Adam Shell
Adam Shell is a veteran financial journalist who covers retirement, personal finance, financial markets, and Wall Street. He has written for USA Today, Investor's Business Daily and other publications.
Latest articles by Adam Shell
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Year-End RMDs: 10 Ways to Invest, Spend or Donate Them
The deadline for taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) is December 31. And yes, shopping or travel might be in order.
By Adam Shell
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Average Health Care Costs by Age and State: Can You Afford It?
Expect to pay more as you age and in some locations. We've got solutions for how to cover these costs, which can exceed $1,000 per month in your 60s.
By Adam Shell
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Being an Executor is a Thankless Job: Do It Well Anyway
You can be a 'good' executor of an estate, even though carrying out someone's final wishes can be challenging.
By Adam Shell
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10 New Year's Resolutions for Retiring in 2026
Sponsored by Physicians Mutual
These New Year's resolutions will help you retire in 2026 with confidence in your financial strategy.
By Adam Shell
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Are You Rich? The Average Net Worth by Age
Are you beating your peers on average net worth? Get tips from financial advisers on how to grow your wealth over time.
By Adam Shell
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Should You Max Out Your 401(k)? We've Got Answers
Conventional wisdom says, 'Contribute the maximum to a traditional 401(k) if you can.' But there are hidden downsides to putting all your eggs in one basket.
By Adam Shell
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Roth 401(k) vs 401(k): Which Is Right for You?
The Roth 401(k) vs traditional 401(k) decision can mean the difference between higher taxes now or in retirement. It's your choice.
By Adam Shell
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The Average IRA Balance by Age and Generation
Knowing how the average IRA balance of peers compares to your own could be the nudge you need to save more for retirement — or pat yourself on the back.
By Adam Shell
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Top Four Retirement Withdrawal Strategies to Maximize Your Savings
These retirement withdrawal strategies avoid tax and stock market pitfalls that can eat into your savings.
By Adam Shell
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I Tried a New AI Tool to Answer One of the Hardest Retirement Questions We All Face
As a veteran financial journalist, I tried the free AI-powered platform, Waterlily. Here's how it provided fresh insights into my retirement plan — and might help you.
By Adam Shell
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How to Find a Financial Adviser for Retirement Planning
Finding the right financial adviser for retirement planning can save you time and money in the long run. A good adviser can also help you retire with confidence.
By Adam Shell
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Backdoor Roth IRAs: Help Your Kids Keep More of Their Inheritance
Converting to a backdoor Roth IRA via an IRS "loophole" is an estate planning tool that gives heirs tax-free income in retirement. It can help you, too.
By Adam Shell
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You're High-Net-Worth: Should Your Retirement Savings Be in a Swiss Bank?
Swiss banks have long been a haven for the wealthy. Here's how to safeguard your retirement account in a Swiss bank — and whether you should.
By Adam Shell
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Stock Market Winners and Losers of the 'Big, Beautiful' Bill
Defense, manufacturing and tech should prosper, while health care and green energy stocks face hurdles.
By Adam Shell
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Ways A Government Shutdown Could Disrupt Travel
A look at how a government shutdown could disrupt travel plans, which would have a great impact the longer a shutdown goes on.
By Adam Shell
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Want to Retire With $100K a Year? Here's How Much to Save
What "magic number" will be enough to generate $100K a year in retirement income? We do the math for you.
By Adam Shell
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Five Ways to Cash In On the $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction
Taxpayers age 65 and older might be able to benefit from a $6,000 'senior bonus' deduction in the next four tax years. Here are five ways to make it pay.
By Adam Shell
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The 'Sequence of Returns' Risk Could Shrink Your Retirement Nest Egg
This little-known risk of a down market can damage your portfolio. Here's how to prevent it.
By Adam Shell
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Choose a Beneficiary for Your Estate Plan: It's Not 'Duck, Duck, Goose'
Choosing a beneficiary for your 401(k), insurance policy or similar assets is crucial for estate planning. Here is how to do it, and six pitfalls to avoid.
By Adam Shell
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National 401(k) Day: Do You Know How You Measure Up?
National 401(k) Day is a great opportunity to review your portfolio. Because "If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else."
By Adam Shell
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Eight Ways Trump Could Impact Your 401(k), Nest Egg and Retirement Readiness
From investment returns to Social Security and 401(k) investments, Trump could change your retirement in ways you might not expect.
By Adam Shell
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What Is a Living Trust?
A living trust protects your loved ones and simplifies your estate. Sometimes called a "revocable trust," it can avoid the cost of probate.
By Adam Shell
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The Rule of $1,000: Is This Retirement Rule Right for You?
The rule of $ 1,000 a month can estimate how much you need to save for retirement. However, there are other guesstimates to use as a starting point.
By Adam Shell
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Don't Let a "Clunker" Fund Drag Down Your 401(k)
401(k) lineups are loaded with overpriced, underperforming fund options. Here's how you can dump the clunkers.
By Adam Shell
