Much of the advice on managing finances in retirement focuses controlling spending to ensure that assets last a lifetime. And that certainly makes sense, especially for people who are short on savings. But many retirees face a different problem: They have sufficient resources to support themselves, but are so loath to draw on their nest More »
The Right Way To Spend Your Savings For A Happier Retirement
Ask Real Deal Retirement My husband and I are planning to retire this year and want to enjoy retirement. We do not want to skimp on simple pleasures and die with lots of money in the bank. But we also don’t want to run through our savings too soon. So how do we calculate withdrawals More »
Want To Improve Your Retirement Prospects? Resolve To Do This In The New Year
By now you’ve been inundated with long lists of “must do” New Year’s resolutions ranging from the general (be a nicer person, lead a healthier lifestyle) to the specific (save more, pay down debt). But before your eyes glaze over and you totally succumb to New Year’s Resolutions Fatigue, I’d like you to consider two simple but important suggestions—the first More »
Retirement Crisis? Depends On Which Retirees You’re Talking About
Despite all the talk of a retirement crisis and fears of people running through their savings too quickly, a new study finds that retirees who have spent nearly two decades in retirement have not only been able to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living after calling it a career, but have managed to do so while keeping their nest egg largely intact. Unfortunately, the study also warns that future retirees may find More »
2 Smart-But-Easy Ways To Improve Your Financial Health
You may be financially fit—but are you financially healthy? It’s an important distinction. Achieving true financial health isn’t just a matter of saving money and building wealth. There’s also an emotional component that involves feeling positively about your finances and your ability to determine your financial future. Which means that in order to attain true financial health, you More »
Help! The Saver In Me Won’t Let Me Spend My Nest Egg
Ask Real Deal Retirement I’m retired, have a good pension and no debt. I also have about $350,000 in an IRA account that I may never need, but the saver in me won’t allow me to spend. Any suggestions? And how should I invest my IRA money to earn a low-risk modest rate of return?
Can A Roth Conversion Help You Pass On More Wealth To Your Heirs?
Most people think of a Roth conversion as a way to generate tax-free income for their retirement. But a recent Vanguard study shows that converting savings in a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA may also be able to help you leave a bigger legacy to your heirs. The rub: Determining the extent to More »
Pension Dilemma: Lump Sum or Lifetime Annuity Payments?
Ask Real Deal Retirement I’m getting ready to retire from the company where I’ve worked for many years. I keep hearing conflicting answers as to whether I should take my pension as a lump sum or monthly lifetime annuity payments. What’s your advice?
Am I Nuts To Put 100% of My Retirement Savings In Stocks?
Ask Real Deal Retirement My wife and I plan to retire next year. Since nearly all of our basic living expenses will be covered by Social Security and an immediate annuity, I plan to invest 100% of our retirement savings in stocks. I figure Social Security and my annuity effectively act like a big position More »
How Do I Turn My 401(k) Into Reliable Retirement Income?
Ask Real Deal Retirement I plan on retiring next year, but I’m unsure how to invest my 401(k) for retirement income. Do I need an annuity? What do you suggest?
