There’s always one certainty about the stock market. It’ll go up and down.

By the Editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Follow our stategies to achieve financial Security, then reap the rewards.
 

All who chose annuitized payment happy with their choice

Eight in 10 DC plan participants talk to an advisor

By Christine Benz | 01-19-2017 

Christine Benz shares the keys to determining if your retirement plan is on track.

By Christine Benz | 01-19-2017

Take a step back and look at your household balance sheet to make sure your savings dollars are generating the highest return, says Morningstar's Christine Benz.

Why is it so important to save for retirement (Part 1)?  Life Expectancy is a big reason.  In addition to Social Security benefits (more to come on this next month), your investment portfolio is likely to be your most significant source of financial support in retirement.  Naturally, the longer you live, the more financial support you will need and people do continue to live longer.  The following chart uses information from the Social Security Administration to compare the probability of living to a specific age for someone born in 1950 versus 1990.  

The absence of significant inflation, driven by gas prices which are substantially lower than a year ago, means bad news in 2016 for those who receive Social Security benefits - there will be no cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.  In an unintended consequence, Medicare premiums could also rise for many. 

Are you on track to reach your retirement goals?

Those that fail to plan, plan to fail. We all know the old adage, but finding the time to sit down and create a retirement income plan can be daunting, and about as exciting as a trip to the dentist. Fortunately, Ascensus offers a Retirement Calculator on their website which takes the pain out of the process. This tutorial will answer common questions that arise while competing the tool.

Theoretically, the best investor is the one with a crystal ball – one who can see the future and capitalize on it.  In the absence of such a magical device, smart investors focus on what they can control to gain an advantage over other investors.

Theoretically, the best investor is the one with a crystal ball – one who can see the future and capitalize on it.  In the absence of such a magical device, smart investors focus on what they can control to gain an advantage over other investors.

The good news is that 401(k) contributions have increased, according to Fidelity Investments’ most recent quarterly retirement savings analysis based on data from the 401(k) and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) it manages. The bad news is one glaring problem for Baby Boomers; the asset allocation of their 401(k)s is drastically out of balance.

Considering renting your second home for income?  Make sure you give it sufficient thought and discuss with your financial advisor...

Money can create the potential for disagreement among all couples.  Here is a great checklist to place and keep you both on the same page: 

Money can create the potential for disagreement among all couples.  Here is a great checklist to place and keep you both on the same page: 

By Marley Jay and Steve Rothwell  Associated Press July 21, 2015

NEW YORK — Investors are running out of reasons to own gold.

The price of the metal, which is often seen as a hedge against inflation and a weak dollar, slumped to its lowest in five years on Monday.

Market Volatility Returns: Fireworks in Greece and China

Investors are rightfully concerned about events in China and Greece, but don’t let a Trojan Horse through the gates that secure a well-founded investment plan and a properly diversified portfolio.

What is a Stable Value Fund?
“Stable value funds are capital preservation investment options available in 401(k) plans and other types of savings plans. 

Be honest: How often do you really think about your retirement savings? Or maybe the better question is: How often do you actually do something to grow that nest egg?