Retirement

Every two years, the National Institute on Retirement Security surveys Americans to measure their sentiment about retirement. The most recent polling again found that most Americans remain worried about retirement.   More than two-thirds of Americans (67 percent) say the nation faces a retirement crisis. And, more than half (56 percent) are concerned that they

The past 15 months haven’t been easy for anyone, but older workers experienced a unique set of circumstances that increase their risk of financial challenges in retirement. As the American population continues to age, the outcomes of those in the workforce age 55 and older must be front-and-center in the minds of policymakers in charting

As people age, a top priority is remaining independent and healthy enough to keep living on their own. So what’s the financial pathway to making that happen? Through the years, most of us make financial mistakes that we recover from. But here, we want to talk about one big bungle many people make that does have lasting effects: spending money from their retirement accounts before they retire.  Sometimes, as we all know life happens, hardship hits, and you

By Richard Eisenberg, Next Avenue Editor A headline on Stanford University Business School’s Insights site caught my eye recently: “Workplace Equality for All! (Unless They’re Old).” The piece described fascinating research by NYU’s Michael North and Stanford’s Ashley Martin which found that workers who openly oppose racism and sexism were still prejudiced against older workers. As

By Kerry Hannon, Next Avenue As employees inch their way back to the office, are employers acknowledging that caregiving for aging parents, spouses, partners and close relatives is a front and center concern for their workers? It looks like it. At the very least, based on my reporting talking with employers, workers and benefits professionals, the

By Jeanette Hurt, Next Avenue Pop music guitarist, producer, arranger and songwriter Neil Giraldo, 61, was working on a screenplay about local musicians and their struggles in 2016 and one of his partners in the endeavor suggested they find a spirits company to sponsor the movie trailer. Instead, Giraldo told his partner, “Why don’t we start

Two types of early retirements have become more and more prominent through the pandemic recovery. Despite the number of job openings reaching the highest level since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking the measure in 2006, labor force participation among those 55 or older continues to decline. This indicates that more people over the

Are you curious about crypto? There’s been a tremendous amount of hype about how cryptocurrencies are the “next big thing” in the digital revolution, and how they have the potential to transform not just traditional financial services, but also other industries. A number of high-profile celebrities have endorsed both cryptocurrencies and crypto companies. There are

The low- or no-interest family loan is one of the best strategies to hedge against the numerous proposed increases in income and estate taxes and to take advantage of today’s low interest rates. A family loan reduces income and estate taxes under the current law but also has flexibility so it can be adapted to

As people age, sometimes they are more willing to overlook what needs fixing at home. Maybe it feels like too much to vet contractors, or get bids. One gentleman in his 80’s comments at AgingParents.com, “I’ll just let my kids take care of it. I’ll probably be gone in five years”. Is that fair? We

The United States is currently experiencing its sharpest growth ever in older adults.  Those over 65 now number approximately 57 million. Medicare statistics show that by 2050, that number will grow to over 80 million and a very large percentage of those will be in the 85+ category. That is the category that requires the most long-term care

Those interested in where the world’s monetary gold is held will want to read New York Federal Gold Vault, which appears on an interesting website called Atlas Obscura (AO). Readers will learn there that a major chunk of the world’s gold, the portion that constitutes the reserves of most of the central banks of the

At what point do you achieve financial independence? Is it when you don’t care whether the market goes up or down? Is it after your last child graduates from college? Is it when you simply don’t care about money anymore? You have your own definition of financial independence for one very good reason: it means

Recent fires, floods, and extreme heat events are demonstrating that climate change is here—now—not some day in the distant future. How could that realization impact your retirement plans? Any concern you might feel about climate change could depend in part on your age. A recent survey conducted by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), titled “Financial

One of the most common questions we receive centers around the decision with what to do with your old 401(k) account. We analyze multiple ways to look at whether to stay or move strategically, but if you decide to move the funds from one firm to another, how do you best proceed? Here is what to know

Companies that have been severely impacted by the pandemic have turned to early retirement offers as a way to reduce their workforce. If your employer has a defined benefit pension plan, your offer may include the option of selecting a monthly pension paid throughout your lifetime or a single lump sum distribution of approximately the

Congratulations! Your child has a job! Now what? How about a Child IRA? Your child won’t be thinking of this, but you should. It doesn’t matter if the work is a full-fledged 1099-producing summer job or just a little gig helping out with the neighbor’s chores. You might not think this is a top priority,

It’s no secret that America’s struggling public pensions are a hot mess. Lack of comprehensive state regulation; the failure of legislative oversight; lay boards lacking investment experience; Wall Street donations to the campaigns of corrupt influential politicians and law enforcement indifference, all contribute to the morass. It seems, on the one hand, no one with

“Simplicity is the first cousin of contentment,” said John Stott. Whether it is a toppling stack of bills to be paid, an ungainly balance sheet to be managed, an overflowing email inbox to be processed, or a packed calendar to be hurried through, complexity rarely leads to a state of contentment. Have you noticed that?

Consider it the rite of American passage. It’s the classic paper route, lemonade stand, babysitting and cutting the neighbors lawn. Any one of these “chores” can earn a child enough money for some fun things… and more. It’s this “and more” part where things begin to get tricky. Perhaps the most lucrative perk for kids