Retirement
Looking Ahead: The Role of Market and Inflation Projections in Your Financial Plan
by Rob Williams
August 31, 2017
Each year Schwab experts update their market and inflation projections, providing an opportunity to revisit your financial plan.
by Rob Williams
August 31, 2017
Each year Schwab experts update their market and inflation projections, providing an opportunity to revisit your financial plan.
Lost Your Old 401(k)? Here’s How to Find It
August 18, 2017
How to track down an old or lost 401(k)—and help avoid losing it in the first place.
August 18, 2017
How to track down an old or lost 401(k)—and help avoid losing it in the first place.
Are HSAs the New IRAs?
August 18, 2017
These triple-tax-advantaged accounts could help pay for health care in retirement.
August 18, 2017
These triple-tax-advantaged accounts could help pay for health care in retirement.
Creating a Business Succession Plan
August 18, 2017
The who, what, where, when, why and how business-succession planning.
August 18, 2017
The who, what, where, when, why and how business-succession planning.
3 Retirement Income Mistakes to Avoid
by Rob Williams
August 18, 2017
Avoiding simple mistakes can extend the life of your portfolio.
by Rob Williams
August 18, 2017
Avoiding simple mistakes can extend the life of your portfolio.
Financial Planning for the Self-Employed
August 18, 2017
How the self-employed can create a sound financial plan and save for retirement.
August 18, 2017
How the self-employed can create a sound financial plan and save for retirement.
Retirement Savings Milestones: How Much Should You Have Now?
by Rob Williams
June 02, 2017
Measuring progress toward your retirement goals isn’t easy, so we created some milestones you can use to see how your savings stack up.
by Rob Williams
June 02, 2017
Measuring progress toward your retirement goals isn’t easy, so we created some milestones you can use to see how your savings stack up.
3 Steps to Get More Income From Your Portfolio
May 26, 2017
How can your portfolio generate enough income to retire? Start with these basic steps.
May 26, 2017
How can your portfolio generate enough income to retire? Start with these basic steps.
3 Tips for Trading in Retirement
May 11, 2017
How to make the switch from investing for to trading in retirement.
May 11, 2017
How to make the switch from investing for to trading in retirement.
6 Tips for Overcoming Analysis Paralysis
May 11, 2017
How to tell if you’re experiencing analysis paralysis—and what to do about it.
May 11, 2017
How to tell if you’re experiencing analysis paralysis—and what to do about it.
Beyond the 4% Rule: How Much Can You Safely Spend in Retirement?
by Cooper J Howard, Rob Williams
May 01, 2017
How much can you spend in retirement without running out of money? The “4% rule” is a popular rule of thumb, but we think you can do better. Here are our guidelines for finding your personalized spending rate.
by Cooper J Howard, Rob Williams
May 01, 2017
How much can you spend in retirement without running out of money? The “4% rule” is a popular rule of thumb, but we think you can do better. Here are our guidelines for finding your personalized spending rate.
Using Fixed Indexed Annuities for Lifetime Income
April 26, 2017
Investors can use an FIA to transform a lump sum of ‘conservative money’ into a guaranteed stream of income by buying a GLWB rider.
April 26, 2017
Investors can use an FIA to transform a lump sum of ‘conservative money’ into a guaranteed stream of income by buying a GLWB rider.
Financial Planning with Fixed Indexed Annuities
April 26, 2017
Fixed indexed annuities can offer investors principal protection and a chance to earn higher returns than some conservative fixed-income alternatives when the stock market rises.
April 26, 2017
Fixed indexed annuities can offer investors principal protection and a chance to earn higher returns than some conservative fixed-income alternatives when the stock market rises.
Changing Jobs: Should You Roll Over Your 401(k)?
April 05, 2017
Consider these five strategies for handling an old 401(k).
April 05, 2017
Consider these five strategies for handling an old 401(k).
Should You Consider a Roth 401(k)?
March 30, 2017
A Roth 401(k) combines characteristics of a Roth IRA with those of a traditional 401(k), offering multiple benefits for retirement savings.
March 30, 2017
A Roth 401(k) combines characteristics of a Roth IRA with those of a traditional 401(k), offering multiple benefits for retirement savings.
3 Ways to Help Increase Portfolio Income
March 14, 2017
These three portfolio strategies may help increase your portfolio income and manage payouts more effectively.
March 14, 2017
These three portfolio strategies may help increase your portfolio income and manage payouts more effectively.
Thinking About Downsizing?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
March 14, 2017
Understand the finances of moving to a smaller home.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
March 14, 2017
Understand the finances of moving to a smaller home.
Why Market Returns May Be Lower in the Future
by Veerapan Perianan
March 13, 2017
President Trump may have the chance to fill a majority of the seats on the Federal Reserve Board. What does that mean for markets?
by Veerapan Perianan
March 13, 2017
President Trump may have the chance to fill a majority of the seats on the Federal Reserve Board. What does that mean for markets?
Health Savings Accounts: Maximizing Your HSA for Retirement Savings
by Rob Williams, Robert G Aruldoss
March 08, 2017
Health savings accounts offer tax advantages and other benefits that can complement your retirement savings plans. Find out how to get the most from your HSA.
by Rob Williams, Robert G Aruldoss
March 08, 2017
Health savings accounts offer tax advantages and other benefits that can complement your retirement savings plans. Find out how to get the most from your HSA.
Beware the 60-Day Rollover
February 17, 2017
Direct transfers are still the safest option when you’re moving IRAs.
February 17, 2017
Direct transfers are still the safest option when you’re moving IRAs.
Income Planning for Couples With Big Age Differences
February 17, 2017
What’s the best way to approach retirement income when you and your spouse are different ages?
February 17, 2017
What’s the best way to approach retirement income when you and your spouse are different ages?
3 Strategies for Lowering Taxes in Retirement
February 17, 2017
Do you know how to keep the taxman at bay?
February 17, 2017
Do you know how to keep the taxman at bay?
Roth IRA Conversion: Does it Make Sense?
by Rande Spiegelman
February 15, 2017
On the fence about a Roth IRA conversion? Consider these factors before making a decision.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 15, 2017
On the fence about a Roth IRA conversion? Consider these factors before making a decision.
High Earners: Get Ready for a Tax Hike in 2017
February 02, 2017
Rising wages and inflation have unlocked the biggest rise in the cap on payroll taxes since the 1980s. Are you prepared?
February 02, 2017
Rising wages and inflation have unlocked the biggest rise in the cap on payroll taxes since the 1980s. Are you prepared?
Write Your Own Retirement Check
by Rande Spiegelman
January 31, 2017
Here’s a smart system for drawing down your life savings during retirement.
by Rande Spiegelman
January 31, 2017
Here’s a smart system for drawing down your life savings during retirement.
5 Tax-Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
January 27, 2017
Watch out for these common errors on your tax return and avoid the ire of the IRS.
January 27, 2017
Watch out for these common errors on your tax return and avoid the ire of the IRS.
Take Your RMD or Face a 50% Tax Penalty
December 16, 2016
Retirees can face steep tax penalties for not taking their annual required minimum distribution (RMD). Here’s what you need to know.
December 16, 2016
Retirees can face steep tax penalties for not taking their annual required minimum distribution (RMD). Here’s what you need to know.
Social Security and Divorce: Can You Still Collect Spousal Benefits?
November 14, 2016
Even if you’re no longer married, you could still be entitled to spousal benefits.
November 14, 2016
Even if you’re no longer married, you could still be entitled to spousal benefits.
Annuities: A Piece of the Retirement Puzzle
September 16, 2016
Annuities can be confusing, but they’re worth a careful look because they can help bring order to your retirement-spending plans.
September 16, 2016
Annuities can be confusing, but they’re worth a careful look because they can help bring order to your retirement-spending plans.
How Does a Woman’s Longer Life Impact Her Investment Strategy?
August 30, 2016
With longer life spans, women must fine-tune their investment strategy in order to retire as comfortably as men—we offer a few tips that could help.
August 30, 2016
With longer life spans, women must fine-tune their investment strategy in order to retire as comfortably as men—we offer a few tips that could help.
Social Security Strategies for Couples: Rule Changes
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
August 12, 2016
How married couples can get the most out of their benefits now that rules have changed.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
August 12, 2016
How married couples can get the most out of their benefits now that rules have changed.
One Retirement, Two Portfolios
August 12, 2016
You and your spouse might each be saving for retirement, but are your portfolios working together toward the same goal?
August 12, 2016
You and your spouse might each be saving for retirement, but are your portfolios working together toward the same goal?
Nearing Retirement? Assess Downside Risk, Upside Potential
by Rob Williams
August 05, 2016
Protecting your investment portfolio against downside risk can help ensure that you can live on your past investments when retirement comes.
by Rob Williams
August 05, 2016
Protecting your investment portfolio against downside risk can help ensure that you can live on your past investments when retirement comes.
New Options in Long-Term Care Insurance
July 05, 2016
Americans are living longer and may require long-term care down the line. Are you prepared? Consider these three options.
July 05, 2016
Americans are living longer and may require long-term care down the line. Are you prepared? Consider these three options.
Financially Sound Steps to Starting a Business in Retirement
May 20, 2016
Launching a startup in retirement? Consider the following guidelines as you embark on your new business venture.
May 20, 2016
Launching a startup in retirement? Consider the following guidelines as you embark on your new business venture.
The Pension Buyout Dilemma
May 13, 2016
Deciding between a lifetime income stream and a large lump sum can be difficult. Here’s what you should know.
May 13, 2016
Deciding between a lifetime income stream and a large lump sum can be difficult. Here’s what you should know.
Does Your Retirement Portfolio Need More Stocks?
May 13, 2016
Low interest rates and longer lifespans suggest stocks are necessary, even in retirement.
May 13, 2016
Low interest rates and longer lifespans suggest stocks are necessary, even in retirement.
Bond Ladders: A Useful Tool for Retirement Income
by Rob Williams
April 18, 2016
Bond ladders can help you manage cash needs in retirement, allowing you potentially to take more risk elsewhere in your portfolio.
by Rob Williams
April 18, 2016
Bond ladders can help you manage cash needs in retirement, allowing you potentially to take more risk elsewhere in your portfolio.
Market Volatility: What If You Don’t Have Time to Recover?
by Rob Williams
March 09, 2016
When the market drops, it's generally a good idea to stick to your long-term investment plan. But what if you don’t have time to recover?
by Rob Williams
March 09, 2016
When the market drops, it's generally a good idea to stick to your long-term investment plan. But what if you don’t have time to recover?
Inheriting an IRA? Understand Your Options
March 08, 2016
An inherited IRA can be tricky to manage. Know the rules and make the most of your inheritance.
March 08, 2016
An inherited IRA can be tricky to manage. Know the rules and make the most of your inheritance.
Spend Confidently in Retirement
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
February 24, 2016
Tips to help your savings go the distance.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
February 24, 2016
Tips to help your savings go the distance.
3 Ways Your Portfolio Could Be Too Complex
January 08, 2016
Minimizing the number of funds and accounts you own could reduce your investment costs and help you plan better.
January 08, 2016
Minimizing the number of funds and accounts you own could reduce your investment costs and help you plan better.
Social Security and the Budget Deal in Brief
November 20, 2015
Congress recently passed legislation affecting Social Security filing strategies, including “file and suspend.” Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes.
November 20, 2015
Congress recently passed legislation affecting Social Security filing strategies, including “file and suspend.” Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes.
6 Steps for Women Savers
November 20, 2015
Women face unique financial challenges when it comes to retirement.
November 20, 2015
Women face unique financial challenges when it comes to retirement.
View from the Valley
November 20, 2015
Long-term investment planning tips from a Schwab Financial Consultant.
November 20, 2015
Long-term investment planning tips from a Schwab Financial Consultant.
Juggling the Costs of Retirement vs. College
October 30, 2015
Yes, your retirement savings should come first. But you can still help your kids—by both saving for college and exploring other funding options.
October 30, 2015
Yes, your retirement savings should come first. But you can still help your kids—by both saving for college and exploring other funding options.
Help Keep Volatility From Derailing Your Retirement Plan
by Rob Williams
October 12, 2015
To help lower the damage from volatility and keep your retirement plan on track, consider investing a chunk of your portfolio in relatively stable assets that can withstand wild price swings.
by Rob Williams
October 12, 2015
To help lower the damage from volatility and keep your retirement plan on track, consider investing a chunk of your portfolio in relatively stable assets that can withstand wild price swings.
Go Ahead, Live a Little (and Still Keep Your Plan on Track)
October 01, 2015
Saving for retirement is vital, but you may be able to spend more money today without sacrificing your future.
October 01, 2015
Saving for retirement is vital, but you may be able to spend more money today without sacrificing your future.
Retirement Income Strategies: The Total Return Approach
September 17, 2015
Living off interest and dividends alone may not be feasible in today’s low rate environment. Instead, consider a total return strategy.
September 17, 2015
Living off interest and dividends alone may not be feasible in today’s low rate environment. Instead, consider a total return strategy.
Structuring Your Retirement Portfolio
by Rob Williams
September 02, 2015
A guide for approaching fund allocation in retirement.
by Rob Williams
September 02, 2015
A guide for approaching fund allocation in retirement.
Will You Have Enough for Retirement?
by Rob Williams
September 02, 2015
How to turn retirement savings into retirement income.
by Rob Williams
September 02, 2015
How to turn retirement savings into retirement income.
Five Retirement-Planning Myths
August 26, 2015
Don’t let optimistic expectations put your retirement at risk.
August 26, 2015
Don’t let optimistic expectations put your retirement at risk.
Retiring Abroad? Financial Facts You Need to Know
August 21, 2015
Nine things you need to know about taxes, Medicare and more when you move abroad.
August 21, 2015
Nine things you need to know about taxes, Medicare and more when you move abroad.
Planning for Retirement When You’re Single
July 24, 2015
Retirement planning advice often focuses on couples, but when you’re divorced, widowed or a longtime single, you may face unique challenges.
July 24, 2015
Retirement planning advice often focuses on couples, but when you’re divorced, widowed or a longtime single, you may face unique challenges.
Is a Phased Retirement Right for You?
May 29, 2015
Find out how planning for retirement today differs from planning in the past, and consider different options for a phased retirement.
May 29, 2015
Find out how planning for retirement today differs from planning in the past, and consider different options for a phased retirement.
Not Ready to Retire
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
May 22, 2015
Working past age 65 can be personally—and financially—rewarding, but beware of potential snags.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
May 22, 2015
Working past age 65 can be personally—and financially—rewarding, but beware of potential snags.
Income Too High for a Roth IRA? Try These Alternatives
April 03, 2015
If you’re interested in contributing to a Roth IRA but your income exceeds IRS limits, you can still save for retirement in a tax-smart way.
April 03, 2015
If you’re interested in contributing to a Roth IRA but your income exceeds IRS limits, you can still save for retirement in a tax-smart way.
5 Tax Planning Fundamentals for Investors
by Rande Spiegelman
March 30, 2015
Improve your tax experience as an investor with these 5 tax planning steps and tax-advantaged investment ideas.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 30, 2015
Improve your tax experience as an investor with these 5 tax planning steps and tax-advantaged investment ideas.
How to Create a Sustainable Retirement Spending Plan
by Rob Williams
February 25, 2015
To set up a sustainable retirement spending plan, we recommend tapping multiple sources of cash flow.
by Rob Williams
February 25, 2015
To set up a sustainable retirement spending plan, we recommend tapping multiple sources of cash flow.
What If You’re Forced to Retire Early?
January 13, 2015
Early retirement isn’t something you can predict, but it pays to vet your financial plan in case you’re forced to retire earlier than anticipated.
January 13, 2015
Early retirement isn’t something you can predict, but it pays to vet your financial plan in case you’re forced to retire earlier than anticipated.
Is Loss Aversion Hurting Your Retirement Plans?
December 02, 2014
Loss aversion can prevent investors from getting the most out of their retirement portfolios, but there are several ways to overcome it.
December 02, 2014
Loss aversion can prevent investors from getting the most out of their retirement portfolios, but there are several ways to overcome it.
Thinking Forward: Grow Your Retirement Savings
November 14, 2014
Your projected life expectancy is a crucial starting point for calculating the savings you’ll need during retirement.
November 14, 2014
Your projected life expectancy is a crucial starting point for calculating the savings you’ll need during retirement.
The Backdoor Roth—Is It Right for You?
October 31, 2014
High-income earners can enjoy the tax benefits of a Roth IRA by converting a traditional IRA to a Roth using the backdoor Roth method.
October 31, 2014
High-income earners can enjoy the tax benefits of a Roth IRA by converting a traditional IRA to a Roth using the backdoor Roth method.
Make Sure Your Money Lasts
October 22, 2014
The 4% rule for retirement spending may be outdated. It’s time to plan differently so your money will last.
October 22, 2014
The 4% rule for retirement spending may be outdated. It’s time to plan differently so your money will last.
10 Ways to Save More for Retirement
by Rande Spiegelman
October 01, 2014
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up -- or make the most of what you have.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 01, 2014
Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up -- or make the most of what you have.
Retirement Income Planning: What's Your Risk Capacity?
by Rob Williams
September 30, 2014
You've probably heard about risk tolerance, but when it comes to retirement income planning, a more important thing to understand is your risk capacity.
by Rob Williams
September 30, 2014
You've probably heard about risk tolerance, but when it comes to retirement income planning, a more important thing to understand is your risk capacity.
4 Small Business Retirement Plans Worth Considering
by Rande Spiegelman
September 17, 2014
Most of us are familiar with 401(k) plans. Here are some additional retirement accounts available to smaller companies with fewer (if any) employees.
by Rande Spiegelman
September 17, 2014
Most of us are familiar with 401(k) plans. Here are some additional retirement accounts available to smaller companies with fewer (if any) employees.
IRA Tax Traps: Know the Rules
by Rande Spiegelman
June 06, 2014
IRAs may offer tax benefits, but unwary investors can end up in a variety of IRA-related tax traps if they don't follow the rules. Here's how to avoid some common pitfalls.
by Rande Spiegelman
June 06, 2014
IRAs may offer tax benefits, but unwary investors can end up in a variety of IRA-related tax traps if they don't follow the rules. Here's how to avoid some common pitfalls.
Saving for Retirement: IRA vs. 401(k)
by Rande Spiegelman
October 11, 2013
We break down which retirement accounts—IRAs or 401(k)s— may be right for you, and in what combination.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 11, 2013
We break down which retirement accounts—IRAs or 401(k)s— may be right for you, and in what combination.
Nine Fundamentals for Generating Income in Retirement
by Rob Williams
July 17, 2013
You've saved diligently and carefully for your retirement—now it's time to turn your savings into income.
by Rob Williams
July 17, 2013
You've saved diligently and carefully for your retirement—now it's time to turn your savings into income.
Can You Catch Up on Retirement Savings?
by Mark W Riepe
June 28, 2013
Even twentysomethings should be saving for retirement. Learn about the price of procrastination, and review simple strategies to boost savings now.
by Mark W Riepe
June 28, 2013
Even twentysomethings should be saving for retirement. Learn about the price of procrastination, and review simple strategies to boost savings now.
Two Types of Annuities for Retirement Income
by Rob Williams
March 27, 2013
After working hard to save for retirement, you'll need to manage market risk and generate income that lasts—annuities are one tool that can help.
by Rob Williams
March 27, 2013
After working hard to save for retirement, you'll need to manage market risk and generate income that lasts—annuities are one tool that can help.
Shopping for a Fixed Annuity
by Rande Spiegelman
October 18, 2012
Here's how to evaluate whether an immediate fixed annuity makes sense for you—and how to get the best deal.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 18, 2012
Here's how to evaluate whether an immediate fixed annuity makes sense for you—and how to get the best deal.
Lump Sum Vs. Annuity
by Rande Spiegelman
June 29, 2012
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.
by Rande Spiegelman
June 29, 2012
Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.