Retirement Savings and Investments

There are a lot of questions about retirement savings and investments.

With regards to savings, you need to know: How much to save (did you know that some people save too much)? How much savings you will you need for retirement? Where should you save? Should you save pre-tax (traditional, SEP & Simple IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, 457s, 529s, HSAs, etc…) or after-tax (Roth IRAs and 401ks)? How do you find more money to save?

And, there are probably even more questions about investments: What should you invest in (stocks, bonds, real estate, funds)? How should your investments change over time? How do your financial values impact your investment strategy? What is the ideal asset allocation for you? What should you do when the market swings wildly?

See below for articles covering the answers to these questions and more.

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6 Strategies to Manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Are RMDs desired income or a cost? Either way, preserve wealth with these 6 strategies for minimizing taxes on your withdrawals.

December 21, 2022

Why a Roth Conversion or Backdoor Roth IRA is a Good Idea Right Now

Doing a Roth conversion — also known as a “backdoor Roth IRA” – is perhaps still appealing in 2023. Why? Low 2023 tax rates. What is a Roth Conversion? Backdoor IRA? A Roth Conversion is when you convert money that you have in a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. This is sometimes called a…

December 20, 2022
year end tax tips

12 Year-End Tax Planning Strategies to Keep More 2022 Money and Prepare for Future Wealth

These 12 year-end tax tips for retirement will help you minimize your 2022 taxes and reduce future tax bills.

December 8, 2022
can i retire with a million

I Have $1 Million and I Still Can’t Afford to Retire!

Millionaires are nearly as worried as average savers about their retirement. Find out why.

December 1, 2022
pros and cons of dividend stocks

15 Pros and Cons of Dividend Stocks for Retirement Savings

Too good to be true? Explore 15 pros and cons of dividend stocks. Good for retirement income, but also expensive, confusing, and risky.

December 1, 2022
average household savings

How Do You Compare? Average Cash, Savings, Home Equity and Other Balances

Worried about money? You’re probably in better shape than average! Compare your balance to the average cash, savings, home equity of others.

November 10, 2022
what is a bear market

Tips for a Snarling Bear Market: Stay Calm, Let the Bear Back Down

Bear markets aren’t so different from real life bear encounters. With both you want to remain calm and wait for the bear to retreat.

September 29, 2022

Worried About the Markets? Run Bear Market Scenarios with the Planner

Explore how to use the Planner to model bear market scenarios. See what might happen over the next year or two with your investments.

September 29, 2022

6 Competing Retirement Investing Goals and How to Sort Them Out for Long-Term Wealth

Creating a retirement investment plan for after you retire is downright complicated. Explore 6 competing priorities and how to invest for long term wealth.

September 1, 2022

Coping with Financial Crises: Wealth-Building Lessons from Recent History

Don’t repeat mistakes from history. The 5 most recent financial crises provide lessons on protecting and building wealth in troubled times.

August 25, 2022

Sample Asset Allocations: What Is Right for You?

Explore investing rules of thumb as well as sample asset allocations to help you know if you are on the right track. Read now!

August 25, 2022

10 Remarkable Retirement Investments: Go Beyond Stocks, Bonds and Other Financial Products

Monetary retirement investments are critical. Investing in your future health and happiness will pay the important dividends.

August 18, 2022

Investment Advice: What Kind of Help Do You Really Need? How Much Should it Cost?

You have options for investment advice at different costs and service levels. But, the most popular option may not be the best. Learn why…

August 11, 2022
how much is enough

How Much is Enough? How to Know if You Are Earning or Saving for Optimal Happiness

Everyone wants to know how much is enough. Here are 10 ways to find out how much savings or income is needed for happiness.

July 14, 2022
what is a bond ladder

Is a Bond Ladder Strategy Right for Your Retirement?

Bond ladders can be used to protect against interest rate risk. Discover what they are and why you would use one to secure your future.

July 14, 2022
opportunity to buy into stock market

The Stock Market Has Worst First 6 Months of Year Since 1970s: Is it Time to Buy In? 

Wall Street news isn’t great: bear market, inflation & more. However, it may be a great opportunity to invest. Explore 12 tips to help you know if it is for you.

June 30, 2022
401k statement different

What’s New on Your 401k Statement? (Why Does it Appear You Have So Little Retirement Income?)

Your next 401k statement is going to look different. And, your retirement income projections may be concerning. Find out why.

June 23, 2022
sequence of returns risk

What is Sequence of Returns Risk? How Can You Protect Your Retirement from It?

What is sequence of returns risk? Hint: timing is everything when it comes to withdrawing your savings. Find out how to maximize your retirement income for the long haul.

June 16, 2022
interest rate hike

Winners and Losers with the Recent Interest Rate Hike

As with any economic shift, there are winners and losers. See who benefits and who will suffer more from the recent interest rate hike.

June 16, 2022

Don’t Panic and 4 Other Quick Reminders for an Economic Downturn

Here are 5 quick and easy tips to consider as stocks slide, interest rates rise, and inflation persists.

June 16, 2022
housing market

Why the Housing Market is More Important than the Stock Market for Most People

People often worry about the wrong things. You might be watching the stock market, but other metrics are significantly more important to most.

June 2, 2022
stock market corrections and crashes

Stock Market Corrections, Crashes, and Bear Markets: What to Do When Your Investments Go Down?

Stock market corrections are a reality, but that doesn’t make them less painful. Here are 10 tips for weathering these storms.

May 19, 2022

9 Tips to Help Your Grandchildren Financially and Otherwise (I Bonds Are a Hot Topic)

You may want to help your children or grandchildren financially. If you have the money, here are 9 tips for passing it on. Learn more…

May 12, 2022

Planning Retirement in an Uncertain Economy: How Much Should You Adjust Your Plans?

It is a worrisome time to be planning retirement. Explore 9 ways to adjust your plans for an uncertain economy.

May 5, 2022

NewRetirement Planner

Take financial wellness into your own hands and do it yourself retirement planning: easy, comprehensive, reliable.