Social Security: Making the Most of Your Benefits

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
May 27, 2009 
 
Whether you are approaching retirement or already retired, you probably have some questions about how to maximize your Social Security benefits. In this article we provide answers to some important frequently asked questions.
 

When Should You Take Social Security?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated March 25, 2009 
 
For most, waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits. Here's how to decide.
 

Retirement Q&A: We Answer Your Questions

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 10, 2009

Answers to top questions about IRAs, 401(k)s and more.

6 Tips for 401(k) Investing in Today's Volatile Market

by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
Updated March 3, 2009
 
Learn what you can do now to help shore up your nest egg's defenses.
 

Spending Confidently in Retirement

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated November 10, 2008
 
What does it take to have a comfortable and rewarding retirement in which you're free to spend with confidence?
 

Can You Still Retire?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
October 9, 2008
 
What the financial turmoil may mean for your retirement. 
   

The Biggest Risk to Your Retirement

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
October 2, 2008
 
How to prevent a serious illness from depleting your savings. 
   

Saving for Retirement: IRA vs. 401(k)

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated September 18, 2008 
 
We break down which retirement accounts make the most sense, and in what combination.
 

Small Business Retirement Plans

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated September 3, 2008
 
Most of us are familiar with 401(k) plans. Here are some additional retirement accounts available to smaller companies with fewer (if any) employees.
 

Catch Up on Retirement

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated August 18, 2008
 
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up and achieve a comfortable retirement.
 

Pension Payout Puzzle

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
July 14, 2008
 
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide. 
   

IRAs: Beyond the Basics

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
May 23, 2008
 
Get answers to your toughest questions about IRAs. 
   

Baby Boomer Reality Check

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 23, 2008
 
About one-third of the baby boom generation has saved at least $100,000 toward retirement. They think that will provide a comfortable retirement. But will it?
 

Does Your Variable Annuity Cost Too Much?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 11, 2008 
 
Investors have put more than $1 trillion in variable annuity products, many with expenses that may be higher than necessary.

Is a Roth IRA Right for You?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 29, 2007 
 
Recent rule changes have opened the Roth option to a much wider audience.
 

The Generation That Plans

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 27, 2007 
 
Hardly slackers, Gen-Xers can teach boomers and Gen-Yers a thing or two. 
 

Can You Catch Up?

by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
June 12, 2007
 
Even 20-somethings should start saving for retirement. Learn about the price of procrastination, and review simple strategies to boost savings now.
 

All-in-One Retirement Checklist

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 5, 2006 
 
Whatever your age, it's not too late to get on track. Start now. 
 

Pension Reform’s Message: You're on Your Own

by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
September 28, 2006
 
The 2006 pension bill puts more onus on workers to save for their retirement. The meaning? Save as much as possible, and if you haven't started yet—get going.
 

Retirement Spending: The 4% Solution

By Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
August 29, 2006
 
Younger investors often ask: 'How big does my portfolio have to be before I can retire?' Those in retirement might ask: 'How much can I withdraw?' You can follow a basic rule of thumb.
 

Life-stage Investing for Retirement

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research® 
June 8, 2006 
 
How should your investment plan change as you go from accumulation mode to distribution mode, and how should you spend that money?
 

The Five Big Lies of Retirement Planning

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
February 23, 2006
 
Recognize the five big lies of retirement planning—and make sure they don't undermine your own retirement.
 

What to do With Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
April 20, 2005
 
Making a smart decision could save you money and keep you on track for retirement.
 

How Much Should You Save for Retirement? Play the Percentages

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 15, 2005
 
Here are some broad guidelines for the percentage of your salary you should be saving each year for retirement.
 

Play the Percentages: 20-Something

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 15, 2005

The earlier you start, the lower the percentage of your salary you'll need to save for retirement over the rest of your working years. Let's take a look at the numbers.
 

Play the Percentages: 30-Something

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 15, 2005

The house payments and the kids’ college fund may be financial priorities, but the clock is ticking on your retirement. Learn some valuable retirement savings strategies.
 

Play the Percentages: Early 40s

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 15, 2005

How much income should you earmark for retirement savings? Here are five smart strategies to help you stay on track.
 

Play the Percentages: 45 and Older

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 15, 2005

What are your options for increasing your retirement nest egg? Here are eight helpful strategies that may be right for you.