Expert Insight & Commentary
Retirement
Two Types of Annuities for Retirement Income
by Rob Williams
March 27, 2013
After working hard to save for retirement, you'll need to manage market risk and generate income that lasts—annuities are one tool that can help.
by Rob Williams
March 27, 2013
After working hard to save for retirement, you'll need to manage market risk and generate income that lasts—annuities are one tool that can help.
Roth IRA Conversion: Look Before You Leap
by Rande Spiegelman
March 26, 2013
Things to consider when deciding whether or not to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 26, 2013
Things to consider when deciding whether or not to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Is a Roth IRA Right for You?
by Rande Spiegelman
March 18, 2013
Roth IRAs offer some unique retirement-savings benefits, but they're not right for everyone.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 18, 2013
Roth IRAs offer some unique retirement-savings benefits, but they're not right for everyone.
Variable Annuities with Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits—Protecting Your Retirement Income
by Rob Williams
February 5, 2013
Adding an optional guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider to a variable annuity can increase your confidence in retirement by guaranteeing a minimum level of income.
by Rob Williams
February 5, 2013
Adding an optional guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider to a variable annuity can increase your confidence in retirement by guaranteeing a minimum level of income.
Generating Cash Flow From Your Retirement Portfolio
by Rande Spiegelman
October 31, 2012
Which parts of your retirement portfolio should you draw from, and when?
by Rande Spiegelman
October 31, 2012
Which parts of your retirement portfolio should you draw from, and when?
Health Insurance in Retirement
by Rande Spiegelman
October 26, 2012
How to prevent a serious illness from depleting your savings.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 26, 2012
How to prevent a serious illness from depleting your savings.
6 Tips for 401(k) Investing in Today's Volatile Market
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
October 18, 2012
Learn what you can do now to help shore up your nest egg's defenses.
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
October 18, 2012
Learn what you can do now to help shore up your nest egg's defenses.
Shopping for a Fixed Annuity
by Rande Spiegelman
October 18, 2012
Here's how to evaluate whether an immediate fixed annuity makes sense for you—and how to get the best deal.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 18, 2012
Here's how to evaluate whether an immediate fixed annuity makes sense for you—and how to get the best deal.
Saving for Retirement: IRA vs. 401(k)
by Rande Spiegelman
October 10, 2012
We break down which retirement accounts make the most sense, and in what combination.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 10, 2012
We break down which retirement accounts make the most sense, and in what combination.
Can You Catch Up?
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated September 12, 2012
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
Updated September 12, 2012
Even 20-somethings should start saving for retirement. Learn about the price of procrastination, and review simple strategies to boost savings now.
Small Business Retirement Plans
by Rande Spiegelman
September 14, 2012
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
September 14, 2012
Most of us are familiar with 401(k) plans. Here are some additional retirement accounts available to smaller companies with fewer (if any) employees.
3 Ways to Manage Your Income in Retirement
by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
August 16, 2012
Worried about outliving your savings? Explore different strategies for managing your retirement income stream.
by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
August 16, 2012
Worried about outliving your savings? Explore different strategies for managing your retirement income stream.
Ways to Catch Up on Your Retirement Savings
by Rande Spiegelman
June 29, 2012
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up as you seek a comfortable retirement.
by Rande Spiegelman
June 29, 2012
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up as you seek a comfortable retirement.
Lump Sum Vs. Annuity
by Rande Spiegelman
June 29, 2012
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.
by Rande Spiegelman
June 29, 2012
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.
Baby Boomer Reality Check
by Rande Spiegelman
May 23, 2012
About 40% 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
May 23, 2012
About 40% of the baby boom generation has saved at least $100,000 toward retirement. They think that will provide a comfortable retirement. But will it?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 about why a 529 plan offers significant tax advantages.
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.
Retirement Q and 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.
Build Your Retirement Portfolio to Last
by Rande Spiegelman
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
Play the Percentages: 30-Something
by Rande Spiegelman
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
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.
How Much Should You Save for Retirement? Play the Percentages
by Rande Spiegelman
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
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: 45 and Older
by Rande Spiegelman
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
March 15, 2005
What are your options for increasing your retirement nest egg? Here are eight helpful strategies that may be right for you.
Play the Percentages: 20-Something
by Rande Spiegelman
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
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
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
March 15, 2005
How much income should you earmark for retirement savings? Here are five smart strategies to help you stay on track.