The only way to pass a TIAA-CREF account beyond the current generation requires that you elect not to annuitize. You must instead elect the Minimum Distribution Option, because that avoids the conversion of the account into a premium. The first benefit, assuming that this comports with your values and resources, is that you will have responsibility for your own financial destiny. To underline the point, you have rejected the safety net of a lifetime annuity and have chosen instead to take distributions at your own pace, subject to the governmentally prescribed minimum. (more…)

No one likes to think about getting a divorce, but unfortunately, half of those marrying today will end up divorced. (I’ve often wondered if that statistic took into account Zsa Zsa Gabor, Liza Minnelli, and Elizabeth Taylor, but that’s another story.) In a divorce, particularly with relationships that have lasted over 10 years, spouses may be entitled to Social Security benefits and pension benefits. (more…)

It doesn’t matter how much money that people could have, we all won’t ever be truly comfortable and secure enough for retiring. This is because we are unable to estimate the amount of money we will need in retirement. The single most frequently asked questions I get has to do with retirement. Particularly, everyone is questioning how much money to retire they have to have for retire comfortly and securely.

If you put your money in simple Certificates of Deposit for your retirement investment, a realistic rate of interest for these types of retirement accounts is an average of 6 percent. Assuming an inflation rate of 3 percent, you would have to put $30, 000 gained back into your principle of bonds and CDs, so that you will get the same sum of money each year after inflation.

In most parts of the US and with the average lifestyle of retires, this isn’t enough money to retire. The benefits are easy to understand–the reduce the interest rate, the lower your monthly payment and total cost of buying a home. When you have twice the amount in principle (2 million dollars instead of 1 million dollars), then you would be earning $60,000 a year after inflation. Let’s say you again no longer have a mortgage to pay, have a million dollars to invest earning an average of 6%, and need $60, 000 a year to live (and you need to increase this amount by 3 percent every year for inflation). Do you need more or less than $60, 000 a year to live in retirement? So this scenario is not a good retirement investment advice you will follow trough.

To make calculating even more difficult, it is unlikely that you will invest all of your retirement money in bonds and CDs. Let’s say after two years in retirement, you lose a large percentage of your investments from typical market volatility. This may force you to return to the work force in your silver light years.

Furthermore, you will have to expect unstable bills into your retirement calculations, such as periodic medical bills, an unusually expenses along life, a new car every decade or so, possible assisted living, and so on. You will likely need more income than anybody can reasonably predict, especially since it is nearly impossible to guess how long you will live with any accuracy and reliability.

Therefore, I hope I have convinced you to seriously think about how much money is needed when heading off retirement. And try to never touch your investment principle and always factor the rate of inflation, otherwise you may run the risk of not having sufficient money in retirement particularly if you live a very long life with a lot of medical bills. And if you are very conventional with your investments and way of life requirements, then you will need a minimum of two million dollars along with a home that is already paid to retire.

The short response to the question, “How much money do I need to retire?” is “It depends”. If there is a lack of money, you’ll need your cost savings to supplement them. If the sum required is greater than 4 %, then you definitely probably need to save more or push back your own retirement time. Every scenario differs from the others and unique.

Losing a job—at any age—is traumatic, even when a worker receives some severance pay. In addition to loss of income and/or employee benefits, there is a feeling of insecurity as one’s way of life is disrupted. Workers faced with involuntary retirement in later life must take stock of their financial resources, marketable job skills, and emotional readiness—or not—for retirement.

The federal COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) law provides an opportunity for continuation of health insurance for up to 18 months, at group rates plus a 2% administrative fee, until an individual policy (or new group coverage) is obtained or a worker is eligible for Medicare. (more…)

So now you are planning your retirement thoroughly. You are sure that you still get your income to maintain your retirement lifestyle.

Here’s a rough breakdown of where your retirement income will likely come from when you retire: (more…)

There are three programs designed specifically for older American volunteers that are sponsored by ACTION, an independent agency of the Federal Governments. They are the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), the Senior Companion Program (SCP), and the Retired Senior Volunteer/Program (SVP). (more…)

Americans are increasingly become aware and responsible for their retirement wealth. Many of us are know that the prospect of living with social security income and a employer pension plan is reduced dramatically and not attractive. More and more pensioners and retirees are less put trust on traditional sources of income; saving for retirement and work part time are seen to be more attractive. But the condition for future pensioners and retirees will be getting worsened. Given the desire to build a large nest egg for retirement was the need to build a replacement income. (more…)

The thought of retire early may be an illusion for some and a punishment for others. Everything is, as the saying goes, depending on how you look at it. First, is it the decision whether retirement is voluntary or forced? Often when companies offer their employee early retirement is not really such an offer since the other option is to be fired. (more…)

If you check your paycheck stub, you find an entry labeled FICA, which is an acronym for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Your “contribution” is matched by your employer and is deposited in the Social Security Trust Fund. It shows you how much money was paid into the Trust Fund by employers, employees, and the self-employed in 1998 (the figures used are from the IRS). (more…)

Some early retirement survey focused almost exclusively on men when making retirement decision. Until recently, woman may have some decisiveness which affected retirement decision for her and her husband. Recognition of the difference point of view add some complexity on making retirement decision. Off course, the retirement decision is varied beyond gender and economic issues. Substantial differences in health condition, employment market, family finance situation, and care giving responsibility can lead to the differences timing of retirement. (more…)