http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Retirement_PlanningFind stories, videos, and photos about Retirement Planning from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Sat, 25 May 2013 05:51:55 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120626111942-hiltonsmith-nest-egg-wall-4-tease.jpghttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Retirement_Planning14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Retirement Planning from CNN.com.http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/opinion/hiltonsmith-retirement-savings/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/opinion/hiltonsmith-retirement-savings/index.htmlMost of us with 401(k) plans watched in horror, as our retirement savings plummeted in the stock market crash of 2008. That year, the average 401(k) balance dropped by a third, forcing older Americans to delay retirement or cut back on spending. Since then, as the market rebounded, some of our savings have recovered in fits and starts.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:15:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/opinion/walker-retirement/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/opinion/walker-retirement/index.htmlSharon Edwards of Salem, Oregon, may have to move to Mexico, where the cost of living is cheaper, so she can afford her retirement.Wed, 09 May 2012 13:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/news/companies/bank_of_america_pension/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/news/companies/bank_of_america_pension/index.htmBank of America announced plans Thursday to freeze pension plans, effective in July, and increase its 401(k) contributions instead.Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:30:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/17/retirement/401k_cash_expenses.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/17/retirement/401k_cash_expenses.fortune/index.htmI thought I was clever. Earlier this year I had over half of my 401k assets in cash. I know that investors are terrible at timing the market and I'm way too young not to be fully invested, but I can't get over the fact that stocks look expensive right now.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:34:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/15/autos/gm_pension/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/15/autos/gm_pension/index.htmGeneral Motors has shifted its senior salaried workers away from a traditional pension plan to a 401(k) plan, said a company spokeswoman on Wednesday.Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:53:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/02/pf/rules_retirement_annuities/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/02/02/pf/rules_retirement_annuities/index.htmThe Obama administration proposed new rules Thursday to help retirees make their savings last throughout their lifetime -- by investing in annuities.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:54:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/27/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/27/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmMany people think they can plan on spending less later in retirement since they'll become less active as they age. But if their health declines, they may actually shift spending rather than reduce it. Do you think it's risky to plan as if one's expenses will go down later in retirement? --Tim, U.K.Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:52:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/pf/expert/401k_withdrawal.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/pf/expert/401k_withdrawal.moneymag/index.htmMy 401(k) is managed by a brokerage firm that was busted by the SEC for fraudulent practices (although those practices weren't related to my 401(k) plan). Still, I don't want to invest my money with, or pay fees to, to a firm I consider unethical. For now, I've switched all of my money into the bond account figuring it's the safest place to invest until I can figure out what to do. But I'd really like to get into another 401(k) plan. Can I do that? -- Michael S.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:31:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/09/pf/expert/retirement_planning_best_money_moves.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/09/pf/expert/retirement_planning_best_money_moves.moneymag/index.htmI'm 57 and hoping to retire at 68, but I'm behind on my retirement savings. Should I invest as if I were younger and shift more into stocks to help increase my 401(k)? -- Jeff Branstrator, Greensboro, N.C.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:03:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/09/pf/investing.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/09/pf/investing.moneymag/index.htmIf, when you watch or read the financial news, you say to yourself, "This is crazy!" you'd often be right, says David Laibson, a Harvard economics professor.Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:21:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmHow much should I have in a 401(k) or other retirement accounts at various ages relative to my salary so I know I'll eventually enough money to maintain my standard of living throughout retirement? -- K.T., Olathe, KansasThu, 22 Dec 2011 10:21:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/20/pf/expert/retirement_planning.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/20/pf/expert/retirement_planning.moneymag/index.htmMy fiancé and I are in our late 20s and we contribute to our 401(k) plans. But we'd like to supplement our retirement savings by making additional small contributions (maybe $100 a month) over time. We wouldn't touch this money except in an absolute emergency. Any suggestions? -- M. BarberTue, 20 Dec 2011 10:56:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/09/pf/expert/fund_expenses/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/09/pf/expert/fund_expenses/index.htmI'm 31 and dissatisfied with the funds I now own in my 401(k). So I want to shift my money to different funds within the plan. When making this decision, which do you think I should focus on more: the funds' expenses or the returns the funds have earned? - C.H.Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:15:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/30/pf/expert/401K_ira/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/30/pf/expert/401K_ira/index.htmThe investment company that manages my 401(k) funds recommends I roll my money into mutual funds managed by a subsidiary of theirs when I retire next year. But I'm wondering whether I would be better off moving my assets to the funds of a different firm. What are your thoughts? -- J. ThomasWed, 30 Nov 2011 15:56:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/22/pf/expert/financial_adviser.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/22/pf/expert/financial_adviser.moneymag/index.htmShould I hire a financial adviser to manage my retirement portfolio, and can I afford to? -- Robert Stamberger, Fallbrook, Calif.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:44:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/22/pf/financial_adviser.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/11/22/pf/financial_adviser.moneymag/index.htmShould I hire a financial adviser to manage my retirement portfolio, and can I afford to? -- Robert Stamberger, Fallbrook, Calif.Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:24:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/28/pf/expert/retirement_savings/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/28/pf/expert/retirement_savings/index.htmMy company doesn't offer a 401(k). I invest the max in a Roth IRA, but I know that won't provide enough for retirement. I'd like to invest another $5,000 a year into some sort of retirement plan. What options do I have? -- Daniel J., St. Paul, Minn.Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/11/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/11/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmIs there a way to calculate how much I would have to save to retire at age 65? -- Joann, Davie, Fla.Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:37:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/20/pf/expert/401k_retirement.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/20/pf/expert/401k_retirement.moneymag/index.htmI contribute to my company 401(k) plan. Problem is, the investment choices are overwhelming. Where should I put my money? -- Blake, Opelousas, La.Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:36:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/20/retirement/401k_contribution_limit/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/20/retirement/401k_contribution_limit/index.htmYou'll be able to contribute more tax-free money to your 401(k) next year, the IRS announced Thursday.Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:34:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/06/pf/expert/investment_strategies.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/06/pf/expert/investment_strategies.moneymag/index.htmI'm terrified of the stock market these days. I plan to retire in April, but I'm afraid I'll lose everything before then. I want to put my money in a safer place, but I don't know where. Should I sell stocks now or wait to see if they go up in value? What do you think? -- GerryThu, 06 Oct 2011 09:52:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/02/pf/expert/rollover_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/02/pf/expert/rollover_401k.moneymag/index.htmI switched employers recently and I want to move my old 401(k) balance into my new plan. But I'm afraid that if I do, I might miss out on gains if the market moves into more bullish territory while the transfer is taking place. Should I make the move now or wait until the market settles down a bit? -- Mike S.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/23/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/23/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmI'm 64 and plan to retire next April. I have $160,000 saved. How much lifetime income can I expect to draw from my savings? -- Mike W.Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:42:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/10/pf/will_hidden_traps.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/10/pf/will_hidden_traps.fortune/index.htmDrawing up a will may not be the most pleasant task, but it seems straightforward: You leave behind a legal document that specifies how you want your property doled out when your time on this earth is up. What you may not realize, though, is that much of your net worth can be passed along outside of that will. Without some planning, you could unwittingly disinherit intended beneficiaries, including your children, from significant portions of your estate.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/16/pf/expert/retirement_expenses.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/08/16/pf/expert/retirement_expenses.moneymag/index.htmHow can I go about calculating the expenses I should expect in retirement? -- Bozena Thrower, Portland, Conn.Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:52:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/22/pf/debt_ceiling_impact/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/22/pf/debt_ceiling_impact/index.htmAs the deadline to raise the debt ceiling rapidly approaches, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle continue to dig in their heels, it's hard not to worry about how the ripple effects could impact you.Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:16:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/pf/expert/401k_investing.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/pf/expert/401k_investing.moneymag/index.htmI'm just starting out in my career and I'm trying to decide how to divide my contributions between my company's regular 401(k) plan and its Roth 401(k). I've heard that I'm better off putting money into the Roth because I'm probably in the lowest tax bracket I'll ever be in. If I contribute 10% of my pay, should I just put 5% in each? Or should I put it all in the Roth 401(k) and switch to a regular 401(k) later in my career as my tax burden rises? -- Derek, Kansas City, Mo.Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:47:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/08/pf/expert/company_retirement_plan.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/08/pf/expert/company_retirement_plan.moneymag/index.htmI resigned from my job last year. I still have $35,000 in my company's retirement plan, but I don't really understand the investments or fees. I'm thinking of transferring this money to an IRA and investing it in a target-date fund. My husband already has two target-date funds, one in his IRA and another in his 401(k). Does this strategy make sense? -- Sherrie H., Jacksonville, Fla.Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/05/pf/expert/thrift_savings_plan.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/05/pf/expert/thrift_savings_plan.moneymag/index.htmAs an active duty Marine, I'm eligible to contribute to the thrift savings plan. What are its pros and cons, and how should I take advantage of it? -- Master Sergeant D.E.W., USMCWed, 06 Jul 2011 16:44:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/01/retirement/retirement_savings/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/07/01/retirement/retirement_savings/index.htmWhile the economic recovery remains sluggish, retirement funds are looking the healthiest they have in years.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:46:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/06/28/pf/investing/alternative_investments_retirement/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/06/28/pf/investing/alternative_investments_retirement/index.htmDon Poffenroth spent more than 20 years watching his 401(k) eke out returns of 3% to 5%. Until, in 2007, he decided to take a bold step: He emptied out his 401(k) into a self-directed IRA and funneled all of his savings -- $300,000 -- into a vodka distillery.Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:02:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/06/22/retirement/saving_enough_for_retirement.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/06/22/retirement/saving_enough_for_retirement.moneymag/index.htmWorried that you're not saving enough to achieve the post-work life of your dreams? Let a retirement calculator give you a reality check.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:50:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/05/23/magazines/moneymag/budgeting_for_emergency_fund.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/05/23/magazines/moneymag/budgeting_for_emergency_fund.moneymag/index.htmWith a combined income of $225,000 and a nest egg of $330,000, Rick and Amy Mendez, 41 and 43, seem like they are in good financial shape. But a closer look reveals that they're lacking something crucial: emergency savings.Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:26:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/Congress_401k/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/Congress_401k/index.htmCongress wants to make it tougher for workers to tap their 401(k) retirement funds -- and to make it easier for them to repay those loans when they do.Wed, 18 May 2011 21:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/05/13/pf/roth_ira_tax_loophole.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/05/13/pf/roth_ira_tax_loophole.fortune/index.htmAmid all the rancor in Washington over how to rein in the federal deficit, one thing seems inevitable: If you're a six-figure earner, your tax bill has nowhere to go but up. The good news? A quirk in the tax code gives you a new backdoor opportunity to build your savings and shelter more of your income from the threat of higher taxes.Mon, 16 May 2011 16:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/28/pf/saving/Retiree_Roth_IRA_contributions/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/28/pf/saving/Retiree_Roth_IRA_contributions/index.htmQ: My husband is retired, and I work part-time. Can we contribute to a Roth IRA for him this year? -- Martha Chamberlain, Lanesville, Ind.Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:12:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/21/pf/expert/401k_investing_stocks.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/21/pf/expert/401k_investing_stocks.moneymag/index.htmI've always used the rule of thumb of 100 minus my age to decide what percentage of my 401(k) to invest in stocks. But now that I'm getting close to retirement I'm wondering whether that's too conservative? Do you think it is? --Martin, Middleton, WisconsinThu, 21 Apr 2011 18:22:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/20/pf/investment_taxes.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/20/pf/investment_taxes.moneymag/index.htmLooking to improve your portfolio's performance? Still licking the wounds from tax day? Then it's time to kill two birds with one stone by making sure your investments are as minimally exposed to taxes as possible.Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:55:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/15/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/15/pf/expert/retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmMy wife and I are 62 years old, have about $1.6 million in retirement savings and $250,000 in discretionary funds. We have no mortgage or debt payments. I get $12,500 a year from a pension and we both work part-time.Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:53:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/13/retirement/retirement_savings/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/13/retirement/retirement_savings/index.htmGone are the plans to golf, garden or read on a creaky porch swing.Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:08:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/07/pf/expert/withdraw_retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/07/pf/expert/withdraw_retirement_savings.moneymag/index.htmWhat's the latest thinking on how much I can withdraw from retirement savings? -- Ann Raymont, Indianapolis.Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/05/pf/expert/retire_with_two_million.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/04/05/pf/expert/retire_with_two_million.moneymag/index.htmI'm 39, single and earn a good salary. I save about $2,000 a month in a retirement account and another $2,000 in a regular mutual fund. I cut coupons and buy on sale, but I also take trips with friends and family and treat myself to a little luxury every year for my birthday. I'd like to retire with $2 million at age 65, then travel and teach some college courses. Am I on track? What else should I be doing? -- Beverly W.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:28:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/03/29/pf/expert/investing_stocks_bonds.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/03/29/pf/expert/investing_stocks_bonds.moneymag/index.htmLast August something spooked me in the markets, so I shifted my 401(k) and Roth IRA accounts out of stock funds and into bond funds. What a mistake! It's pretty much been a steady climb upward since then.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:45:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/03/30/pf/saving/401k_versus_Roth_IRA.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/03/30/pf/saving/401k_versus_Roth_IRA.moneymag/index.htmQ: My company stopped its 401(k) match during the downturn. Should I put money into a Roth IRA instead? I'm 41. -- D.R. Westlake, OhioWed, 30 Mar 2011 14:37:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/03/10/pf/saving/tax_questions_ira.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/03/10/pf/saving/tax_questions_ira.moneymag/index.htmLate last year you caught a break. Congress reached a deal that extended the Bush-era tax cuts for two years and renewed perks like the sales tax deduction and the tuition write-off for non-itemizers.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:27:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/02/23/retirement/401k_contributions_rise/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/02/23/retirement/401k_contributions_rise/index.htmThe average 401(k) balance hit a 10-year high at the end of last year as the recession waned and more Americans bulked up their retirement savings.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:58:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/02/22/pf/expert/retirement_work.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/02/22/pf/expert/retirement_work.moneymag/index.htmMy wife and I are 61 and wondering when to retire. Some say keep working, but I'd like to enjoy life. What's your take? -- David Watkins, Aurora, Colo.Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:42:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/13/retirement/do_over.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/13/retirement/do_over.moneymag/index.htmI may write about retirement for a living, but that doesn't mean I like seeing my 401(k) crater any more than you do. Given what's been happening in the market, I sometimes catch myself thinking how great it would be if my financial future weren't tied to something as volatile as Wall Street's mood.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:38:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/02/03/pf/expert/retirement_saving.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/02/03/pf/expert/retirement_saving.moneymag/index.htmMy husband and I have never had a credit card during the 37 years we have been married. We pay cash up front for everything. We do not have or want 401(k) accounts and the like. We keep our money in savings accounts and CDs.Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:09:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/01/10/pf/expert/employee_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/01/10/pf/expert/employee_401k.moneymag/index.htmHow can the average employee get a better handle on the expenses in company 401(k) plans to be able to make more informed choices? -- Chad Tuttle, Hudsonville, Mich.Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:17:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/01/07/pf/expert/financial_planning_taxes.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/01/07/pf/expert/financial_planning_taxes.moneymag/index.htmHow can you plan your financial future when the government continually changes the rules, especially regarding taxes? -- Wayne Moffatte, Middleburg Heights, OhioFri, 07 Jan 2011 22:29:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/01/05/pf/saving/401k_required_minimum_distributions.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/01/05/pf/saving/401k_required_minimum_distributions.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I turn 70˝ in February and must begin taking required minimum distributions from my 401(k). Do I have to take a second RMD when I turn 71 later this year? If so, how can I minimize taxes? -- Allen Metz, Sun Lakes, Ariz.Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/12/27/easy.new.year.resolutions/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/12/27/easy.new.year.resolutions/index.htmlThere's a reason why diet and money books get moved to the front of the bookstore come January first. We are full of good intentions with the promise of a new year.Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:11:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/13/pf/expert/IRA_minimum_distributions.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/13/pf/expert/IRA_minimum_distributions.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: Are minimum distributions from IRA accounts required in 2010? And, if so, what balance do I use to calculate the amount that I have to withdraw? -- M. Strange, Falls Church, VirginiaTue, 21 Dec 2010 23:14:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/08/pf/expert/investing_roth_ira_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/08/pf/expert/investing_roth_ira_401k.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 27 and contribute enough to my 401(k) to get the maximum match. I also invest a significant amount to a Roth IRA account for which I pay a 5.75% sales charge. My question: Would I be better off putting more in my 401(k) since it has no sales charge or continue with the Roth and eat the 5.75%? -- N.F., Minneapolis, MNThu, 09 Dec 2010 23:00:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/07/pf/expert/retirement_savings_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/07/pf/expert/retirement_savings_401k.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: My wife and I are in our early 30s, earn a combined $150,000 a year and contribute an overall 13% of our salary to our 401(k)s, plus our employers match another 4%. We also have an emergency fund equal to 12 months' worth of expenses.Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:07:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/03/pf/expert/retirement_ira_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/12/03/pf/expert/retirement_ira_401k.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 50 years old and contribute 20% of salary to my 401(k), of which my employer matches 6%. The choices in my 401(k) plan are limited, however, so I want to branch out. I already max out a Roth IRA, so I can't invest more there.Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:30:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/30/pf/investing/target_fund.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/30/pf/investing/target_fund.moneymag/index.htmFor the past two years, target-date funds have been under fire.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:02:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/22/pf/expert/retirement_401k_government.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/22/pf/expert/retirement_401k_government.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm increasingly concerned about the larger role the government has taken in our day-to-day lives in areas such as health care and banking and wondering whether this trend might eventually extend to 401(k) plans.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:20:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/19/pf/saving/mortgage_financial_fix/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/19/pf/saving/mortgage_financial_fix/index.htmFor more than a year, Kim Champney, 40, and Pat Minick, 41, have been kicking in an extra $650 to their $1,048 monthly mortgage payments. "We don't like carrying a lot of debt," says Minick, who stays home with their three kids, ages 7, 8 and 10.Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:43:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/05/pf/expert/retirement_401k_marriage.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/05/pf/expert/retirement_401k_marriage.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: What do you think of the concept of "marriage diversification"? If a married couple has 401(k) plans that are managed by the same investment firm, should they each have the same funds in their accounts, or should they pick different, but similarly performing, funds? -- David, Burlington, Mass.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:44:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/02/pf/expert/retirement_401k_IRA.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/02/pf/expert/retirement_401k_IRA.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: My wife and I have a combined annual income of about $250,000. If we max out our 401(k)s, can we each still contribute the full $5,000 this year to a traditional deductible IRA rather than just investing the money through a normal taxable brokerage account? -- Derek N., ColoradoWed, 03 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/20/pf/required_minimum_distribution/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/20/pf/required_minimum_distribution/index.htmOlder Americans whose retirement accounts took a beating from the market's downturn caught a break last year: The government suspended rules that required them to make annual withdrawals, buying them time for their portfolios to recover.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:36:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/08/pf/expert/investing_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/08/pf/expert/investing_401k.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm a 48-year-old software engineer with a wife and two kids. I earn $100,000 a year, but have not enrolled in my 401(k) plan. What investments should I start with so that I can retire as I plan to at age 65? -- Raj, Phoenix, Ariz.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:10:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/07/retirement/EBRI/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/07/retirement/EBRI/index.htmAmericans are woefully unprepared to pay for retirement, according to research released Thursday.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/05/news/economy/Sallie_Mae/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/10/05/news/economy/Sallie_Mae/index.htmNearly a quarter of the nation's parents saving for their children's college education intend to raid their own retirement accounts, despite increasing their tax liability, according to a new study released Tuesday.Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:53:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/30/pf/saving/401k_required_minimum_distribution/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/30/pf/saving/401k_required_minimum_distribution/index.htmQuestion: My mother is still working and contributes to her 401(k). She turned 70 in June; is she required to take required minimum deductions from this plan? -- T. Kaufman, Waterford, Mich.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:46:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/27/pf/investing/what_drives_portfolio_managers.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/27/pf/investing/what_drives_portfolio_managers.moneymag/index.htmThe recent financial crisis is partly the result of something economists call the "agency" problem. Put simply, the people you hire to take care of your money -- your agents -- almost always have their own agendas.Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:51:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/21/retirement/retirement_checklist.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/21/retirement/retirement_checklist.moneymag/index.htmThe road to retirement is littered with distractions. In the hurly-burly of life, so many things compete for your attention that you can lose sight of what really matters most.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/21/pf/expert/retirement_401k_bonds.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/21/pf/expert/retirement_401k_bonds.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I consider myself a good 401(k) citizen. I contribute the max, get the company match and have an age-appropriate level of stocks in my account. But one of the bond funds in my plan has a 10-year average return of about 9%, which is better than almost every stock fund. So I'm wondering whether I'd be better off just putting all my money into that bond fund. Would that make sense? -- Dan, Southfield, Mich.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:19:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/15/retirement/alicia_munnell.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/15/retirement/alicia_munnell.moneymag/index.htmAfter 30 years studying pension systems around the world, Alicia Munnell knows what works -- and what doesn't. As head of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, she warned early on that 401(k) plans would fail to provide the level of income that retirees would need. Not many agreed with her at first.Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:19:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/14/pf/expert/roth_ira_401k.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/09/14/pf/expert/roth_ira_401k.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I participate in a Roth 401(k) plan that also offers company matching funds. My question: Assuming our income isn't too high, can my wife and I also fund Roth IRA accounts? -- Mike Butler, Lindenhurst, Ill.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:49:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/09/02/damme.social.security.states/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/09/02/damme.social.security.states/index.htmlState budgets are being squeezed by unprecedented amounts for the third year in a row as legislators are forced to close gaps of up to 50 percent of state spending.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:49:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/news/economy/schwab_401k_retirement/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/news/economy/schwab_401k_retirement/index.htmYou could be contributing to a retirement plan without even knowing it.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/08/20/news/economy/fidelity_401k_withdrawal/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/08/20/news/economy/fidelity_401k_withdrawal/index.htmHardship withdrawals from 401(k) retirement saving plans rose to the highest level in 10 years during the second quarter, Fidelity Investments said on Friday, in the latest sign of a dismal economy.Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/08/02/pf/expert/life_insurance.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/08/02/pf/expert/life_insurance.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 33, make about $150,000 a year and am starting from scratch to plan for retirement. A person close to me wants to sell me life insurance with a cash value feature as a way to save. Can you help me here? What do you think is my best option? --Carlos R., Houston, TexasTue, 03 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/07/20/pf/expert/401k_retirement.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/07/20/pf/expert/401k_retirement.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: When I retire, should leave my money in my company's 401(k) or roll it into an IRA? --Mark, Plymouth, MinnesotaWed, 21 Jul 2010 19:26:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/07/14/retirement/boomers_retirement_savings/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/07/14/retirement/boomers_retirement_savings/index.htmMany early baby boomers may have a hard time making ends meet in retirement, according to a new study.Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/07/01/pf/expert/retirement_401k_annuity.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/07/01/pf/expert/retirement_401k_annuity.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: My husband recently retired and we are in the process of deciding how to invest the money in his 401(k). He and I both have good pension plans and I plan to work at least another five years. We have been advised to invest two-thirds of my husband's 401(k) assets in annuities, but I'm comfortable with putting only a third in annuities. Any advice? -- Jean, Omaha, NebraskaThu, 01 Jul 2010 20:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/16/pf/expert/IRA_contribuitons.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/16/pf/expert/IRA_contribuitons.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm a full-time student who has a part-time job at a community college. Can I start contributing to an IRA? -- Eiko, Atlanta, GeorgiaThu, 17 Jun 2010 14:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/16/pf/401k_transparency_legislation.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/16/pf/401k_transparency_legislation.fortune/index.htmHow much do you pay for your 401(k)? You probably can't answer that, because providers of the employer-sponsored retirement plans aren't required to tell you in clear language what they're charging. And now it appears that lawmakers in the Senate don't want you to know, either. At least not yet.Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:12:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/15/pf/expert/401k_saving.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/15/pf/expert/401k_saving.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 23 and contribute to my 401(k) plan. My employer also invests 4% of my salary in matching funds. But after reading a 2009 TIME Magazine story titled "Why It's Time to Retire the 401(k)" and seeing my parents lose significant amounts of their retirement savings after 9/11 and again in 2008, I'm wondering whether I should stop contributing to my 401(k). I'm confused. What is the best way to save long-term for retirement? --Andrew H.Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:17:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/09/retirement/frozen_pension.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/09/retirement/frozen_pension.moneymag/index.htmYou've been looking forward to retirement -- and the steady income your employer was supposed to provide -- only to learn that your company has frozen its pension plan. Now what?Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:14:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/04/news/companies/vanguard_mcnabb_csuite.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/06/04/news/companies/vanguard_mcnabb_csuite.fortune/index.htmJust two weeks after Bill McNabb became Vanguard's CEO in 2008, Lehman Brothers failed, AIG tanked, and the financial crisis became truly frightening. It was one of the toughest times ever to be running America's largest mutual fund company, yet it turned out to be a high-stress boon for Vanguard. As terrified investors pulled out of investments that scared them, they poured dollars into firms they trusted -- Vanguard above all. Today the company manages about $1.4 trillion, far more than before the crisis.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:51:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2010/06/01/105937451/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2010/06/01/105937451/index.htmChoice is powerful. It means you have the freedom to find just the right breakfast cereal, car, or mutual fund that suits you. And it means that companies have to innovate, to come up with better products that stand out from the crowd. (There would be no hybrid cars or ETFs in a world where everyone always settled for "good enough.") But choice also overwhelms. You've felt it when you've gone out for a quick trip to the grocery store and found yourself roaming the aisles for an hour. Or when you've scratched your head over which of 16 stock funds you should hold in your 401(k). Sheena Iyengar, a business professor at Columbia University, was among the first academics to study these real-world problems. In a series of ingenious experiments, she found that too many choices can cause people to give up and make no choice at all.Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:02:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/05/27/pf/expert/stock_fear.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/05/27/pf/expert/stock_fear.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm a 32-year-old mom and the breadwinner in my family. I have no stomach for the stock market, as I feel it is akin to gambling. Can I still have a comfortable retirement without investing in stocks? --Kristen, Oxford, New JerseyThu, 27 May 2010 08:13:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/05/18/pf/expert/IRA_saving.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/05/18/pf/expert/IRA_saving.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 27 and have had a Roth IRA since I was 16 years old. I've been maxing out that account since I graduated college, and I now also max out my 401(k). But this year my income will be too high to allow me to contribute to either a Roth IRA or traditional deductible IRA. I still have money I want to save, so I'm wondering whether I should just open a regular taxable account and invest in muni bonds, annuities or something else. Any suggestions? --Donald J.Tue, 18 May 2010 19:14:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/22/pf/expert/retirement_saving_business.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/22/pf/expert/retirement_saving_business.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm a 40-year-old single woman who earns $75,000 a year and has $150,000 in savings and $60,000 in retirement accounts. I work for a small company, but am hoping to start my own business within the next five years. My questions: Am I saving enough now for retirement? And should I be doing anything differently once I become self-employed? -- M.Z., Auburn, CaliforniaThu, 06 May 2010 15:49:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/05/06/pf/expert/401k_debt.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/05/06/pf/expert/401k_debt.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: Should I borrow from my 401(k) to pay off debt? -- Verlyn Regehr, Denver, ColoradoThu, 06 May 2010 14:35:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/01/13/smallbusiness/cash_balance_pension_plan/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/01/13/smallbusiness/cash_balance_pension_plan/index.htmFor two years, Dr. James Smouse of Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery tried to convince his younger partners to participate in a cash balance pension plan, a unique defined-benefit plan that offers business owners the opportunity to make hefty, tax-deferred contributions toward their retirement savings. But until the recession hit, they weren't interested.Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:11:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/13/pf/expert/401k_contribution_limits.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/13/pf/expert/401k_contribution_limits.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I want to max out my 401(k), but my company limits contributions to 20% of salary. Given what I earn, I would have to contribute more than 20% to reach the maximum contribution allowed by law. I know I can handle putting away more, but because of my employer's 20% cap, I can't. Can companies really limit my contributions like that? And, if so, what can I do to save more? -- Laura, Denver, ColoradoTue, 13 Apr 2010 14:47:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/12/pf/biggest_retirement_mistakes/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/12/pf/biggest_retirement_mistakes/index.htmSaving for retirement is an intimidating task and everyone makes mistakes. To mark financial literacy month, we asked financial experts about the missteps they see most often and how to avoid them.Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:48:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/06/pf/expert/retirement_risk.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/04/06/pf/expert/retirement_risk.moneymag/index.htmA basic tenet of retirement investing states that as you get closer to calling it a career, you should grow more conservative -- tilting away from volatile assets like stocks and toward more stable investments like bonds and cash.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/03/31/pf/expert/401k_plan.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/03/31/pf/expert/401k_plan.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: My employer offers a retirement savings plan. I'm turning 30 this year and I'm wondering whether to enroll in it. Do you think I should? --P.J., Boston, Mass.Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:06:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/03/30/pf/expert/401k_fees.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/03/30/pf/expert/401k_fees.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 40 years old and would like to know whether I should invest in my workplace's tax-deferred retirement plan where expenses average 1.1% for the various options, or put my money into an outside account funded with index funds that charge 0.21% a year. In the long run which option would give me more money? --Michael G., Orangeburg, South CarolinaTue, 30 Mar 2010 14:14:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/03/09/pf/expert/government_retirement_plans.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/03/09/pf/expert/government_retirement_plans.moneymag/index.htmUsually I cringe when our leaders in Washington try to help improve our finances. I'm afraid their efforts may do more harm than good. But two new ideas being discussed inside the Beltway could actually make it easier to prepare for retirement. Both center on the income you'll generate from your 401(k).Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:25:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/24/retirement/401k_fixes.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/24/retirement/401k_fixes.moneymag/index.htmYou're probably feeling a lot better about your 401(k) these days, and not without reason. The average balance for experienced workers, after declining 19% in 2008, bounced back 29% last year, including new contributions.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:34:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/18/pf/expert/401k_match.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/18/pf/expert/401k_match.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 24 and my 401(k) plan matches $1.25 for every dollar I contribute up to 6% of salary. I currently contribute 3% of my salary and then put $75 a month into a Roth IRA. I do that because I don't want all my eggs in one basket. I'm wondering, though, whether I should stop the IRA contributions and take advantage of the company match instead? What do you think? --Matthew, Sacramento, Calif.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:21:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/08/news/economy/401k_match_returns/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/08/news/economy/401k_match_returns/index.htmEmployees who took a hit on their savings last year might finally be in for some welcome news: Companies are stepping up efforts to help them save more for retirement.Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:26:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/04/pf/expert/retirement_saving.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/02/04/pf/expert/retirement_saving.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm 34 and have yet to begin saving for retirement. I'm considering participating in my company's 401(k) plan, but I'm unsure whether to do so since my employer doesn't match my contribution. What do you advise? --Nikia, New York, New YorkThu, 04 Feb 2010 10:19:00 EST