Expert Insight & Commentary
Retirement
Retired but Thinking of Going Back to Work?
by Rande Spiegelman
April 26, 2012
If you're a retiree who's thinking about re-entering the workforce, several financial considerations may affect your decision.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 26, 2012
If you're a retiree who's thinking about re-entering the workforce, several financial considerations may affect your decision.
All-in-One Retirement Checklist
by Rande Spiegelman
April 23, 2012
Whatever your age, it's not too late to get on track. Here are some important milestones for achieving the retirement you want.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 23, 2012
Whatever your age, it's not too late to get on track. Here are some important milestones for achieving the retirement you want.
When Should You Take Social Security?
by Rande Spiegelman
March 14, 2012
For most, waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits. Here's how to decide.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 14, 2012
For most, waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits. Here's how to decide.
Making the Most of Your Social Security Benefits
by Rande Spiegelman
March 14, 2012
Whether you're nearing retirement or already retired, you may have questions about how to maximize your Social Security benefits. Answers to FAQs.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 14, 2012
Whether you're nearing retirement or already retired, you may have questions about how to maximize your Social Security benefits. Answers to FAQs.
Is a Roth IRA Right for You?
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated December 14, 2011
Roth IRAs offer some unique retirement-savings benefits, but they're not right for everyone.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated December 14, 2011
Roth IRAs offer some unique retirement-savings benefits, but they're not right for everyone.
Roth Conversion: Look Before You Leap
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated December 14, 2011
Things to consider when deciding whether or not to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated December 14, 2011
Things to consider when deciding whether or not to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Nine Fundamentals for Generating Income in Retirement
by Rob Williams
November 18, 2011
You've saved diligently and carefully for your retirement—now it's time to turn your savings into income.
by Rob Williams
November 18, 2011
You've saved diligently and carefully for your retirement—now it's time to turn your savings into income.
Saving for Retirement: IRA vs. 401(k)
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated September 14, 2011
We break down which retirement accounts make the most sense, and in what combination.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated September 14, 2011
We break down which retirement accounts make the most sense, and in what combination.
Small Business Retirement Plans
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated August 23, 2011
Most of us are familiar with 401(k) plans. Here are some additional retirement accounts available to smaller companies with fewer (if any) employees.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated August 23, 2011
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
Updated June 27, 2011
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up and achieve a comfortable retirement.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated June 27, 2011
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up and achieve a comfortable retirement.
Baby Boomer Reality Check
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated April 13, 2011
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?
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated April 13, 2011
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?
Write Your Own Retirement Check
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated March 4, 2011
Here's a smart system for drawing down your life savings during retirement.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated March 4, 2011
Here's a smart system for drawing down your life savings during retirement.
Can You Still Retire?
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated October 20, 2010
During the past decade, bear markets have taken their toll, leaving many wondering what to do. Answers to your questions about retirement savings.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated October 20, 2010
During the past decade, bear markets have taken their toll, leaving many wondering what to do. Answers to your questions about retirement savings.
Health Insurance—Bridging the Gap
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated September 29, 2010
How to prevent a serious illness from depleting your savings.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated September 29, 2010
How to prevent a serious illness from depleting your savings.
The Five Big Lies of Retirement Planning
by Rande Spiegelman
September 7, 2010
Recognize the five big lies of retirement planning—and make sure they don't undermine your own retirement.
by Rande Spiegelman
September 7, 2010
Recognize the five big lies of retirement planning—and make sure they don't undermine your own retirement.
Lump Sum Vs. Annuity
by Rande Spiegelman
September 3, 2010
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.
by Rande Spiegelman
September 3, 2010
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.
Retirees' Frequently Asked Questions About Roth Conversions
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated July 19, 2010
Answers to retirees' questions about converting a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated July 19, 2010
Answers to retirees' questions about converting a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA.
7 Retirement Tips (No Matter What Your Age)
by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
June 28, 2010
Saving enough for a comfortable retirement is easier than you think.
by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
June 28, 2010
Saving enough for a comfortable retirement is easier than you think.
Bonds or Bond Funds for Retirement Income?
by Rob Williams
June 9, 2010
Are bonds or bond funds better for generating income in retirement? You may want a combination of both to meet your needs.
by Rob Williams
June 9, 2010
Are bonds or bond funds better for generating income in retirement? You may want a combination of both to meet your needs.
Helping Your Grandchildren Pay for College With a 529 Plan
by Rande Spiegelman
May 7, 2010
If you want to help your grandchildren pay for college, read this article to about why a 529 plan offers significant tax advantages.
by Rande Spiegelman
May 7, 2010
If you want to help your grandchildren pay for college, read this article to about why a 529 plan offers significant tax advantages.
Bond Ladders in a Time of Low Interest Rates
by Rob Williams
April 2, 2010
A bond ladder can help reduce the volatility of your bond portfolio, if interest rates rise, and can help generate a more predictable cash flow.
by Rob Williams
April 2, 2010
A bond ladder can help reduce the volatility of your bond portfolio, if interest rates rise, and can help generate a more predictable cash flow.
What Role Should Fixed Income Play in Your Retirement Portfolio?
by Rob Williams
February 5, 2010
We show you smart ways to use fixed income in retirement.
by Rob Williams
February 5, 2010
We show you smart ways to use fixed income in retirement.
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated January 8, 2010
If you're 62 or older, a reverse mortgage could be for you, but look before you leap. We'll help you consider the pros, cons and alternatives.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated January 8, 2010
If you're 62 or older, a reverse mortgage could be for you, but look before you leap. We'll help you consider the pros, cons and alternatives.
Generating Cash Flow From Your Retirement Portfolio
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated December 18, 2009
Which parts of your retirement portfolio should you draw from, and when?
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated December 18, 2009
Which parts of your retirement portfolio should you draw from, and when?
Retirement Q&A: We Answer Your Questions
by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated December 11, 2009
Answers to top questions about IRAs, 401(k)s and more.
by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated December 11, 2009
Answers to top questions about IRAs, 401(k)s and more.
IRAs: Beyond Retirement
by Rande Spiegelman
November 20, 2009
Answers to sophisticated IRA questions from retirees.
by Rande Spiegelman
November 20, 2009
Answers to sophisticated IRA questions from retirees.
IRA Do-Over: Reversing Contributions and Conversions
by Rande Spiegelman
October 7, 2009
A recharacterization allows you to reverse an IRA contribution or conversion under a variety of circumstances.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 7, 2009
A recharacterization allows you to reverse an IRA contribution or conversion under a variety of circumstances.
Build Your Retirement Portfolio to Last
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated May 21, 2009
How do you construct your retirement portfolio to last as long as you will? Ultimately, the best asset allocation will depend on your own circumstances and tolerance for risk.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated May 21, 2009
How do you construct your retirement portfolio to last as long as you will? Ultimately, the best asset allocation will depend on your own circumstances and tolerance for risk.
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.
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.
7 Ways to Take Control of Your Retirement in Rough Times
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated March 2, 2009
Now is a good time to reassess your risk tolerance, your goals and the quality and structure of your portfolio.
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated March 2, 2009
Now is a good time to reassess your risk tolerance, your goals and the quality and structure of your portfolio.
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?
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?
Does Your Variable Annuity Cost Too Much?
by Rande Spiegelman
February 11, 2008
Investors have invested billions of dollars in variable annuity products, many with expenses that may be higher than necessary. Good news: the Internal Revenue Code offers potential tax relief under section 1035.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 11, 2008
Investors have invested billions of dollars in variable annuity products, many with expenses that may be higher than necessary. Good news: the Internal Revenue Code offers potential tax relief under section 1035.
The Generation That Plans
by Rande Spiegelman
July 27, 2007
Hardly slackers, Gen-Xers can teach boomers and Gen-Yers a thing or two.
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
by Rande Spiegelman
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?
Shopping for a Fixed Annuity
by Rande Spiegelman
April 25, 2006
Here's how to evaluate whether an immediate fixed annuity makes sense for you—and how to get the best deal.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 25, 2006
Here's how to evaluate whether an immediate fixed annuity makes sense for you—and how to get the best deal.
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.
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.
What to do With Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs
by Rande Spiegelman
April 20, 2005
Making a smart decision could save you money and keep you on track for retirement.
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
Get the Most Out of Your Retirement Portfolio
by Rande Spiegelman
August 2, 2004
You want to enjoy your golden years, but there's a nagging fear you may run out of money before you die. Is there a solution for this uncomfortable balancing act?
by Rande Spiegelman
August 2, 2004
You want to enjoy your golden years, but there's a nagging fear you may run out of money before you die. Is there a solution for this uncomfortable balancing act?