Claiming spousal benefits often leads to larger check than expected
Over the last few months, several large companies, let by auto giants Ford and GM, announced plans to spin off their traditional pension plans by transferring their liabilities to an insurance company or offering lump-sum payouts to retirees and certain former workers. Verizon was the latest corporation to hop on the de-risking bandwagon, prompting calls from a leading pension advocacy group to halt such actions until Congress can review the impact on workers and retirees
Still subject to age and earnings cap limits; other restrictions may apply
Insurer to pull back from cash-heavy products like variable annuities
'Aging in place' is growing trend as retirees prefer to stay put.
People affected by Hurricane Sandy, or their close relatives, can tap qualified retirement plans without having to follow certain procedures for hardship withdrawals, the Internal Revenue Service said.
Sitting on far greater percentage of stocks than traditional IRA holders
Private-equity firms are raising their profile in the indexed-annuity space, worrying observers who fear they are taking greater risks in increasing market share.
While some retirees are simply uniformed, others are dangerously misinformed.
Financial advisers are grateful this Thanksgiving for clients who have been calm and cool in the face of intense market volatility.
