Retirement Planning

Life insurance may be one of the most important purchases you make on behalf of your loved ones.

Feb 2, 2001 - Ann Needle

No more deadbeat IRA beneficiaries you can't change, "fuzzy math" on life expectancy calculations, or some other byzantine rules that plagued IRA account holders in the dark days before 2001. Now, the US Treasury has instantly made it easier for you and your beneficiaries to avoid tax penalities on your IRA distributions.

Jan 19, 2001 - Ann Needle

Before you ponder just how long your retirement money needs to last, take a look at these on-line "life expectancy calculators." If anything, they're fun - and eye-opening.

Jan 5, 2001 - Ann Needle

If you received a new Social Security this year -- or will next year -- here's the scoop on a really useful government (I'm not kidding) invention.

Dec 22, 2000 - Ann Needle

Here are just a few of the potential and possible retirement and income tax changes you should know about for 2000 and 2001.

Dec 8, 2000 - Ann Needle

Trying to accomodate the holiday madness on a fixed retirement income? Here are some tips to ease the financial burden of December both in 2000 and beyond.

Nov 24, 2000 - Ann Needle

Cliffhanger or not, will the new U.S. president really (consciously) do anything to jeopardize the financial security of older Americans?

Nov 10, 2000 - Ann Needle

Now that Americans who work past age 65 no longer get penalized for their salaries if they choose to collect Social Security, does that mean you should no longer consider putting off enjoying these benefits?

Oct 27, 2000 - Ann Needle

As of press time it was turning into "another October" for the markets. Here are some old reminders about why you are invested at times such as these.

Oct 13, 2000 - Ann Needle

Legislsation aimed at making retirement a lot better for many Americans holds a dirty little surprise for some older workers.

Sep 29, 2000 - Ann Needle

The rules regarding what retirement account money can be transferred directly into the Roth IRA remain confusing -- here's a little clarification.

Sep 15, 2000 - Ann Needle

If you're confused as to whether a traditional or Roth IRA is right for you, here's a summary of some key points you should know.

Sep 1, 2000 - Ann Needle

Here's an overview of the talked-about Roth IRA, and a preview of how it stacks up to its traditional IRA counterpart.

Aug 18, 2000 - Ann Needle

The traditional IRA has gotten a makeover in the past few years, and the new advantages make this old warhorse tough to ignore for retirement planners.

Aug 4, 2000 - Ann Needle

Annuities may be taking a back seat nowadays to the attention paid to other retirement vehicles, but these investments can be a great tool for the right users.

Jul 21, 2000 - Ann Needle

Annuities and IRAs offer different advantages for retirement investors, so it makes sense to know what can be right for you.

Jul 7, 2000 - Ann Needle

If you are a retiree that's still resisting the use of ATM cards to make financial transactions, read on - there are several reasons why these cards are becoming more and more unavoidable. Instead of sidestepping these pieces of progress, learn how to use the cards conveniently and wisely.

Jun 23, 2000 - Ann Needle

For many, "having it all" means sending the kids to college -- without sacrificing a shot at a comfortable retirement. Here are some tips on how to make it all work.

Jun 9, 2000 - Ann Needle

If millions of Americans are claiming bankruptcy, then it can't be all that bad - right? While bankruptcy may be the only option for some who are battling their way back to financial health, many others may find that they give up far more than they gain by choosing this route.

May 26, 2000 - Ann Needle

Divorce is a sore subject but, if you have an inkling you'll be facing this situation, it pays to know something about how your assets can be legally divided.

May 12, 2000 - Ann Needle

As a woman, investing is a must -- especially for retirement. Here's why, along with some unique reasons for and unique routes to investing with your interests in mind.

Apr 28, 2000 - Ann Needle

If you're jobhunting after being retired for awhile, check in here for a look at the tools you'll neeed to get back in to today's work world.

Apr 14, 2000 - Ann Needle

Is retirement getting to you? Looking for a post-retirement career, or just something new to do -- with a side helping of paycheck? Regardless of the job you're seeking after being retired for a while, there are some strategies to follow that can help make your search more effective.

Mar 31, 2000 - Ann Needle

Here's a summary of the retirement-related changes to the tax code for 1999 and 2000.

Mar 17, 2000 - Ann Needle

Tax time 2000 is here, so read the right IRS publications and file the correct forms BEFORE the April 15 mania really arrives.

Mar 3, 2000 - Ann Needle

A suddent job loss -- even in today's booming economy -- could leave your financial plans in tatters, especially your retirement savings. Here's how to shore up your chances of bringing yourself and your retirement savings through unemployment in relative comfort.

Feb 18, 2000 - Ann Needle

With Americans amassing more wealth in greater numbers, some may need to take some special steps to protect their assets from taxes before and after death -- and a trust can be a great help.

Feb 4, 2000 - Ann Needle

Now that you're changing jobs, you should be able to access your 401(k) money without all those tax penalties, right? Wrong -- but don't despair. There are some easy ways to transfer your plan money into future security without getting hit with taxes.

Jan 21, 2000 - Ann Needle

A look at why many people may need to plan to reduce the burden of estate taxes on their loved ones, even with the estate-tax relief recently passed by Congress.

Jan 7, 2000 - Ann Needle

Don't panic - but there are a few moves you can make to assure your money isn't tripped up by the Y2K blues.

Dec 24, 1999 - Ann Needle

A look at the major retirement plan options available to the self employed.

Dec 10, 1999 - Ann Needle

If you plan to take a lump sum from your 401(k) in the next few months, listen up: You may lose a substantial tax break if you don't make your move before Dec. 31, 1999.

Nov 26, 1999 - Ann Needle

Many of today's retirees and pre-retirees are heading out of the "work force" -- and in to their own businesses. This article discusses some of the personal financial issues every soon-to-be self-employed person should think about before opening their own shop.

Nov 12, 1999 - Ann Needle

Viatical settlements (which allow the termnally ill to sell their life insurance policies at a reduced rate) are as controversial as they are potentially useful to the seller. Here's a look at what you or a loved one should know before taking this route to selling a life policy.

Oct 29, 1999 - Ann Needle

Long-term care insurance is costly, but it's something you should probably consider. As you do, make sure you don't spend too much for coverage you won't need.

Oct 15, 1999 - Ann Needle

When normal retirement rolls around, health care choices still need to be made. Getting the best deal for your needs often means sorting through your Medicare choices -- start here in making some wise cost decisions.

Oct 1, 1999 - Ann Needle

Saving money in retirement means meeting some deadlines both before and after you leave work -- here's a look at some of the major "money dates" you should note as you make retirement plans.

Sep 17, 1999 - Ann Needle

If you retire early, options for affordable health insurance are few -- but they exist. Here are some routes to take to trimming those costs.

Sep 3, 1999 - Ann Needle

Health care costs can be enough to douse your plans to retire early, but there are ways to help keep these costs from driving you bankrupt. Here are the major routes to (somewhat) affordable health care as a pre-retiree: The next article will look at more unconventional ways to trim these costs.

Aug 20, 1999 - Ann Needle

You may be surprised how fast taxes can whittle away your nest egg if you're not careful -- so take steps now to protect retirement plan assets from taxes before you or your spouse retire.

Aug 6, 1999 - Ann Needle

If you're within five years of retiring, take a look at some of the financial know-how you should have before you make any major decisions about your post-work income.

Jul 23, 1999 - Ann Needle

There are many financial resources you can turn to in making retirement a comfortable place - and often it's just a matter of using some old tools in new ways.

Jul 9, 1999 - Ann Needle

Have you thought about the possibility that you could outlive your money? If not, take a look at why this could happen--and some ways to help make sure you live longer than your nest egg.

Jun 7, 1999 - Ann Needle