When you retire, you have options about how to handle your 401(k) account. You can leave the account with the employer you retired from and set-up a periodic distribution. You can also roll the 401(k) over into an IRA account with your investment advisor. No matter your choice, you will need to consult with your plan administrator and your investment advisor about the process to retain the tax deferred status of your funds.

That depends on how you are funding your retirement. Typically, pension plans are flat amounts that don’t change each year as the cost of living changes. Social Security has a small Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). If your retirement income is from your investment accounts, your ability to draw a bit more each year to cover increased costs will depend on your assets and their allocation. Please contact us for a detailed discussion and review.

The decision about when to take Social Security isn’t as easy as it seems. While you can draw payments at age 62, the amount you’d receive at that age is less than your “full retirement” amount. You can also elect to take Social Security at age 70 and the amount you will receive grows about 8% a year from full retirement age to age 70. The decision is based on your budget, your life expectancy, and your medical history. It’s best to consult with us to walk through the analysis.

Yes! Most retirees look to social security to fund about 30% of their retirement income needs. The remaining balance comes from your 401(k) or other savings.

Visit ssa.gov and follow the steps to create an account, login, and view your anticipated benefit.

Social Security is based on your wages and the years that you’ve worked on a full-time basis. The more you earn and the longer you work full time, the greater your benefit will be.

There are several options to help you manage health care expenses. There is Medicare, private insurance, long-term care insurance, and more. Since each person’s needs and medical history are different, it is important to consult with a financial advisor who can help you evaluate your options.

Estate planning is complex and requires the advice of a qualified attorney. If you feel you need estate planning, please gather your will, a list of your assets, and your goals for your plan. We’d be happy to review where you are and recommend estate attorneys for you to interview and evaluate.