The Rules for Making IRA, 401(k) Catch-up Contributions

You can stash more in your retirement accounts starting the year you turn 50.

Rolling Over a 401(k)

If your income will drop after you retire, then waiting to convert to a Roth IRA could reduce the tax bite.

Build Your Financial Dream Team

When it’s time to consult the pros about your money, be sure you get major-league advice.

How to Build 'Team You'

Our writers know a thing or two about going to knowledgeable sources they—and you—can trust.

Strategies for Moving 401(k) Money to a Roth IRA

Start by rolling your account over to a traditional IRA then figure out how to minimize your tax bill when converting to a Roth.

Don't Transfer IRA Distributions to Charity Yet

Congress hasn't reauthorized the law allowing people to give required minimum distributions from IRAs tax-free to charity but may by the end of the year.

5 Costly Retirement Surprises

The reality of retirement may have a few shocks in store for you.

Borrowing from a 401(k) to Make a Down Payment

Make sure you understand the rules and risks before tapping your retirement savings to pay for a home.

Stocks Are an Investment in Your Child's Future

If your child won't need the money for 15 years, stocks are the best choice to produce solid returns.

Easy Ways to Calculate Required Minimum Distributions

Retirees are required to take required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s after age 70½. Follow these guidelines to make sure you withdraw the right amount.

Avoid the Pitfalls of Self-Directed IRAs

Self-directed IRAs, which allow you to invest in most anything, are complicated vehicles.

Prepare for the Retirement Tax Bite

When the time comes to tap your tax-deferred retirement accounts, Uncle Sam will be waiting for his share.

Fundamental Advice for Weathering Market Volatility

Financial advice that sounds simple is often difficult to execute because of our mental baggage.

Best Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

A SEP and a solo 401(k) are two good options for freelancers and people who operate a sideline business.

Convert to a Roth IRA in Retirement?

You'll have to pay tax on the conversion, but all the money you withdraw comes out tax-free.

Free Credit Score Catch

Lenders must reveal your credit score free if you are denied credit or charged a higher rate.

5 Steps to a Secure Retirement

It’s time to size up your plan. You may be in better shape than you think.

Rules for Required IRA Distributions

After you reach age 70½, you must start withdrawing money from your account. Here's what you need to know.

Withdrawing Money From an Inherited IRA

Learn your options and understand how the distributions will be taxed.

A To-Do List for the Surviving Spouse

This checklist can help widows and widowers figure out which tasks to address early on, and which ones can wait.

Maximize an Inherited IRA

Beneficiaries can lose big tax advantages if they do not take the proper steps after inheriting an IRA.

Build a Nest Egg When You Work for Yourself

The self-employed have several options when it comes to making tax-deferred contributions for retirement.

How to Select a Financial Adviser

Purge Your Tax Files

Kimberly Lankford tells how long to hold on to tax records and suggests good uses for a refund.

FAQs About Required IRA Distributions

Here's what you need to know about when you have to start taking mandatory withdrawals.

An IRA Is a Poor Shelter for Real Estate

You can buy houses with retirement money, but you'll lose the tax breaks you're counting on to make a profit.

Fund an IRA, Cut Your Taxes

There’s still time to make a 2010 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.

Roll Retirement Money Into a Health Savings Account?

You can make a tax- and penalty-free transfer from an IRA to HSA, but it might not be a good move.

Don't Pay Taxes Twice

Keep track of nondeductible IRA contributions so you won't pay Uncle Sam more than you have to when you withdraw funds in retirement or if you convert to a Roth.

Great Advice From Around the Web

A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

Did You Leave Your 401(k) With an Old Employer?

If you lost your job or retired, you'll probably be better off rolling your retirement stash into an individual retirement account than cashing it out or keeping it in your former company's plan.

Retirement Accounts for the Self-Employed

Lower your taxable income by contributing to a SEP IRA or solo 401(k).

5 Financial Gifts to Give Yourself

If you're going to splurge on yourself this holiday season, put the money to good use.

7 Myths About Roth IRA Conversions

Some “expert” advice about whether you should switch is simply wrong.

Coupling Your Credit

A joint mortgage won't drag down your credit score -- as long as you make your payments on time.

State Taxes Vary for Roth Conversions

Don't forget about the state tax bill when contemplating a Roth conversion.

Should You Roll Over Your 401(k)
to an IRA?

When you leave your employer, you need to weigh the pros and cons of moving your retirement savings.

Convert Nondeductible Contributions Carefully

Follow the rules for moving after-tax contributions into a Roth, so you don't accidentally pay Uncle Sam twice.

Who Pays If a Tree Falls

Kim Lankford fields your questions about homeowners coverage, COBRA eligibility, nondeductible IRA contributions, and first-time home buyer tax credits.

Ready Your Nest Egg for the Worst Case

Testing your portfolio for a 'black swan' market event could up the chances your nest egg will last a lifetime.