Retirement | Christopher Sparks, PhD

Where will your retirement money come from? If you’re like most people, qualified-retirement plans, Social Security, and personal savings and investments are expected to play a role. Once you have estimated the amount of money you may need for retirement, a sound approach involves taking a close look at your potential retirement-income sources.

Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries

Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.

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Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

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The Long Run: Women and Retirement

For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.

Important Birthdays Over 50

Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income.

Don't Buy The Hype

There are a lot of misconceptions about Social Security. Here’s the truth about three of them.

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.

Catch-Up Contributions

Workers 50+ may make contributions to their qualified retirement plans above the limits imposed on younger workers.

How Retirement Spending Changes With Time

It can be difficult for clients to imagine how much they’ll spend in retirement. This short, insightful article is useful for jumpstarting a conversation about retirement spending, spending habits, and potential medical costs.

Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?

Retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here's an overview of the six main sources.

A Meal for All Generations

When it comes to generational differences, knowing the facts can be difficult.

Split Annuity Strategy

Here's one strategy that combines two different annuities to generate income and rebuild principal.

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My Retirement Savings

Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

Saving for Retirement

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

Potential Income from an IRA

Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.

Estimate Your RMD

Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or another qualified retirement plan.

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

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An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

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Retirement Redefined

Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.

Perception vs. Reality

There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.

Should You Ever Retire?

A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.

The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth

Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?

Retiring the 4% Rule

A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.