How long do U.S. retirees live compared to peers in other countries?

How long do U.S. retirees live compared to peers in other countries?
An analysis by the Society of Actuaries shows that Americans are expected to have shorter lives compared with citizens in other developed countries, according to this article on CBS Moneywatch. The analysis ranks 14 developed nations in terms of projected period life expectancy of people at age 65, and the U.S. ranks last for females and second to the last for males. Experts say that Americans' poor ranking could be attributed to hefty income disparities in the U.S. and the more generous retirement benefits and universal health care offered in other developed countries.

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A woman knits while sitting on a bench in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. The number of people in Australia aged 65 and over is expected to double by 2055. Photographer: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg

Benz: What to do with unneeded RMDs
Retirees have to start taking required minimum distributions from their IRAs when they reach 70 1/2, and making unneeded withdrawals can boost their tax liability, says an expert on Morningstar. To reduce taxable distributions from their IRAs, investors who expect to have enough income in retirement may want to transfer a portion of their IRA assets in equity investments, exchange-traded funds, or traditional index funds, the expert says, adding that tax-exempt municipal bonds and tax-managed funds are also feasible options. Retirees may also transfer some of their IRA assets in 529 college savings plan or opt to make qualified charitable distributions to avoid the tax burden.

7 hidden fees to watch out for in retirement
Many investors are unaware of certain fees that they will have to face after they retire, according to this article on Nasdaq. These hidden costs include advisory fees, 401(k) expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, annuity fees, loads and yearly fees from mutual fund investments. The article discusses these fees and provide tips on how to minimize these costs in retirement.

Auto-IRAs spell opportunity for 401(k) advisors
The arrival of new state retirement programs should not be cause for concern among financial advisors concentrating on 401(k) segment, according to this article on Barron's. Auto IRAs “don’t pose a threat, and could benefit the businesses of 401(k) advisers over the short and long term,” says a publication.

Protect your retirement account from Tweeter-in-Chief Trump
President-elect Donald Trump has a penchant for making controversial comments about large companies, and this is stirring unpredictability in the stock market, according to this article on Fox Business. To address this "unpredictable risk", retirement investors should understand that these stock-altering tweets don't have a lasting effect, so they should stick to their investments if their stock portfolio is well-diversified and attuned to their investment goals and risk tolerance. They are advised to review their retirement plan and avoid making any emotional decisions.

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