40% of workers are behind on retirement savings. How to catch up

40% of workers are behind on retirement savings. How to catch up

Molly Richardson, 35, regularly contributes to her 401(k) plan, but the structural engineer said she isn’t too worried about retirement yet. “It’s always something I felt like I could wait until I’m 50 to figure out,” she said. Like many other working adults, Richardson has more pressing expenses for now, she said, such as the … Read more

This required minimum distribution strategy helps avoid tax penalties

This required minimum distribution strategy helps avoid tax penalties

Aire Images | Moment | Getty Images Retirees may have income from Social Security, a pension, a retirement plan or other sources — and they typically must either withhold taxes or make quarterly payments to avoid IRS penalties. For 2024, the quarterly estimated tax deadlines are April 15, June 17, Sept. 16 and Jan. 15, … Read more

Gen X reaches retirement withdrawal age; experts say don’t use the money

Gen X reaches retirement withdrawal age; experts say don’t use the money

Fg Trade | E+ | Getty Images Gen Xers are starting to reach age milestones that give them penalty-free access to certain retirement funds. The eldest members of that generation will be turning 59 this year. And once they reach a certain milestone — age 59½ — they can withdraw money from their individual retirement … Read more

What recent small cap rally says about risk

What recent small cap rally says about risk

The money flow into small caps may not be a rotation from winning growth trades. Dave Nadig, ETF journalist and financial futurist, sees investors “just buying, buying, buying.” “What we’re seeing is a diversification trade,” he told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” this week. “We’re seeing flows into everything, and that to me means people are looking … Read more

Here’s how to be a retirement ‘super saver’

Here’s how to be a retirement ‘super saver’

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images A retirement savings crisis is looming for people who have 401(k) plans and other retirement balances woefully short of what they will need to live on. But some workers — called “super savers” — are managing to successfully grow their retirement nest eggs. Super savers are workers who are … Read more

529 college savings plans have even more benefits in 2024

529 college savings plans have even more benefits in 2024

As the costs at some colleges near $100,000 a year, families need a savings strategy they can bank on. Financial experts and plan investors agree that 529 college savings plans are a smart choice for many. And, as of 2024, there are even more benefits, including higher contribution limits and the flexibility to roll unused … Read more

How to reduce taxes on your inherited individual retirement account

How to reduce taxes on your inherited individual retirement account

Laylabird | E+ | Getty Images Inherited individual retirement accounts can be a financial boost for heirs, but the windfall can trigger tax issues, experts say. Withdrawals from pre-tax inherited IRAs incur regular income taxes. Since 2020, certain heirs can no longer “stretch” retirement account distributions over their lifetime to reduce yearly taxes. Now, certain … Read more

Advice about 401(k) rollovers is poised for a big change. Here’s why

Advice about 401(k) rollovers is poised for a big change. Here’s why

Johner Images | Johner Images Royalty-free | Getty Images A new U.S. Labor Department rule will significantly change the advice many investors receive about rolling money over from 401(k) plans to individual retirement accounts, legal experts say. The so-called “fiduciary” rule, issued April 23, aims to raise the legal bar for brokers, financial advisors, insurance … Read more

Americans think they need $1.46 million to retire. What experts say

Americans think they need .46 million to retire. What experts say

Aleksandarnakic | E+ | Getty Images When it comes to retirement, Americans have a new number in mind — $1.46 million — for how much they think they will need to live comfortably, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual. That estimate is up 53% since 2020, when Americans said they would need $951,000, as … Read more

Here’s who can claim a ‘special tax credit’ for retirement savings

Here’s who can claim a ‘special tax credit’ for retirement savings

Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty Images Some retirement savers can still snag an extra tax incentive for 2023. However, most eligible filers don’t claim it, according to the IRS. The retirement savings contribution credit, or “saver’s credit,” can help low- to moderate-income filers offset part of the funds added to an individual retirement account, … Read more