Barron’s Retirement is on summer vacation, but we can’t stop thinking about retirement saving and planning. Each week we try to deliver topical, useful, and practical news and advice to inform your thinking or provide guidance on how to execute a strategy. Not every article or column is a hit, but these 10 were.
Here are our top stories from the first half of the year (with a related bonus):
In 1994, William Bengen said retirees should start out withdrawing 4% of their assets annually and increase the distribution each year by the inflation rate. In 2021, he’s saying the rule needs some refinement
A Retirement Saver’s Guide to Cutting the Cord: Navigating the Options and the Costs
The older Americans who would benefit most from freeing up some cash by cutting the cord are among the least likely to let go of traditional TV services. We help the fearful with the process.
Want to Save More? Tap Some Funds Early? Here Are 3 Retirement Savings Tricks.
Individual retirement accounts and 401(k)s can offer savers the flexibility to withdraw funds penalty-free before age 59½ or bolster savings, among other under-the-radar moves
Three-Fund Portfolios Can Cut Risk, Taxes, and Costs for Investors. Here’s How to Build One.
Retirement savers looking for simplicity, and less volatility, should consider the less-is-more strategy. Many in the Bogleheads investor community dig it.
How a Cash Stash Can Help Retirees Keep Peace of Mind, if Not Portfolio
While many financial pros say there are better ways for risk-averse investors to manage volatility, proponents say cash-bucketing strategies can keep savers from bailing out at market lows.
Yes, You Can Retire on Dividends. Here’s How.
The notion of using dividends for retirement income has plenty of appeal, with yields on many traditional income investments near historic lows and individuals increasingly on the hook for their post-career income.
6 Tips for Managing Your 401(k) Like a Pro
If you put in a little time and effort into managing your 401(k), advisors say, you can limit expenses, bolster returns, and minimize future taxes.
Older Americans Are Turning to Pot for Help With Ailments. Here’s What to Know.
Today’s marijuana is more potent than it was when many seniors were younger, making it a challenge to get dosing correct when self-medicating.
A Loophole Makes ‘529’ Plans Good Wealth Transfer Tools. Here’s How to Use Them.
Looking for a way to transfer wealth to the next generation but still want the option of yanking it back if you change your mind? Consider a “529” education-savings plan, financial pros say.
Get a Job in Retirement. It’ll Help Your Wealth—and Your Health.
Part-time work can allow retirement-age investors to hold off drawing down retirement portfolios. And health experts say that maintaining social connections and staying physically active helps slow aging.
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