Chapter 1: Why save for retirement?The more you save, the happier and more stable your retirement will be. More money means more options.Why save for retirementDecline of pensions; rise of 401(k) plansThose with a pension still need to savePrioritizing retirement savingsPower of compoundingDollar-cost averagingWhat inflation can do to your spending powerChapter 2: Retirement vehiclesAccounts specifically geared for retirement provide tax advantages to savers and employers.Types of retirement vehiclesWorkplace retirement plans help you saveRoth 401(k)Self-employed 401(k)Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRASimple IRASEP IRAChapter 3: Investment optionsFunneling money into savings is only the first step. Put those dollars to work.Investing: a universe of optionsRelationship between risk and returnStocks, bonds, cash, mutual fundsImportance of asset allocationTarget-date fundsMutual funds vs. ETFsInternational investing/emerging marketsIndividual stocks/company stockChapter 4: Making decisionsYou may be called upon to make some decisions regarding your retirement accounts. Understand the options.Making decisionsBorrowing from a 401(k)Leave 401(k) or roll it over?Consolidating 401(k) plansCatch-up contributionsConverting a traditional to a Roth IRAChapter 5: Retirement movesThe work doesn't end when you hit retirement. Use smart strategies to make the most of savings.Retirement movesWhen to take Social SecurityWise withdrawal strategiesKnow your required minimum distributionFunding retirement with rental incomeBasics of reverse mortgages advertisementRelated Links:5 little-known facts about Social SecurityVideo: Choosing a retirement community3 keys to successful retirement planningRelated Articles:'Twist' clouds retirementBenefit tied to marriage Retirement gets rethought
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused.
By submitting a post, you agree to be bound by Bankrate's terms of use. Please refer to Bankrate's privacy policy for more information regarding Bankrate's privacy practices.
