Jan 01, 2011

The window for a do-over on benefits collection is almost closed. But there are other ways to augment retirement income in the short term aside from waiting longer to take benefits.

401k Balances Rise By A Third in 2009

Nov 23, 2010

Americans are still reeling from the blows their 401(k) account balances took during the economic crisis, but they may be happy (and surprised) to learn that account balances jumped 31.9 percent last year after taking a 27.8 percent dive in 2008.

Bundled 401(k)s May Be Ripping Off Your Clients

Nov 21, 2010

A new DOL regulation will ratchet up the scrutiny of bundled 401(k) plan fees. You can help your plan sponsors by guiding them through the pros and cons of bundled vs. unbundled services.

The Unretiring Generation

Nov 01, 2010

With few assets and plenty of debt, investors in their 20s are not on many wealth management firms' or advisors' radars. Yet they haven't written them off entirely.

The Children of the Wealthy Fire Their Parents’ Advisors—Most of the Time

Nov 01, 2010

The heirs of wealthy clients fire their parents' financial advisors 70 percent of the time. Prepare heirs and not just estates.

The Moratorium is Over

Nov 01, 2010

It's not news that individual retirement account owners must withdraw required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRAs after reaching age 70, or that beneficiaries must make similar withdrawals. But it was news when, in 2009, Congress granted...

Retirement: A Booming Growth Industry

Nov 01, 2010

Let's face it: governments are broke and the Social Security system will likely be spending more than it takes in by 2016. Future retirees need your help.

Restoring Retirement Readiness

Nov 01, 2010

With shriveled 401(k) balances, shrunken housing wealth, and a precarious job market, millions of Americans truly continue to struggle in the aftermath of the economic downturn. For many, retirement dreams have all but evaporated. A new survey by...

Hardship Withdrawals

Nov 01, 2010

If your clients are considering liquidating their at-work retirement plans, here's what they should know about the costs and consequences, as well as some preferable alternatives.

Edit Letter, Nov. 2010. The Death of Retirement?

Nov 01, 2010

The financial crisis has been cited as one of the reasons why Americans are so unready for retirement. But, let's face it. The retirement crisis began well before the lost decade supposedly upset the Baby Boom generation's grand retirement plans.