This question arises with the greatest frequency, and it ranks, as one would expect, as one of the most difficult to answer. We can only suggest general guidelines because your investment risk tolerance may differ from the next person’s. Also, investment choices should reflect one’s overall economic situation, and advertisements for online brokerage houses notwithstanding, not every form or method of investment suits every situation. In an age when most of us are at least aware of general movements in the market, if not actually participating in some way, most of us wish for a formula to provide the optimal investment mix for our particular situation. (more…)

The lower age boundary defining “older worker” seems to depend on the context. Much of the retirement literature uses age 65 and older to define this category, a choice that reflects the salience of age 65 in previously enforced policies of mandatory retirement and entitlement for full Social Security benefits, as well as the general usage of the 18-to-64 age range in defining the “prime age” workforce. Within this context, “older worker” referred to someone whose continued attachment to the labor force ran counter to the normative pattern of retirement; by working beyond the “normal” retirement age of 65, these workers were considered categorically different from those who eschewed the option of “early” retirement. (more…)

Pension investment policy is one decisive point in planning and implementing a successful pensions plans. This area should need thoughtfulness due to its vast responsibility factors: the consequences of investment performance results may adverse pension investment goal. Hence, it should not be delegated to external third party consultants or money managers. Pension boards, top managements, shareholders, taxpayers and nonetheless employees, should pay a vital role in monitoring and reviewing pension investment policy. In the first place, there should be policy which will communicate the objectives of the pension plan policy scope and objectives to those all parties involved. The policy should have several key elements and aimed in funding pension liability for Defined Contribution Plans and Defined Benefit Plans. (more…)