From the category archives:

Retirement Planning

Is It Better to Finance or Pay Cash?

by Bill Ness on December 12, 2011

For most homeowners, investing in a new home requires taking on a mortgage to cover a portion of the cost. But that isn’t always the case. Retirees who are downsizing from their family home may find themselves in a position to choose whether they want to finance or pay cash. But which is the best choice?

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Must Read Advice for Retiring on a Fixed Income

by Bill Ness on November 7, 2011

While the idea of retiring can be exciting, it also comes with some common concerns. No longer having a job means relying on a fixed income from the savings plans and tools you put in place during your career.

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Do You Plan to Die Broke or Leave an Inheritance?

by Bill Ness on September 30, 2011

In 1997, financial advisor Stephen Pollan and author Mark Levine stirred up some controversy with the four-step plan presented in “Die Broke.” This radical book became a national bestseller, but not everyone agrees with Pollan’s financial strategy, which includes essentially giving up on the idea of retirement. Many Baby Boomers are more comfortable with the conventional approach of saving for the future and leaving an inheritance to their children, but there’s no doubt that Pollan’s strategy has changed the way some active adults approach their golden years.

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What is the Best Age to Claim Social Security?

by Bill Ness on September 23, 2011

If you’ve begun thinking about claiming Social Security benefits, you probably have many questions. Should you claim them as soon as you are eligible or wait to maximize your benefits? What are the tax implications and how do benefits differ if you are married?

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How to Retire When You Are Broke

by Bill Ness on August 22, 2011

While retirement might be out of reach if you are truly broke, it may still be possible when your nest egg is much smaller than you had expected it would be. There are many ways to cut back on costs or supplement your income during retirement. Of course, you may have to get creative with your expenses and adjust your expectations to make it work.

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5 Best Low Tax Retirement States

by Susan Quilty on May 19, 2011

When it comes to saving money, most retirees understand the benefits of moving to a low tax retirement location. However, some of the most tax-friendly retirement states may not be the best fit when you consider other factors such as climate, culture and proximity to family and friends.

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55Places.com Unveils New Look and Major Upgrades

by Susan Quilty on May 18, 2011

Buying a new home is always a major investment, but there is even more to consider when you are also choosing between active adult communities. To help you make your best decision, 55Places.com provides overviews of hundreds of age-restricted and age-targeted communities across the country. And now, 55Places.com’s fresh new design makes it easier than ever.

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Yes, a 60-Year Old Can Get a 30-Year Mortgage

by Susan Quilty on May 13, 2011

Older adults often assume that they would not be eligible for a 30-year mortgage. Legally, however, banks can only offer loans based on financial qualifications alone. This means applicants cannot be turned away based on their age, whether they are 50, 60, or even 90 years old.

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Will You Outlast Your Retirement Savings?

by Susan Quilty on February 21, 2011

Though most active adults understand the importance of saving for retirement, many may underestimate the amount of money they will need to have saved. This is especially true as the average lifespan is growing and workers can no longer expect defined-benefit pension plans or social security income. How can you be sure that you will not outlast your own retirement savings?

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What Age Will You Retire?

by Susan Quilty on November 26, 2010

In the United States, the actual age of retirement can vary widely from one person to the next. Some people retire in their mid-forties and others continue working well into their eighties (or even later). Many people who officially retire from their careers decide to continue working part time, or start an entirely new second career. As the idea of retirement becomes clearer, do you have a plan for retiring at a certain age? If so, what steps are you taking to make that happen?

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5 Ways to Make Money Last During Retirement

by Susan Quilty on September 6, 2010

While thrifty living is often associated with retirement, living below your means is good advice for anyone. By spending less than you earn, you can reduce stress by always have money ahead for a rainy day. For those who are preparing for retirement, or who have already retired, thrifty living tips are essential. Fortunately, learning to make money last during retirement will be easier once you discover a few tricks for getting more bang for your bucks.

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The Appeal of Youthful Active Adult Communities

by Susan Quilty on July 7, 2010

According to Del Webb’s 2010 Baby Boomer Survey, youth is on the mind of those aged 55 and older. To most respondents, age is only a state of mind and not something that should slow down their active, busy lifestyles. With this positive, youthful attitude, it’s no wonder that active adult communities that appeal to younger residents have fared well through the recent real estate storm.

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Retirement Calculators Help Boomers Plan Retirement

by Susan Quilty on June 21, 2010

Online retirement calculators can be a great tool for planning your retirement. There are numerous free retirement calculators, such as Ballpark E$timate, and also paid calculators like RetirementWORKS’ RW2 for You. Keep in mind that an online retirement calculator will not ensure your financial future, but it can help you make informed decisions about your retirement investments.

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