Tag Archives: savings

7 common money moves that can bring bad luck

Unless you happen to trip over a black cat while walking under a ladder outside your financial adviser’s office, nothing should really spook you about your money on Friday the 13th. Still, it’s a good time to remind yourself of money mistakes to avoid throughout the year. Read More

401(k) balances up 12 pct from year ago

The average balance of 401(k) retirement plan accounts managed by Fidelity Investments rose to $74,900 at the end of the first quarter, the highest level since the company began tracking balances in 1998. Read More

7 tips to improve women’s retirement prospects

Women face more obstacles to a secure retirement than men, for a combination of reasons having to do with longevity, lower earnings and often lack in savings and financial experience. Read More

Myths about money in retirement punctured

Fretting is the new normal for retirement.
Read More

6 mid-career money myths that can trip you up

Managing money doesn’t get easier with age.

Workers often hit their peak earning years only to be pulled in several directions. Beyond basic expenses there may be college-age kids or aging parents who need financial help. It can be a lot to balance at a time when retirement savings should take on more importance. Read More

What’s better: Owning a home or renting?

After the steep drop in the housing market revealed cracks in the decades-held belief that there was minimal financial risk in owning a home, does it still make sense to buy a house? Read More

Retiree health cost estimate falls, for a change

Rising health care costs are a given. But for the first time in 10 years, the outlook is improving for new retirees wondering whether they’ll be able to pay their medical bills throughout their retirements. Read More

Poll reveals baby boomers’ retirement fears

Baby boomers are starting to retire, but many are agonizing about their finances and believe they’ll need to work longer than they had planned, a new poll finds. Read More

5 money myths that can derail the inexperienced

Steer clear of credit cards. Hoard cash for a big down payment on a home. Put off retirement savings until student loans are paid off.

New graduates and young professionals are often faced with a barrage of financial advice. The challenge is separating the bankable wisdom from the myths, particularly at a time when so many of the well-established rules have been upended. Read More

2 steps for developing a retirement plan

One of the weaknesses suggested in the latest Retirement Confidence Survey is the lack of planning for many workers.

Here are two steps to take to help you get on track Read More

Uneasy economy dashes retirement confidence

Stocks have bounced back but Americans continue to have serious doubts about their retirement security. The percentage of workers who said they’re “not at all” confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement grew to 27 percent from 22 percent in 2010, according to an annual survey of workers and retirees released Tuesday, March 15. Read More

Thinking Ahead (VIDEO)

Read More

Ideas for making 401(k) savings last longer

When it comes to retirement planning, too often the focus is placed only on savings. But that’s just one side of the equation.

You’re saving so that you can ultimately spend. That means you’ll need to anticipate how much you’d like to be able to spend, and for how long. Fortunately, life spans are increasing. However, that can also mean there’s a real risk that you could outlive your savings.

One form of protection is a fixed annuity. The surface attraction is easy to understand because an annuity guarantees a steady income stream. But these products are complex and require purchasers to turn over large chunks of their savings, with only a limited ability to withdraw funds. Read More

Average 401k balances reach 10-year high

Most 401(k) accountholders continue to plug away at setting aside a portion of their pay. That consistency, along with a rising stock market helped push balances in plans managed by Fidelity Investment to a 10-year high, the retirement plan provider said Wednesday, February 23.

An analysis based on 11 million accounts showed the average balance rose to $71,500 at the end of December. Read More