Retirement

News, insights and expert analysis on retirement from the team at Kiplinger.

A red bucket with hundred-dollar bills in it, sitting by a window.

The Big Red Bucket Theory: A Financial Adviser's Simple Way to Visualize Your Retirement Plan

When you think about retirement, picture a big red bucket brimming with all the money you've saved. It's everything you've got, and it has to last you.

Ready to Retire? Your Five-Year Business Exit Strategy
How to Turn Your Retirement Dreams into Reality (Despite Your Fears)
IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule 2025: When Will Your Refund Arrive?

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US Treasury check in an open mailbox. Government checks are used to disburse income tax refunds as well as Social Security and Medicare benefits.. The distinctive green checks feature an engraving of the Statue of Liberty and the Treasury Seal. The government checks are used to disburse income tax refunds as well as Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Social Security Administration Reverses Plan on Paper Checks: What Beneficiaries Should Know

The Social Security Administration has backed off from plans to eliminate paper checks. However, it will only send checks in the mail as a matter of last resort.

Social Security Garnishment: Understand the Rules and Safeguard Your Benefits

Do you know who can garnish your monthly Social Security benefit? Or take the funds from your bank account? Learn how to protect your benefits from creditors.

By Donna LeValley Last updated 25 July 25
Lower Your Retirement Taxes: Seven Common RMD Mistakes to Avoid

Retirement RMD mistakes can lead to IRS tax penalties and in some cases, more taxable income than necessary.

By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated 25 July 25

Retirement
The Rule of Retirement Inversion

The rule of retirement inversion says that to have a great retirement, you must ask yourself what would ruin a great retirement — and then plan to avoid it.

By Jacob Schroeder Published 25 July 25

The Five Best Side Hustles for Retirees

More older people are working in retirement to boost income and stave off boredom. These gigs and hustles make the most sense for the golden years crowd.

By Brian O'Connell Published 25 July 25
Sibling Bonds May Wax and Wane: Here's How To Safeguard Them

Sibling Bonds May Wax and Wane: Here's How To Safeguard Them

By Alina Tugend Published 25 July 25
How Divorced Retirees Can Maximize Their Social Security Benefits: A Case Study

Susan discovered several years after she filed for Social Security that she is eligible to receive benefits based on her ex-spouse's earnings record. This case study explains how her new benefits are calculated and what her steps are to claim some of the money she missed.

By Martha Shedden, CRPC® Published 25 July 25

I'm an Investment Pro: Here's How Alternatives Could Inject Stability and Growth Into Your Portfolio

Alternative investments can often avoid the impact of volatility, counterbalancing the ups and downs of stocks and bonds during times of market stress.

By Alison Nest Published 25 July 25
Retirement in the Age of Cyber Scams: How to Protect Your Next Chapter

Retirement is meant to be a time of relaxation and living life on your terms. But for many retirees, this dream is under threat from a growing epidemic — cyber scams.

By Kathryn Pomroy Published 24 July 25
Even Stars Need Healthcare: What Venus Williams' Story Tells Us About Retirement Planning

Don't let health insurance costs force you back into the game. Start planning now to ensure your early retirement is forever.

By Donna Fuscaldo Published 24 July 25