Roth IRA Conversion

This calculator can help you determine whether you should consider converting to a Roth IRA.

Retirement Portfolio Lifespan

How Long Will Your Funds Last?

Retirement Plan Early Distribution

Estimate how much would remain after paying income taxes and penalties if you took an early distribution from a retirement plan.

Required Minimum Distributions

Estimate the annual required distribution from your traditional IRA or former employer's retirement plan after you turn age 70.

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Consider Your Retirement Needs, but Don't Forget Your Retirement Wants

A rule of thumb is that workers will need to replace about 80% of their pre-retirement incomes to maintain their standard of living in retirement. But they may need more than 80% to fund a lifestyle that they can truly look forward to. As people grow older, what once may have been considered luxuries can become basic needs.

Are Consumers Holding the Keys to a Better Economy?

Consumer spending still accounts for about 70% of gross domestic product, but some government statistics suggest that consumers may have reduced spending drastically in recent years, especially on discretionary items. High unemployment, household debt, and a general lack of confidence can affect consumers' ability and willingness to spend.

When Key Players Can't Work

If a company is a two-owner business or its success relies on a few key players, key-person life or disability insurance could possibly offset the risk that the premature disability or death of a major contributor could ruin its future prospects.

HOT TOPIC: Looking Ahead in 2012

2011 was a year of slow economic recovery, market volatility, and political conflict over the budget, the national debt, and taxes. All of these challenges continue to face us as we begin the new year. This article presents an overview of some of the issues that bear watching in 2012.

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