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A retirement savings catch-up
Chris Farrell Dec 27, 2011
I am a 58-year-old female, currently employed. I've got approx $100,000 saved in a 401(k) plan. I've had to take out a student loan to cover the cost of one year toward my MBA, which I have completed. Because of the student loan, I've decreased the 401(k) contribution -- normally 25 percent of my pay -- to 6 percent. I'll have the student loan paid off by April 2012. Since I am worried sick that I won't have enough when I retire, do you have suggestions about how to catch up? Danica, Houston, TX
Retirement and creative spending
Chris Farrell Dec 19, 2011
We often forget how creative people are at coming up with solutions to problems. Retirement is no different. Many retirees find that they can make significant cuts in expenses without slashing their standard of living.
Thinking about tax-exempt bonds
Chris Farrell Dec 16, 2011
My wife and I are in our early 60s, with a son in college. We have Roths and 401(k)s. I will get a pension from the state of North Carolina when I retire in a few years -- not so for my wife. What I need to know is: Is there a reason not to put so much of our savings in munis? (I would take the money out of some of our mutual funds.) I would not get munis from states with problematic economies; I would most likely get them from N.C. Also, what is the best way to purchase tax-free munis? Thanks! Stephen, Durham, NC
Time to consolidate accounts
Chris Farrell Dec 13, 2011
I have been very fortunate to stay almost continually employed despite three layoffs in 10 years. I have also contributed regularly to my employers' sponsored, tax-deferred retirement plans. In the process, I have acquired several accounts managed by Fidelity, including one at my current employer. (Some employers set up three or four accounts.) Is there any downside to rolling over accounts linked to a specific employer to one Fidelity account? I'm just looking to simplify managing my accounts. Thanks! Kathy, Warrenville, IL
Work ‘til you drop?
Chris Farrell Dec 8, 2011
The catchphrase of the hour seems to be "Work 'til you drop." You know the refrain: Work is a social place. It provides a paycheck. An older worker with a job can delay drawing down savings and filing for Social Security. Yet working longer isn't for everyone -- far from it.
Don't pay off student loan
Chris Farrell Nov 30, 2011
We have a student loan for our daughter of about $120,000. Should we use our retirement funds to pay it off? Our house will be paid off in 5 years and we have about $20,000 in revolving debt. Please advise. Thanks. James, Houston, TX
Who’s saving more for retirement?
Chris Farrell Nov 30, 2011
Women are participating in retirement plans more than it appears at first.
Working toward financial flexibility
Chris Farrell Nov 22, 2011
I max out contributions to my workplace 401K and a traditional IRA (I no longer qualify for a Roth). Should I be doing more to save for retirement? Are there other retirement vehicles available to me or should I continue investing in non-retirement accounts (e.g., direct purchase of mutual funds and/or stocks through my brokerage account)? Sandra, Silver Spring, MD
So much for the golden years
Paddy Hirsch Nov 17, 2011
Most Americans believe their retirement won’t come early or be particularly comfortable.
What's my number?
Chris Farrell Nov 9, 2011
How much should I save for retirement? Wouldn't you like to know? Most of us wonder if we've really set aside enough for life's later stages,...
