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Front Page | I want to grow my nest egg

Grow My Nest Egg

Articles

  • New Initiatives to Boost Savings for RetirementNew initiatives announced in September by President Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner make it easier-and more automatic--for American families to save for retirement.
  • Retire? Get RealAlthough most workers feel confident they'll be able to live comfortably into retirement, the evidence points to a different story. Know how to become "retirement ready."
  • Avoid Falling Prey to a Ponzi SchemeRecognize the warning signs of investment fraud to avoid falling prey to a Ponzi scheme.
  • Nest Egg Losses: Time to Play Catch-UpIn the wake of stock market losses and/or company cutbacks, get the ball back in your court. Know the strategies that can boost your savings and salvage your retirement plans.
  • Simplify Your Finances--Go Lean!The economic downturn presents an opportunity to streamline your personal finances. Choose to simplify with a few smart moves and tools described in this article.
  • It's 'Business as Usual' After Corp. Takeover
  • Switching to Roth May Ease Conversion TaxesIf you’re thinking of converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, make sure you follow the rules.
  • Money Market Share Accounts at CU's Are InsuredGiven recent economic uncertainties, it's important to know the difference between money market share accounts and money market mutual funds.
  • Social Security Launches Streamlined Benefits CalculatorIf you’re nearing retirement and looking for a more realistic estimate of your Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration’s new online retirement estimator includes several key enhancements.
  • Key to Investing in Recession: Stay CalmIn a struggling economy, a smart investor stays calm and digs in for the long haul. This article contains valuable tips on what you should—and shouldn’t—do when times are tough.
  • Don't Stop Feeding Your 401(k)Don’t let stock market woes cloud your judgment. If you pull the plug on your 401(k), you’ll miss out on an investment “sale.”
  • Pay Attention to 401(k) FeesIf you don’t know how much you’re paying in 401(k) administrative fees, this article tells you how to calculate your expense ratio.
  • Study: Americans Who Understand Compounding Boost SavingsWhen it comes to saving money, don’t underestimate the power of compounding. Find out what savers say about successful saving strategies.
  • 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.
  • HR an Essential Member of Your Retirement Planning TeamIn your working years, you’ll need professional help to develop a retirement plan, make wise choices, and stay on track. Include your HR representative on your team.
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 3
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 4
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 2
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 1
  • Investing Too Much in Company Stock?Don’t make the mistake of putting too many investment eggs in your company’s stock. Know how to get the most out of your 401(k).
  • Can You Count on Social Security?Given the cloud of uncertainty hovering over Social Security, should you be worried? Saving on your own now to complement whatever the government will give you later is a good strategy.
  • Traditional 401(k) or Roth 401(k): Do the mathIf your employer offers the Roth 401(k), run the numbers to see whether this investment option is right for you.
  • What to Do When the Stock Market Takes a TurnBesides having nerves of steel, know what to do to ride out market highs and lows.
  • Boomers May Have to Postpone Retirement DateSome boomers may be better off working a few more years beyond retirement age to bolster their nest egg and improve retirement income security.
  • Mark These Key Birthdays in the Coming YearsLook ahead to key birthdays to guide your retirement planning process.
  • Flawed Assumptions Sap Retirement SavingsOnly one person out of four claims to be “very confident” about doing a good job preparing for retirement. To boost your own confidence, ditch these common flawed assumptions.
  • Read Your Social Security Benefits StatementTaking the time to read your social security benefits statement is worth the time--if you don’t and there are errors, you might get a smaller monthly check during retirement.
  • Did You Leave a Retirement Plan at a Former Job?Did you leave behind a retirement savings plan at a former job--or are you about to? Depending on your situation and assuming you’re not ready to retire, you generally have four options for your savings.
  • Help Senior Parents Manage Their MoneyApproximately 44 million Americans are caring for an older adult, most likely a parent. Caretaking now includes assisting parents with money management tasks and, in many cases, financial decision making.

    • Audio

  • Audio: Job Loss and Your 401(k)The economic crisis has left many people facing the unfortunate reality of job loss. Jordan Amin, senior manager in the tax department of Amper, Politziner & Mattia, gives advice about preparing an emergency plan and options for your 401(k) savings.
  • Audio: Co-ops--Good for You, Good for the EconomyMore than 800 million people around the world belong to cooperatives, says Paul Hazen, president and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association. He explains the functions and benefits of cooperatives--including credit unions--in our society.
  • Audio: Letter of InstructionLetters of instruction are informative, personalized documents that supplement formal living wills and trusts, says Mark Cussen, a certified financial planner and freelance writer. He discusses what to include and why they are beneficial.
  • Audio: Four Steps to Triple Your ReturnsInvesting might not be as complicated as you think. Paul Merriman, author of "Live It Up Without Outliving Your Money," gives four simple steps you can take to see big returns on your investment.
  • Audio: 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 shout-out 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.
  • Audio: Do More with Your 401(k)Join Paul Merriman, founder and director of Merriman Berkman Next and author of "Live It Up Without Outliving Your Money," as he discusses how to avoid common mistakes that young investors often make.
  • 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: Provisions of Pension Protection ActJoin Sage Eastman, communications director for Congressman Dave Camp (R., Mich.), as he talks about provisions of the Pension Protection Act. The major factor--the importance of knowing what's available to you as you save for retirement and the importance of starting to save early.
  • Audio: Health Savings AccountsJoin Dennis Zuehlke, compliance manager, CUNA Mutual Group, as he talks about health savings accounts--what they are, who is eligible to have one, what they can be used for, and restrictions.
  • Audio: Investing for RetirementJoin Karen Schaeffer, certified financial planner, as she talks about putting your retirement plan on track, and keeping it on track.
  • Audio: Using IRAs Effectively Before 59 1/2Most of the time you’re told not to touch your retirement account until you’ve reached full retired age. However, there are times when it may be necessary to start tapping those accounts sooner. Join Bill Stecker, CPA, principal owner of the Marble Group, Ltd., as he talks about knowing when and whether you’re qualified to tap those accounts before age 59 1/2.
  • Audio: PreRetiree Lane, Episode 1It’s Stu and Marta Hunter’s 25th wedding anniversary celebration … and time to meet the neighbors who live on Pre-Retiree Lane. Our guide is John Templeton. He’s joined by Mercedes Walczak, plus Ava Maynhard and her husband Ron. While all is seemingly smiles and pieces of cake, there’s also talk of finances and retirement planning … but it’s cut short by the shocking turn of events.

    • Calculators

  • Calculator: What's My Annual Payout in Retirement?Use this calculator to figure your annual payment in retirement--adjusted for inflation.
  • Calculator: What's the Cost of Borrowing From My 401(k)?
  • Calculator: Should I Reduce Debt or Increase Savings?
  • Calculator: How Does Inflation Affect Prices?
  • Calculator: What's My Net Worth?

    • FAQS

  • FAQ: The ABCs of AnnuitiesIn the world of investments, annuities are one of the most complicated options available. The choices can confound even the most experienced investor.
  • 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.
  • FAQ: Don't Leave Your 401(k) Plan on AutopilotYour 401(k) is unlikely to produce optimum returns on autopilot. The good news is that you're in control, and the bad news is that you're in control.
  • FAQ: Investment ClubsMajor investment firms don’t rely on one trader or one broker to make money-making trades, so why should you? An investment club might be just the ticket.

    • Qtip

  • Advise Social Security of Name Changes
  • Use FINRA Site for Critical, Credible Investment Tips
  • Rebalance Portfolio at Regular Intervals
  • Understand Cost of Not Taking RMD
  • Know Your 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2009
  • Structure Accounts to Take Advantage of Higher Coverage
  • Open Investment Statements Calmly, or Not at All
  • Watch for Cybercrooks Preying on Anxious Investors
  • Know Pros, Cons of Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Look for Matured or Lost Savings Bonds
  • Use New Calculator for Better Estimate of S.S. Benefits
  • Delay Retirement, Boost Annual Income
  • Consider Pension Payout Options Carefully
  • Know Cost of 401(k) Fees
  • Cut Costs by Clipping Online Coupons

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