Retirement Planning

Not all Social Security services are available online. And you don't have to be over 65 to visit the office either.

By Dave Roos

Presidents like to take credit for increases in Social Security, but is it the president, Congress or the Social Security Administration that decides when your check goes up?

By Laurie L. Dove

There's a movement called FIRE, a group of people working hard to retire young and really enjoy life. But is it realistic to think you won't run out of money?

By Dave Roos

Many parents feel torn between funding their own retirement and paying for their kids' college education. But financial experts are united on which one should take priority.

By Dave Roos

You've heard of the Roth IRA, but what about the Roth 401(k)? Many employers are offering them in addition to traditional 401(k) plans. So what's the difference?

By Susan Sherwood

If you're like many Americans, you probably haven't saved enough in your 401(k) for your retirement. But don't freak out -- just yet. You still have time to maximize your savings for your golden years.

By Kate Kershner

Losing a parent is a harrowing experience, but being financially lost when it happens only makes matters worse. Find out how to navigate the waters of loss without finding yourself on a sinking fiscal ship.

By Maria Trimarchi

Most companies offer their employees a 401(k); about half also offer a Roth 401(k) though not many employees use it. But in some cases, a Roth 401(k) might be the better option for you.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Knowledge of your current financial situation, and a degree of clairvoyance, goes far in determining which of your employer's retirement plans is right for you.

By Susan Sherwood

After decades spent in service of your country, your military pension is a well-deserved benefit. It's also income, and therefore subject to being taxed.

By Debra Ronca

A pension is an employer-provided benefit that supplies income when you retire. When and how it's taxed, though, has a lot to do with how you paid into the pension.

By Debra Ronca

When your spouse's Social Security benefits are an integral part of your income, it's really important to know what happens upon his or her death.

By Debra Ronca

What is the difference between a 401(k) and a Roth IRA? And when would one be better than the other? Two people from the same family help us to figure it out.

By Dave Roos

Every American worker and employer contributes to a common retirement fund known as Social Security. When it comes time for you to collect benefits, you'll need a few important pieces of information before you apply. What are they?

By Dave Roos

You've worked hard to put a substantial amount of money into your retirement nest egg. Don't shortchange yourself by erroneously borrowing from or cashing out your fund early. Here's how to get every last dime out of your 401(k).

By Chris Opfer

401(k) accounts are designed to help people save for retirement, so there are harsh penalties for withdrawing funds early. That said, there are exceptions to the rule -- but there aren't many.

By Dave Roos

Roth IRAs are a smart way to save for retirement because you can avoid most of the tax penalties associated with other retirement plans -- as long as you follow the rules. What are the Roth IRA withdrawal rules, and how could they affect your retirement?

By Marie Willsey

Even though you're no longer working, that doesn't mean your money should stop working, too. Read on for tips on where you should keep your money after retirement.

By Meghan E. Smith

It's a rare accountant who thinks dipping into an IRA is a good idea, because tapping into that fund can be expensive. However, some people do cash out their IRAs early. What are the main reasons for doing this?

By Dave Roos & Denise Harrison

More than half of all Americans haven't figured out how much they need to save for retirement. Read on if you're one of them.

By John Perritano

These days, it can be hard enough to pay bills, much less save enough for a down payment on a house. If you want to buy a home sooner rather than later, can you cash out your IRA to help cover the costs?

By Denise Harrison

For many people, retirement is the art of balancing less money with more free time, and many businesses know that money is tight in retirees' pockets. What are some breaks you can look forward to in retirement?

By Garth Sundem

Saving for retirement is one of those "shoulds" that you'd like to put off until sometime in the undefined future. But the longer you wait to start saving, the harder it is. So how do you know if you're saving enough for retirement?

By Garth Sundem

It's a document many people find unsettling, but in the event of a health crisis that leaves you incapacitated, a living will ensures that your treatment wishes are honored. We'll take you through the steps it takes to create this document.

By Jacob Silverman

If you want to be a millionaire by the time you retire, you have to start planning today. The solution to managing your future funds is at your fingertips: It's your computer's keyboard. Online banking is a smart way to swaddle that nest egg.

By Gallagher Flinn