Retirement | Financial Directions

Where will your retirement money come from? If you’re like most people, qualified-retirement plans, Social Security, and personal savings and investments are expected to play a role. Once you have estimated the amount of money you may need for retirement, a sound approach involves taking a close look at your potential retirement-income sources.

How to Retire Early

Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.

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A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.

Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement

Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.

A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit

Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.

Important Birthdays Over 50

Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income.

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.

How Women Can Prepare For Retirement

Are women prepared for a 20-year retirement?

Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer

Individuals have three basic choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.

What Is a Roth 401(k)?

Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.

Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement

Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.

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Self-Employed Retirement Plans

Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

Estimate Your RMD

Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.

Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)

This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).

Saving for Retirement

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

My Retirement Savings

Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.

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Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

How to Retire Early

Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.

Rightsizing for Retirement

What does your home really cost?

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.

The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth

Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?

Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries

Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.