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In 1980 in the United States - just over 30 years ago - a new home in this country cost an average of $76,000, and the median income was $17,710 per year. Compare that to 2011, when even after the recent recession, the median home price stood at $139,000, and median household income was $50,233 per year according to the US Census Bureau. Why the vast difference in prices? One word: Inflation.
If you have a 401k or Roth IRA, you probably feel like you're doing everything you can to be financially prepared for retirement, right? Maybe you are, but you might also benefit from incorporating an annuity into your savings plan. So how do you know if you need an annuity? Let's look at the basic characteristics of these unique savings vehicles, how they work, and most importantly, if you
Recent Articles in Retirement
7 Legitimate Reasons to Delay Saving for RetirementJune 14, 2013
While saving for retirement is important, there are times when it makes sense to delay making investments. Most people invest for retirement in a tax-advantaged plan such as an IRA
Should Social Security Be Privatized? – Pros & ConsFebruary 6, 2013
In 1998, conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation reported that an average American household of two earners with a combined income of $52,000 would pay a total of $320,000
How Much to Save for Retirement – Are You on Track? (Infographic)December 3, 2012
401k's. IRAs. Roth accounts. Early-withdrawal penalties. Educating yourself about the various retirement plan options is intimidating, and figuring out how much you should be
Early Retirement Extreme: Can You Really Retire in 5 Years?October 8, 2012
How long do you need to work to retire? Fifty years? Forty? On the contrary, you may actually be able to retire in only five years. This is the message of Jacob Lund Fisker, who
Refinancing Your Mortgage Close to Retirement – Options & CostOctober 3, 2012
Record-low mortgage rates have been generating an avalanche of refinance applications, but if you're age 55 or older, you need to seriously consider refinancing in the context of
What Are Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) – Taxation, Pros & ConsAugust 24, 2012
Most employee stock programs are designed to benefit either rank-and-file employees or all types of employees at a company. However, there is one type of stock option plan that is
Employee Stock Ownership in 401k Plans – History, Pros & ConsAugust 22, 2012
There are several forms of stock option plans available that allow employees to purchase shares of their employer's stock on a tax-advantaged basis. Perhaps none are better or more
What Is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – Definition, Pros & ConsAugust 8, 2012
There are several different types of plans available for employers that choose to reward their employees with shares of the company. However, there is only one type of stock
What Is a 403b Retirement Plan – Contributions, Withdrawals & TaxesJuly 10, 2012
Many people know that you should contribute to a 401k account to secure an enjoyable, comfortable retirement. But if you work for a nonprofit, a state agency, or a university,
How Working After Retirement Can Affect Your Social Security BenefitsJune 25, 2012
Whether it's a desire to contribute to society or to increase spendable income, many retirees decide to go back to work. Some have found their savings and investments eroded by the
