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Plan It™ retire ready toolkit
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Front Page | I want to grow my nest egg

Grow My Nest Egg

Articles

  • Plan Your Estate, Pay for Grandkids' CollegePlan your estate while paying for a grandchild’s college.
  • Credit Unions' Tax Status Well DeservedA tax hike on credit unions is a tax hike on all American consumers.
  • Don’t Risk Your Retirement SavingsFind ways to avoid raiding your retirement funds
  • New $2,000 Tax Credit for Workers Saving for RetirementIf you’re a low- or moderate-income worker saving for retirement in a 401(k), an IRA, or similar workplace retirement program, you could be eligible to claim a special tax credit of as much as $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples.
  • Don't Raid Retirement FundsWhen you borrow from a retirement account, the true cost is always higher than the amount you’ll repay.
  • Retiring? Six reasons to roll over your 401(k)Roll over your 401(k) to a traditional IRA when you retire.
  • Encore: Put HR on Your Retirement-Planning Teamn your working years, you’ll need professional help to develop a retirement plan, make wise choices, and stay on track. Include your Human Resources representative on your team.
  • Grandparents: Don't Give 'Til It HurtsGifts that draw down your retirement savings will affect your future earnings.
  • Charitable Gifts Can Benefit DonorAs more baby boomers retire and fewer companies are providing pensions, many investors are looking for reliable sources of retirement income. For the charitably inclined, there are some good solutions that might appeal to you.
  • Investors' Cognitive BiasesDon’t trust everything you think. Cognitive biases impair our decision-making in many spheres, including investing.
  • 401(k) Hardship WithdrawalsA sudden job downgrade, not being able to keep up with mortgage payments, or an expensive medical bill could leave you desperately looking for an immediate source of income. Read this before you tap your 401(k) retirement plan to help ease your financial burdens.
  • Check Social Security Benefits in Two WaysTake the time to read your social security benefits statement.
  • Annuitues: Get the Scoop Before You InvestExplore the pros and cons of these complex investments before making your buying decision.
  • Retirement: Plan With Your PartnerCouples: Ask these questions to get your retirement plans in sync.
  • Start Laddering to Save BigLaddering certificates of deposit/share certificates is a tool you can use to keep your money growing while still accessible if you need it.
  • Size Up Annuity vs. Lump Sum PayoutLump sum or annuity? The way you take your retirement plan distribution is a major financial decision. Make it before you pack up the photos and plants from your cubicle. Learn how to make an informed decision and improve your odds of enjoying financial security and peace of mind through your golden years.
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 6This cliff-hanger episode of PreRetiree Lane will leave you breathless, starting with a flirtatious exchange between financial planner Austin Bryant and Mercedes, followed by a slam-the-door shouting match between Stu and Marta as they try to come to grips with their shaky finances in the home stretch before retirement. The real jaw-dropper, though, is the last scene—a phone call that no one expects nor wants to believe is true.
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 3
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 2
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 1

    • Audio

  • Audio: Mobile MoneyMaking payments by smartphone is convenient, but take precautions to keep them secure. Join Paul Berry, host of Home & Family Finance Radio, as he and James T. Shreve, attorney, BuckleySandler LLP, Washington, D.C., discuss mobile banking and payments and keeping your data and identity safe.
  • Audio: When To Start Taking Social SecurityJoin Jim Sloan, president, Jim Sloan Associates, Houston, and author of "Financially Informed Boomer," talks about the tradeoffs you make when choosing Social Security payouts.
  • Audio: Practice for Financial Life ChangesSusan Tiffany, certified credit union financial counselor and director of consumer periodicals, Credit Union National Association (CUNA), Madison, Wis., says when you approach big financial changes with a practice phase, you build in time to tweak the details and improve your odds for success.
  • Audio: Invest for the Long TermMichael Farr says it's a good time to invest even though the stock market is volatile.
  • Audio: Today's Investment OutlookDespite the fiscal cliff, the deficit, and Europe’s economic woes, if you stay realistic and don’t take shortcuts, it’s still a good time to invest. Join Paul Berry, host of Home & Family Finance Radio, as Michael Farr, president, Farr, Miller & Washington, Washington, D.C., discusses the investment outlook and his new book, "The Arrogance Cycle."
  • Audio: Saving and Retirement TipsNo matter your age or years to retirement, these retirement savings suggestions can help you. Join Paul Berry, host of Home & Family Finance Radio, as he discusses retirement planning with Bill Losey, certified financial planner and author, "Retire in a Weekend! The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Making Work Optional."
  • Audio: Investment Tips That Don't WorkDon’t believe everything you hear when it comes to investing for retirement. Join Paul Berry, host of Home & Family Finance Radio, as he discusses investing tips that don’t work with Michael Reese, president and founding principal, Centennial Wealth Advisory, Traverse City, Mich.
  • Audio: PreRetiree Lane, Episode 5Listen in as tensions rise. Just as financial planner Austin Bryant delivers a solid plan to beef up Ron and Ava's retirement plans, Mercedes drops by, quite upset by her boyfriend's refusal to help her out of a sticky situation. Austin excuses himself to visit with Stu and Marta, who end up clashing over issues greater than just money ... issues that wind up threatening their marriage.
  • Audio: PreRetiree Lane, Episode 4Listen in as all the characters come to grips with the need to get financial help. Financial planner Austin Bryant works with Ava and Ron to develop a diversified retirement plan. Mercedes takes a risk and asks her boyfriend Bob for financial help to get away from her corrupt employers. And Stu breaks the bad news to his wife Marta about his 401(k) savings fiasco; they decide to ask Austin to help them out of their retirement planning bind.
  • Audio: PreRetiree Lane, Episode 2

    • Calculators

  • Calculator: How to Calculate Your Retirement Needs

    • FAQS

  • FAQ: 401(k) Distribution OptionsWith the right information, retirees can avoid making a 401(k) withdrawal that results in penalties and a hefty tax bill.

    • Qtip

  • Before You Collect, 8 Social Security SecretsHere’s help to guide you as you start collecting Social Security.
  • Get Help Tracking Pension PlansKeep good records and know what pension benefits you’re entitled to. If you lose track, the national Pension Rights Center and its regional offices may be able to help.
  • New Retirement Plan Contribution LimitsFind out about the 2013 IRS contribution limits for several types of retirement plans, including 401(k) or similar plans, defined contribution plans, and IRAs.
  • Withdrawals: Beat the 4% RuleUse the IRS tables for RMDs to develop a schedule for retirement-savings withdrawals.
  • Maximize Social Security PaymentsDepending on taxes, retirement accounts, your work income, and your spouse’s, it may make sense to delay collecting Social Security. Use online tools to determine the best time to start.
  • Protect Your Investment from ScamsBefore investing to build retirement savings, do your due diligence. Investigate the adviser and recommended product, and then get a second, unbiased opinion.
  • Annuities: Money for LifeAnnuities provide guaranteed annual payments you can’t outlive.
  • Preretirees: Plan for Less Social SecurityBased on a recent report, unless Congress acts, Social Security benefits could be 25% less than scheduled by 2033.
  • Avoid Retirement MistakesWe all make mistakes, but these retirement blunders can derail your plans big time. A recent Consumer Reports survey of retired and soon-to-be-retired subscribers revealed some oversights to avoid.
  • Recalculate Retirement Withdrawal RateFor years, financial experts recommended withdrawing 4% from your retirement savings annually. But new research suggests withdrawing anywhere from 1.8% to 7% of your nest egg each year.
  • Don't Overstuff Your 401(k)It might seem counterintuitive, but there is such a thing as putting too much money into your 401(k) account. Socking away as much as possible in your 401(k) can actually take a chunk out of your tax return.
  • Social Media Investment ScamsEveryone is on social media these days—and unfortunately, that includes scammers. The latest breed of fraudster uses social media to lure other users into too-good-to-be-true investment scams.
  • How to Retire Early (Really)Do you dream of retiring early? Here’s how to make it a reality—even if you aren’t loaded.
  • Avoid Surprise Retirement CostsYou may think you’ve prepared your finances for retirement, but have you considered these little-known expenses? Planning for them can prevent a financial surprise.
  • Co-Workers Affect How You InvestLots of factors affect the way you choose to save and invest for retirement. But did you ever think the officemate in the cubicle next to yours at work could be one of those factors?
  • Check Safety of Pension PlansIf you have a defined benefit plan, keep a close eye on your funds: A recent report reveals that some pension plans are underfunded.
  • Three Ways to Boost Your Nest EggHow’s your nest egg looking these days? If you’re looking for ways to plump up your retirement savings, try these basic strategies.
  • When to Pay Down Your MortgageLook at these circumstances before you decide to pay off your mortgage before you retire.
  • Old 401(k)? Weigh These OptionsChanging jobs and wondering what to do with your old 401(k)? Here are your options.
  • Stop Worrying, Start PlanningAccording to a recent poll, not having enough money for retirement is Americans’ biggest financial worry. To bulk up your nest egg, be proactive.
  • Collecting Social Security While WorkingIf you plan to work while collecting Social Security benefits, consider these factors when deciding how much to work, when to start receiving benefits, and more.
  • No 401(k)? You Still Can SaveEven without a 401(k) plan through your employer, you still can take advantage of certain tax breaks and strategies to help you save for retirement on your own.
  • Assess Your Financial AdviserThe financial adviser who helped you prepare your retirement stash may not be the right person to guide you through retirement. Look out for these areas of concern.
  • Be Careful With Retirement NumbersDo you have a "magic number" for retirement in mind? Make sure it’s realistic.
  • Tweet With Retirement ExpertsFollow tweets from these resources to keep up with the latest retirement news and advice.
  • Determine Your Full Retirement AgeDoes an increase in full retirement age affect you? It depends on when you were born.
  • Know 401(k) FeesRecent survey results show that many 401(k) participants aren’t familiar with fees they pay for their plans. If you’re in the same boat, an online tool can help.
  • Women: Save More for RetirementA recent study reported that women save significantly less for retirement than men. Make sure your savings are on track by following these guidelines.
  • Find the Right Financial AdviserWhen hiring a financial adviser, going with the first one you meet or following a recommendation might not be the best route to take. Here's how to hire the right person to help you with your financial decisions.
  • Know When to Rebalance Your 401(k)Rebalancing is crucial to make sure your asset allocation is working as you intend it to. Learn which situations should prompt you to consider rebalancing.
  • Know Your Target-Date FundWhen it comes to your target-date retirement fund, don’t just set it up and watch it go. Understand the investments in your fund and how they will work over time to ensure that you’re making smart investing decisions.
  • Be Smart About Storing ValuablesHome safe or safe deposit box? Make sure valuable items remain as safe and secure as possible.
  • Calculate Social Security Benefits
  • Old 401(k)? Roll It
  • Consider the Costs of Long-Term CareBefore you choose to purchase a long-term care policy, get familiar with current research and national averages.
  • Find the Effects of Early or Delayed Retirement
  • Advise Social Security of Name Changes
  • Use FINRA Site for Critical, Credible Investment Tips

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