Is the conventional wisdom wrong? Is a 401(k) not really the best way to save for retirement? The author of today’s article makes that case. After outlining the three main reasons typically put forward as to why you should maximize your contributions to your 401(k), he presents three reasons to the contrary. One reason? You are not necessarily in a…
After cohabitating with the financial sector, real estate is moving into its own place later this year – becoming its own sector in the S&P 500 and MSCI equity indexes – and, as today’s article highlights, this move is expected to increase the profile and appeal of real estate investment trusts among investors. Here’s what Barron’s has to say: “Separating…
If there’s one word that aptly describes stock prices so far this year, that word is volatility. And, as today’s article points out, “ those saving for and those living in retirement are becoming increasingly fearful of putting their life savings at risk in markets that fall and rise as they have this year.” But is this fear warranted? The…
Empty-nesters have more disposable income and are thus in a position to step up their retirement savings, right? It turns out, not exactly. While some estimates assume that empty-nesters will increase savings by 12%, today’s article references a recent study which found that savings only increase by 0.3% to 0.7%: “In other words, parents are spending pretty much the same…
“Newsflash to Baby Boomers: the roadmap for retirement has changed and you have to change with it.” The author of today’s article cautions that there is a “significant shift happening in retirement planning because of new technology that can deliver similar or better service…at lower cost… [and that] Baby Boomers are most at risk of missing the boat on this…
“If you’re like most people, you have less than $75,000 saved for retirement. Yet, you keep hearing that you need upward of $1 million to make it through your retirement years. Just where is that million bucks going to come from?” Today’s article outlines the stories “of 3 super-savers – people who have saved more than double the national average…
Looking for a better way to keep track of whether you are saving enough to retire? Today’s article may help in that regard, outlining “a more nuanced set of guidelines” offered up by JPMorgan. Here’s what the author has to say: “The aim is to help you track your progress in a way that reflects how much you will need…
“They don’t have a clue.” This is what one certified financial planner and investment advisor declares in today’s article about people planning for taxes in retirement. In light of the fact that hefty tax bills in retirement can dramatically increase the odds of retirees – even those who saved prudently – running out of money, the author goes on to…
“Whether you plan to travel the world, run marathons, serve your community or spend more time with family, retirement will bring radical changes in the ways you spend your time. And whenever life changes, so do the risks you face — which means retirement is a good time to look closely at your insurance coverage.” Today’s article outlines a number…
With all the reports about Americans being largely financially unprepared for retirement, and the negative consequences that could have on their golden years, how about some happy retirement news? Today’s article highlights findings from a new Merrill Lynch/Age Wave report on retirement “showing that retirees are generally having loads of fun in their unstructured life, regardless of their income.” What…