Guaranteed Income at a Steep Price

But dumping this annuity would be a mistake.

Choose the Right Medicare Plan
for Your Needs

We help you decide between sticking with Uncle Sam or choosing a private plan.

2009 Best List: Retirement Resources

Here are the best web sites to visit before you retire and in retirement.

Buy a Pension With an Immediate Annuity

Annuities have gotten a bad rap among investors -- and for good reason. But there’s one kind of annuity that can be a godsend.

The ABCs of Reverse Mortgages

There’s a lot you need to know before taking out one of these loans. Start your research with this primer.

Smart Strategies for Retirees
Seeking Work

Dwindling savings are forcing some older individuals to reenter the workforce.

Boost Your Social Security Benefits

These strategies will help you make the most of your benefits.

Help for Retirement Savings from Uncle Sam

The feds are doing what they can to keep the savings rate up and to get folks to preserve their nest egg after retirement.

Still Time to Undo a Roth Conversion

You have until October 15 to recharacterize your account back to a traditional IRA. Here's why you might want to do so.

Making Charitable Contributions From an IRA

You have less of an incentive to take advantage of this special rule in 2009.

Best Ways to Raid Your Nest Egg

When you have to tap your retirement accounts early, the key is to minimize taxes.

Keep Funding Your Account

Lessen the impact of a 401(k) loan by continuing to contribute while repaying the loan.

Your Retirement: Create a Plan B

Working longer and contributing more are the keys to reviving your savings.

Finding a Financial Planner Who's Right for You

One of the new paradigms is that you, the investor, should be in charge. But that doesn't mean you want a yes man.

4 Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Financial Planner

Don't leave an introductory meeting with a financial planner without learning these four things.

How to Spot Trouble With a Financial Adviser

Before you open up your money matters to a new financial pro, do some digging to make sure he or she has a clean record.

A Case Study in Asset Allocation

Even a little change in allocation between stocks and bonds can make a big difference.

Tapping the Cash in Life Insurance

Cash-value policyholders must consider taxes when they withdraw or borrow cash.

Prepare for a New Tax Year

Engage in some midyear planning to take advantage of special tax rules and breaks for 2009.

A New Lease on Life Insurance

That term or cash-value policy you bought to protect your young family could cushion your retirement as well.

Penny-Stock Pitches Can Cost You Dollars

Investors looking to make up losses should be wary of penny-stock pitches.

Prevent Power of Attorney Abuse

Even your closest relative can steal from you, so employ safeguards to protect your assets.

Should You Refinance Your Home?

Low interest rates are tantalizing, but consider the impact on your retirement plans.

Can I Count on Social Security?

The recession is taking its toll on revenues, but don't panic.

Reverse Mortgages to the Rescue

New reverse-mortgage rules let you squeeze more cash from your house and even buy a new home.

The Long-Distance Caregiver

Hire a care manager or assemble a network of helpers if your parent lives far away.

Best Ways to Raid Your Retirement Accounts

When you have to tap your nest egg early, the key is to minimize the tax bite.

Don't Let the RMD Holiday Trip You Up

These three potential problems can be avoided.

An Annuity That Pays Now and Forever

An immediate fixed annuity can provide a lifetime of payments, but there are drawbacks.

Guaranteed Income for Life

Stretch your retirement savings with an annuity.

Find Health Coverage Before Medicare

Whether you retired early by choice or not, you do have options if you no longer have access to employer health insurance.

Set Out on Your Own as a Consultant

After decades in the workforce, you may have the knowledge and contacts to go it alone.

Impact of a Paycheck on Retiree Benefits

Returning to work could affect your Social Security, pension and Medicare coverage.

Streamline Retirement

Higher '07 Income Snares Part B Seniors

Hit with an extra cost for your Medicare Part B premium? Here's how to appeal it.

A Break in '09 for Withdrawals From Inherited IRAs

Heirs who are currently taking mandatory distributions for five years now get six years to take out the money.

Recovery Check for Seniors is on the Way

You've had questions on the recovery check for seniors, and we've got the answers.

Caught in a Housing Crunch

Retirement communities offer special deals to seniors who face a tough time selling their homes.

Make Sure Your Insurer Pays Up

Long-term-care paperwork can be overwhelming. here's how to cut through the red tape.

How Much Long-Term-Care Coverage Do You Need?

Start by finding out the average cost of care where you live. A just-released study by insurer Genworth makes that easy.