Are GOP tax cuts and retirees a no-win?

GOP tax cuts and retirees: A no-win?
The GOP tax cut proposal would not benefit retirees because most of them either owe no federal income taxes or face a modest tax burden, according to this article on CBS Moneywatch. An improved economy also does not translate to an increase in retirement income that comes mostly from Social Security, Medicare and traditional pensions. While economic growth generates more jobs, landing a job could still be challenging for retirees.

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A self-described 'late bloomer' eyes retirement readiness
A client who has been saving aggressively for retirement seeks advice on how to improve her portfolio's position. In this article on Morningstar, an expert finds that her portfolio is heavy on stocks, which can be too risky as she faces certain circumstances and is likely to retire early. The expert reduces her stock allocation from 90% to 75% and puts the rest of her assets in cash and bonds to increase the cushion during hard times.

What to do with your target-date fund after retirement
Many retirement savers are investing in target date funds, as these funds rebalance their stock and bond investments automatically as clients approach retirement, according to this article on Motley Fool. Some ETFs are designed to end at the plan's retirement date, while others continue even after the retirement date. Proceeds from the sale of ETFs held inside a retirement account can be reinvested, but selling funds held inside a taxable account could trigger capital gains taxes.

With Medicare enrollment winding down, most retirees don't shop around
A recent survey has found that older Americans are less likely to compare the costs of a Medicare plan than groceries, homeowners/auto insurance and gas, according to this article on CNBC. Experts say that seniors should take advantage of the open enrollment to get the best coverage option at the best price. "You may decide you still like your plan, but unless you start to look at your options, you don't know if it's the best one for you," says an expert.

Suze Orman says you're not ready to retire until you've done this
Clients will be better off paying off their home mortgage by the time they reach 65, writes an expert on Money. "Paying off your mortgage makes it more practical to downshift to a less demanding job in your sixties," writes the expert. "And let's face it, it will make it easier if you find yourself pushed out or downsized before you intended to retire."

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Retirement planning Retirement readiness Social Security Target date funds Medicare
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