Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A recent Wells Fargo survey finds that Americans are expecting to work longer to ensure they have enough money for retirement, 80 may be the new 65 for many American retirees. Of respondents age 40 to 59, 54% indicate they need to work in their retirement years, while only 34% of the 25 to 39 age group indicates they will be working in retirment.





At one of my last Managing Money in Tough Times workshops the financial reality facing retired Wyomingites became very apparant. We haven't been unaffected by the financial turbulance experienced in our country in recent years. It is a very real and difficult financial challenge for seniors who find themselves facing the reality of having outlived their retirement savings.





A tip from the class.... if at all possible, practice living on your retirement income before making the big decision to leave the workforce.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Retirees aren't planning far down the road, study finds

Many retirees overlook important issues such as health care costs in their planning, according to a study by the Society of Actuaries. "The study highlights the importance of retirees educating themselves on how to successfully plan for their retirement years while understanding the value of partnering with a trusted financial advisor for guidance," according to the society. Retirees with financial advisers increased to 61% this year, from 56% in 2008.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Strategies for taking required minimum distributions

Older investors who must take minimum distributions from retirement plans should consider taking them from the smallest of multiple retirement accounts or taking the distribution in-kind if they don't need the cash, certified financial planner Gary Brooks writes. Another tip: Consider taking more than the required minimum in order to shrink a future tax bill, when income tax rates may be higher. Read the full article from The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)