There’s Still Time to Catch Up
Worker confidence in affording a comfortable retirement fell to a record low in 2011, but investors aged 50 and older may be able to make up for lost time by maximizing contributions to retirement plans and taking advantage of catch-up contribution limits. The accompanying chart shows the potential difference in accumulation by taking advantage of catch-up contributions.
HOT TOPIC: Why Watch the Employment Situation
Labor reports showed some signs of improvement in the second half of 2011. This article takes a closer look at the official reports that track employment, factors that held back job creation after the recession officially ended, and whether recent gains are enough to spark more robust growth.
Using a Variable Annuity for Guaranteed Income
One recommendation from the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families was for retirees to consider purchasing annuities to help provide a stable income. Investors who want their retirement portfolios to go the distance might want to learn more about variable annuities.
Deciding When to Begin
Waiting until full retirement age (or up to age 70) to claim Social Security may result in significantly higher monthly benefits. At age 62, the earliest age to claim Social Security, the amount received could be only 70% of the benefit received at "full retirement age" (which ranges from age 65 to 67 depending on year of birth).
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