Your Retirement Knowledge Center

The right time to claim Social Security depends on your health, other income sources, and whether you're married. Claiming early (age 62) reduces your benefit permanently, while delaying to age 70 increases it by up to 8% per year. We help you analyze your specific situation to find the optimal strategy.

The answer varies widely depending on your lifestyle, health, location, and retirement goals. A general guideline is to have 10–12x your annual salary saved, but a personalized retirement income plan is far more accurate than any rule of thumb. That's exactly what we help you build.

Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income. Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free. The right choice depends on your current and expected future tax rates.

A rollover moves your 401(k) from a former employer into an IRA, giving you more investment options and control. It's often a smart move, but whether it makes sense for you depends on your plan's fees, investment options, and your overall financial picture.

Running out of money — called "longevity risk" — is one of the biggest concerns retirees face. Strategies include building contractual income streams (such as annuities, subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer, or pension income), Social Security timing, and a properly allocated investment portfolio designed for a long retirement.

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays and Part B covers outpatient care. You become eligible at age 65 and should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late penalties. Medicare does not cover long-term care, dental, or vision — which is why supplemental planning is important.