (Simplified Employee Pensions) are an excellent retirement planning opportunity for the self-employed. With high contribution limits and late deadlines, they provide for great flexibility and savings.
SEP-IRAs (Simplified Employee Pensions) are an excellent retirement planning opportunity for the self-employed. With high contribution limits and late deadlines, they provide for great flexibility and savings.
Your Normal Retirment Age
Your normal retirement age, or your Social Security Retirement age is based on your year of birth. Learn the importance of your retirement age and how it might affect your retirement plans.
Your normal retirement age, or your Social Security Retirement age is based on your year of birth. Learn the importance of your retirement age and how it might affect your retirement plans.
Early retirement-less benefits
When you choose early retirement and take Social Security benefits before your normal retirement age, your benefit is reduced. Understand how the Social Security Administration figures this benefit reduction.
When you choose early retirement and take Social Security benefits before your normal retirement age, your benefit is reduced. Understand how the Social Security Administration figures this benefit reduction.
Non Deductible IRA
Due to certain income limits, not every worker is eligible to make a deductible contribution to a regular IRA. A subset of this group may be permitted to make a contribution to a Roth IRA. Still others will be prohibited from doing either. Enter the non-deductible regular IRA contribution. Learn the ins, outs, and implications of a non-deductible IRA contribution.
Due to certain income limits, not every worker is eligible to make a deductible contribution to a regular IRA. A subset of this group may be permitted to make a contribution to a Roth IRA. Still others will be prohibited from doing either. Enter the non-deductible regular IRA contribution. Learn the ins, outs, and implications of a non-deductible IRA contribution.
A Holiday From RMDs in 2009
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) were suspended for 2009. However, those turning 70 1/2 during 2008 must still take their first distribution by April 1, 2009. Learn the occasionally counter-intuitive effects of this quickly-passed legislation.
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) were suspended for 2009. However, those turning 70 1/2 during 2008 must still take their first distribution by April 1, 2009. Learn the occasionally counter-intuitive effects of this quickly-passed legislation.
Roth IRAs - Five Year Rule
To benefit from the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA, you must keep your assets in your account for five years after your initial contribution. Like with other fun tax rules, five years can actually go by a lot quicker. Learn how.
To benefit from the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA, you must keep your assets in your account for five years after your initial contribution. Like with other fun tax rules, five years can actually go by a lot quicker. Learn how.
How to Open an IRA
Ready to open an IRA but not sure where to begin? Learn how to complete the few easy steps required to grow your retirement account.
Ready to open an IRA but not sure where to begin? Learn how to complete the few easy steps required to grow your retirement account.
Vesting Schedules
Understanding your vesting schedule is a crucial and often underestimated part of retirement planning. The risk of forfeiting your employer's matching contribution is real and often preventable. Learn about the different types of vesting schedules and what they may mean to your financial future.
Understanding your vesting schedule is a crucial and often underestimated part of retirement planning. The risk of forfeiting your employer's matching contribution is real and often preventable. Learn about the different types of vesting schedules and what they may mean to your financial future.
IRA Rollovers
An IRA rollover is an effective way to simplify your retirement planning while giving you more investment choices and extending your tax deferral.
An IRA rollover is an effective way to simplify your retirement planning while giving you more investment choices and extending your tax deferral.
Retirement Planning Today
The decline of defined benefit pensions and the uncertainty surrounding Social Security are just two of the various important changes to today's retirement compared to a generation ago. Learn what you can and should do about the new retirement. Your retirement planning must change.
The decline of defined benefit pensions and the uncertainty surrounding Social Security are just two of the various important changes to today's retirement compared to a generation ago. Learn what you can and should do about the new retirement. Your retirement planning must change.
Keough Plans
Keogh plans are qualified retirement plans that may be established as either defined benefit or defined contribution plans. With high contribution limits and large tax incentives, Keogh plans present an opportunity self-employed individuals should carefully consider.
Keogh plans are qualified retirement plans that may be established as either defined benefit or defined contribution plans. With high contribution limits and large tax incentives, Keogh plans present an opportunity self-employed individuals should carefully consider.
Understanding Gift Tax Rules
Although gift tax is very straightforward, those with high asset levels need to follow the rules or risk paying tax unnecessarily.
Although gift tax is very straightforward, those with high asset levels need to follow the rules or risk paying tax unnecessarily.
Creative Use of an HSA
A Health Savings Account (HSA) can be an important part of your retirement planning. Coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), an HSA can provide you with tax-free growth on qualified medical expenses and tax-deferred growth on the excess. Learn more about how an HSA might help you achieve your retirement goals.
A Health Savings Account (HSA) can be an important part of your retirement planning. Coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), an HSA can provide you with tax-free growth on qualified medical expenses and tax-deferred growth on the excess. Learn more about how an HSA might help you achieve your retirement goals.
Cost of Living Adjustments
One of the most valuable parts of your Social Security benefit is your cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA). It is the Social Security COLA that allows for protection from inflation over the long-term.
One of the most valuable parts of your Social Security benefit is your cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA). It is the Social Security COLA that allows for protection from inflation over the long-term.
Rollover IRAs
401K to IRA rollovers are a fairly straightforward process as long as you make it clear of your intentions. However, if you take a distribution and then decide to do an IRA rollover, your job just got harder thanks to mandatory withholding. Learn how to avoid the 20% mandatory withholding on IRA rollovers.
401K to IRA rollovers are a fairly straightforward process as long as you make it clear of your intentions. However, if you take a distribution and then decide to do an IRA rollover, your job just got harder thanks to mandatory withholding. Learn how to avoid the 20% mandatory withholding on IRA rollovers.
Retirement Planning - Articles
An index of articles for the Retirement Planning guide site.
An index of articles for the Retirement Planning guide site.
ILIT - Estate Tax Savings
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is an important estate planning document for individuals meeting certain criteria. Learn the relative advantages and disadvantages of an irrevocable life insurance trust including potential estate tax savings and the forfeiture of future flexibility.
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is an important estate planning document for individuals meeting certain criteria. Learn the relative advantages and disadvantages of an irrevocable life insurance trust including potential estate tax savings and the forfeiture of future flexibility.
The Saver's Credit
An often overlooked tax credit, the Retirement Saver's Credit could help you save for retirement with help from the government. Are you eligible?
An often overlooked tax credit, the Retirement Saver's Credit could help you save for retirement with help from the government. Are you eligible?
Borrow from Social Security?
Learn how an unusual quirk in Social Security allows retirees to take an interest-free loan from Social Security.
Learn how an unusual quirk in Social Security allows retirees to take an interest-free loan from Social Security.
A Delayed Retirement
Delaying Social Security benefits beyond your normal retirement date increases your monthly payments. Understand how the Social Security Administration will calculate your benefits.
Delaying Social Security benefits beyond your normal retirement date increases your monthly payments. Understand how the Social Security Administration will calculate your benefits.
Last Minute Retirement Plans
Even late starters to retirement planning have options. Whether by taking advantage of the 401(k) and IRA catch-up provisions or by strategically delaying your retirement date, you can still achieve a comfortable retirement via solid last-minute planning.
Even late starters to retirement planning have options. Whether by taking advantage of the 401(k) and IRA catch-up provisions or by strategically delaying your retirement date, you can still achieve a comfortable retirement via solid last-minute planning.
Tax-Deferred
Definition of tax-deferred growth available through many qualified retirement plans
Definition of tax-deferred growth available through many qualified retirement plans
Your Safe Withdrawal Rate
What is the real safe withdrawal rate? Many experts feel withdrawing 4% of your initial retirement account balance, then adjusting annually for inflation is the right amount. But such a straightforward approach does leave us with some pretty illogical conclusions. Learn what to consider when contemplating what you can afford to spend in retirement.
What is the real safe withdrawal rate? Many experts feel withdrawing 4% of your initial retirement account balance, then adjusting annually for inflation is the right amount. But such a straightforward approach does leave us with some pretty illogical conclusions. Learn what to consider when contemplating what you can afford to spend in retirement.
Life Insurance for Retirement
Learn when it might make sense to use life insurance as part of your retirement plan.
Learn when it might make sense to use life insurance as part of your retirement plan.
Retirement Planning & Your 20s
Retirement Planning in your twenties is a great time to begin. Maximizing your 401K match and paying off your debt are key financial planning objectives during the decade
Retirement Planning in your twenties is a great time to begin. Maximizing your 401K match and paying off your debt are key financial planning objectives during the decade
Roth 401(k) vs. Regular 401(k)
Roth 401(k)s bring together the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA and the higher contribution limits of a 401(k). Yet a Roth IRA contribution lowers your net pay in a way a regular 401(k) does not. Learn what to consider when evaluating a Roth 401(k).
Roth 401(k)s bring together the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA and the higher contribution limits of a 401(k). Yet a Roth IRA contribution lowers your net pay in a way a regular 401(k) does not. Learn what to consider when evaluating a Roth 401(k).
Mortgage-Free Retirement?
The lure of a mortgage-free retirement is attractive. Learn the considerations for eliminating what's likely to be your largest bill in retirement.
The lure of a mortgage-free retirement is attractive. Learn the considerations for eliminating what's likely to be your largest bill in retirement.
2010 401K Contribution Limits
Benefit from the 2010 401(k) contribution limits by taking maximum advantage of this powerful tax-deferred retirement plan.
Benefit from the 2010 401(k) contribution limits by taking maximum advantage of this powerful tax-deferred retirement plan.
Saving for Retirement
Saving for retirement during your working career is a necessary step to achieve financial independence. Take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you by saving for retirement.
Saving for retirement during your working career is a necessary step to achieve financial independence. Take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you by saving for retirement.
Retirement Planning & Your 30s
Retirement planning in your thirties presents the true need to save more with the competing realities of increased expenses due to a growing family. Before the college bills come due, increase the amount you save for retirement and keep an eye on appropriate long-term investment strategies.
Retirement planning in your thirties presents the true need to save more with the competing realities of increased expenses due to a growing family. Before the college bills come due, increase the amount you save for retirement and keep an eye on appropriate long-term investment strategies.
All About Medicare
Due to the rising cost of health care, Medicare is a critical and growing component of retirement planning. Learn about the alphabet soup of Medicare Parts.
Due to the rising cost of health care, Medicare is a critical and growing component of retirement planning. Learn about the alphabet soup of Medicare Parts.
Safe Investing for Retirement
Safe investing through cash, cash equivalents, and fixed income is increasingly important as you get close to or enter retirement. Still, the advantages of greater security from safe investing are somewhat offset but the greater risk inflation presents.
Safe investing through cash, cash equivalents, and fixed income is increasingly important as you get close to or enter retirement. Still, the advantages of greater security from safe investing are somewhat offset but the greater risk inflation presents.
Planning a Delayed Retirement
Many people seek to retire at age 62 but can't actually afford to retire so young. While not necessarily the most attractive step, the action most likely to be successful is to delay the date you retire. A three year delay can mean up to a third more available to you after you retire.
Many people seek to retire at age 62 but can't actually afford to retire so young. While not necessarily the most attractive step, the action most likely to be successful is to delay the date you retire. A three year delay can mean up to a third more available to you after you retire.
Subject to the Estate Tax?
Despite all the changes in the estate tax, the method for calculating the value of your estate has remained consistent. Do you know that many accounts that are not subject to income tax might be subject to estate tax?
Despite all the changes in the estate tax, the method for calculating the value of your estate has remained consistent. Do you know that many accounts that are not subject to income tax might be subject to estate tax?
401(k) Plan
Definition of 401(k) retirement plan
Definition of 401(k) retirement plan
Employer Match
Definition of an employer matching program for a 401(k) plan
Definition of an employer matching program for a 401(k) plan
Social Security
Definition of Social Security Retirement Plan Benefits
Definition of Social Security Retirement Plan Benefits
Mutual Fund
Definition of a mutual fund
Definition of a mutual fund
Long Term Care Insurance
Long term care insurance is an important consideration for anyone approaching or already in retirement? What is your plan for possible long term care? Does insurance play a role? Should it?
Long term care insurance is an important consideration for anyone approaching or already in retirement? What is your plan for possible long term care? Does insurance play a role? Should it?
Revocable Living Trust
While it's important to have a will, a revocable living trust is often more meaningful in assuring that your affairs go smoothly and as you planned after you pass on. Learn about the advantages of a revocable living trust.
While it's important to have a will, a revocable living trust is often more meaningful in assuring that your affairs go smoothly and as you planned after you pass on. Learn about the advantages of a revocable living trust.
About - Retirement Planning Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Definition of COLA
Definition of a cost of living allowance for Social Security recipients
Definition of a cost of living allowance for Social Security recipients
Medicare Part B Means Testing
Medicare premiums, for 5% of America's retirees, are higher than the rest of us. Could you be paying more? How much more?
Medicare premiums, for 5% of America's retirees, are higher than the rest of us. Could you be paying more? How much more?
Reach Your Financial Goals
Don't make New Years resolutions you can't keep. Make them realistic and make them count. Making the right financial New Year's resolutions today can improve how you live in retirement.
Don't make New Years resolutions you can't keep. Make them realistic and make them count. Making the right financial New Year's resolutions today can improve how you live in retirement.
Gift Tax Strategies
Although no one likes to see the value of their assets decline, there is an upside - gifting more for less.
Although no one likes to see the value of their assets decline, there is an upside - gifting more for less.
Tax-Free
Definition of tax-free growth available through a Roth IRA
Definition of tax-free growth available through a Roth IRA