These reviewers are industry leaders and professional writers who regularly contribute to reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Our expert reviewers review our articles and recommend changes to ensure we are upholding our high standards for accuracy and professionalism. Our expert reviewers hold advanced degrees and certifications and … Read more
Making tax-free withdrawals from a Roth IRA depends on when — and what — you’re withdrawing. Otherwise, taxes and penalties could apply. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on … Read more
Find out who qualifies for the $255 Social Security death benefit, and the documents you need to apply for this benefit.3 min read When a Social Security-insured worker dies, close family members of the deceased worker may be eligible to claim various benefits from Social Security. One of these benefits is the one-time lump sum … Read more
Have you ever wondered what’s going to happen to you emotionally when you finally retire? I sure did. After years of researching retirement transitions for our blog, I’ve discovered that retirement isn’t just about financial freedom – it’s a profound psychological journey that can shake your very identity. According to Terry Mitchell, a retired professor … Read more
The senior citizen population is large, growing, and by some estimates, hold two-thirds of the individual wealth in the United States. By the year 2050, the number of seniors is projected to be nearly twice as large as it was in 2012. Since many seniors have been able to save up a nest egg for … Read more
Form 4972, “Tax on Lump-Sum Distributions,” is used to calculate and report taxes on a lump-sum distribution from a qualified retirement plan. This could include distributions from a pension, 401(k), or IRA. Learn more about how a lump-sum distribution can impact your taxes and whether you qualify to use Form 4972. The One Big Beautiful … Read more
Living on the Edge: Millions of Seniors Depend Entirely on Monthly Benefit Checks Have you ever wondered what retirement would look like if your only source of income was a Social Security check? For nearly 22 million American seniors, this isn’t a hypothetical question—it’s their daily reality. According to the latest Senior Survey 2025 released … Read more
Professional mountaineers often attest to the fact that while the ascent is challenging, coming down from the mountain is the part that will really test their resilience. In a way, your career and retirement follow a similar trajectory. You tirelessly climb the mountain (pay into a pension) while you are working, and once you reach … Read more
Have you ever wondered just how long you’ll be punching that time clock before you can finally kick back and enjoy your golden years? If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably assuming you’ll work until 65 or even 70 But the reality might actually surprise you! As someone who’s spent years researching retirement trends (and … Read more
Are you dreaming about saying goodbye to your 9-5 job years before your peers? Before you hand in that resignation letter, let’s have a real talk about what early retirement actually looks like. While sipping cocktails on the beach sounds amazing, there’s a whole bunch of challenges nobody’s eager to mention. As someone who’s researched … Read more
