‘When Should I Retire?’ The Pros and Cons of Different Ages

DANIEL KURT

Investopedia

When is the right time to retire? It’s a question that depends on your personal needs and circumstances—not to mention your personality and plans for what you’d do instead.

The Rise of 401(k) Brokerage Accounts

Mark P. Cussen

Investopedia

For many years the investment options offered in company-sponsored 401(k) plans were limited to mutual funds and annuity contracts, along with one or more guaranteed accounts and, perhaps, the company’s stock. However, some plans now allow participants to buy and sell securities inside their 401(k)s. The option is known as a self-directed brokerage account (SDBA) or a 401(k) brokerage window.

You’ll be able to put more money into your 401(k) in 2020, but not your IRA

Alessandra Malito

MarketWatch

Americans will be able to save just a little bit more in some of their retirement accounts in 2020.

The Internal Revenue Service announced it is increasing its 401(k), 403(b) and most Thrift Savings Plans deferred contribution limit to $19,500 next year, up from $19,000 in 2019. Catch up contributions are also jumping $500, to $6,500 in 2020. That means Americans 50 years and older can contribute a total of $26,000 in 2020.

Here are 3 tips to get the most out of your employee benefits for 2020

Darla Mercado

CNBC

This fall, resist the temptation to just re-elect all of last year’s workplace benefits.

Employers are rolling out their benefits packages for 2020, and that means it’s time for you to choose your health-care, life insurance and disability coverage for the new year.

Why IRA, Roth IRA, and 401(k) Contributions Are Limited

Claire Boyte-White

Investopedia

Contributions to a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), or other retirement savings plan are limited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prevent highly paid workers from benefiting more than the average worker from the tax advantages they provide.

Your questions about retirement planning boiled down to 20 answers

Richard Quinn

MarketWatch

Take any money issue and you’re sure to find detailed guidance—some so complicated that it’s largely ignored, regardless of its potential benefit.

The following is not intended to make light of the difficulty some people have with money. Still, a little straightforward information helps. Let’s strip personal finance down to its basics:

BlackRock Global Investment Outlook: Q4 update

BlackRock Global Investment Outlook: Q4 update

BlackRock Investment Institute

Click here for the full report

Overall, we favor reducing risk amid the ongoing protectionist push. We prefer U.S. equities for their reasonable valuations and relatively high quality; and the min vol and quality factors for their defensive properties. We like EM debt for its coupon income. We are overweight euro area sovereigns: a relatively steeper yield curve brightens their appeal even at low yields. And we see government bonds as important portfolio stabilizers.

Roth IRA Beats Traditional IRA For Young Workers; Here's How

PAUL KATZEFF

Investors Business Daily

Roth IRAs are best for workers who expect their tax rate to rise in retirement. And the younger you are, the more likely that is to be true. So, if you're a young investor, remember: a Roth IRA is a savings tool whose benefits tilt in your favor.

Here’s Why Small Investors Aren’t Buying the ‘Index Funds Bubble’ Argument

Kevin Kelleher

Fortune

You may have heard the ever-louder debate recently emanating from the world of Big Finance on whether equity index funds and ETFs are heading for a bubble. Small investors, like families saving for college or retirement, are also weighing in on the matter—and their response seems to be an indifferent shrug of the shoulders.

It’s Time For Year-End Financial Planning

Kristin McKenna

Forbes

Getting your finances ready for the end of the calendar year takes time, so it’s wise to start thinking about your financial to-do list now. Since most year-end planning opportunities have firm deadlines—often December 31st—acting now can help ensure you don’t leave money on the table. It’s not all upside though: failing to take certain actions can mean hefty penalties in some cases.

Shift into value stocks could fuel a solid rally, says J.P. Morgan

Barbara Kollmeyer

MarketWatch

Bone up on the term “market rotation” if you want to hold your own at the water cooler these days.

Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid and his team define that term best as a “big unwind in some popular trades.” In the last couple of days, investors have been intensely pulling money out of momentum stocks — those that have had the best returns over the past year — and into so-called slow-and-steady value stocks. It’s sort of like trading your pet hare for a tortoise.

Early retirement sounds amazing, but it can take a toll on your mental health

Karishma Vanjani

MarketWatch

Having enough money in the bank and the potential to never work an office job again excites many people on the journey to FIRE, but they often overlook the possible downsides.