stacker-Retirement

Headlines about the Social Security Trust Fund “running out of money” can understandably unsettle retirees and high‑earners alike. But the situation is more nuanced than the sound bites suggest. Bernstein Private Wealth Management explores what projected depletion actually means, which reforms are most likely, and how affluent families should incorporate Social Security into broader retirement

Most people know the major milestones associated with retirement, including penalty-free IRA withdrawals at 59 1/2, access to Social Security benefits as early as 62, and Medicare at age 65. While age 55 doesn’t get as much attention, it also opens the door to several retirement planning opportunities, including early access to 401(k) funds (thanks

An increase in life expectancy is a cause for celebration, although it brings with it complications and concerns from the knock-on effects of increased longevity on areas like healthcare and housing. Things are further complicated when broad national averages are contrasted with cohort-specific estimates, which provide insights into life expectancy post-65 as opposed to only

Life expectancy in the U.S. reached a new record length in the most recently published data, with the overall average age of 79, six months longer than the previous peak. Increased longevity brings practical challenges, and people must plan more thoroughly for the costs of living beyond the average. There is also an element of

Whether you planned for early retirement, need to stop working for health reasons, or are facing an unexpected layoff, leaving your job before traditional retirement age comes with countless complications. After all, the earliest you can claim Social Security is age 62, Medicare doesn’t begin until age 65, and a 10% penalty will apply if

  Although fear or anxiety about retirement is often felt by those nearing the age limit,a new survey of 1,000 Americans commissioned by John Stevenson, a retirement-income specialist who sells annuities, shows that income level is a better predictor of who is most concerned about retirement income. Americans earning less than $25,000 a year are

  Leaving a job can result in a cascade of unanticipated outcomes. Whether you’re retiring after decades or facing an unexpected layoff, the shift can bring a mix of uncertainty, stress, and even grief. It can also affect nearly every aspect of your financial life, from your income and savings to your benefits and retirement

  Most business owners don’t spend their days thinking about their 401(k) plan, and that’s reasonable. Leaders are busy making time-sensitive decisions while trying to attract and retain talent, allocate capital, and manage competitive threats to their business. Against those demands, retirement benefits can feel secondary. But the environment surrounding workplace retirement plans has changed

  A home has long meant more to its owners than a place to live. It’s a source of stability, family memory, and long-term security for millions of Americans. But for many of these households, it’s also the single largest financial asset they own. Homeowners want to put this value to use. Boldin, the DIY

  Social Security is a major source of retirement income for millions of Americans, but its economic importance varies sharply by locality. In some communities, benefits represent a relatively small share of total income. In others, they account for a substantial portion of money flowing into the local economy. That reliance may become more consequential