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Dueling Fools: IRA Bear

Excerpt: But there are a lot of misperceptions about the IRA. .... Despite the wonderful benefits of an IRA, there are drawbacks. In many, if not most, cases, the pros outweigh the cons. But not always. So when should you say 'no way' to an IRA? Let me count the ways[.]

Dueling Fools: IRA Bear Rebuttal

Excerpt: I'll [say] loud and clear that each and every working American should have an IRA or two. But I'll also say that investors should think twice about putting each and every investment dollar in an IRA.

Retirement Savings and Annual Spending

"[The Motley Fool] took data from a GAO report that includes the current financial status of households between the ages of 55 and 64.... [T]he median annual income implied by the [Motley Fool] chart is only $4,085 for households that buy an annuity and $3,098 for households that go with the '4% Rule'....Realistically, families that have saved less than the median savings would probably be better off using the savings for emergencies rather than annuitizing them."

Stock Options-- Now You Care?

Excerpt: It seems that when investors were getting wealthy by holding stocks of almost any flavor stock options grants were of little concern. Now that the stock market has turned sour, investors are no longer very patient with insiders getting multi-million dollar stock options grants. Well, it's about time. The Motley Fool has been howling about this for several years.

Is Now a Good Time to Rebalance a 401(k)?

Excerpt: With so much economic uncertainty surrounding equities, we asked a panel of Fool analysts: Is now a good time to rebalance a 401(k)? Here's what they had to say.

Is It Possible the 4% Rule Is All Wrong?

"William Bengen now says a withdrawal rate of 4.7% may be more appropriate. Retirees who can cut back a little during rough market years tend to do better than those who consistently withdraw the same amount, no matter what happens. Another withdrawal strategy is to align annual withdrawals with remaining portfolio value, thereby adapting to market fluctuations."

Small Business, but Big Retirement Nest Egg Is Possible

Excerpt: 'Small business' doesn't mean 'small retirement.' Indeed, small-business owners have plenty of options for retirement savings -- for themselves and their employees. Don't be fooled by their names, though. 'Simple' or 'simplified' plans often fail to live up to their names.

What Would Happen to 401(k)s if Social Security Were Privatized?

"[M]any individuals may be compelled to increase their contributions to 401(k) plans.... It's possible businesses would shift the funds normally paid into Social Security taxes to a larger company match or even provide nonelective contributions to each employee's 401(k), even if they don't participate.... Companies may offer access to financial advisors and planning tools to help employees feel more confident about their investment decisions.... If the average worker were to lose part of their Social Security benefits, it could be more difficult to determine the right time to retire."

The Biggest 401(k) Mistakes Made by Each Generation

"Baby boomers are the least likely to use the Roth 401(k), which allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. More than a quarter of Gen Xers have a 401(k) loan outstanding. Millennials and Gen Zers could benefit from stepping up their savings rate and reviewing their investment options. The $22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook"

$1 Million Will Only Last 12 Years in Retirement in California

"If you live in California, chances are you're going to need much more than $1 million -- and possibly even more than $1.9 million -- to retire comfortably.... High overall cost of living ... Years in retirement ... Higher taxes ... Long-term care costs ... Lifestyle choices ... Inflation."