Retirement Planning Basics Articles

Timing Matters in Retirement: Understanding Sequence-of-Returns Risk

Most people think retirement success depends on earning a decent average return over time. But once you start taking withdrawals, the order of returns can matter just as much—or more—than the long-term average. That’s the heart of sequence-of-returns risk: when poor...
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Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): What They Are, When They Start, and How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Required minimum distributions—usually called RMDs—are annual withdrawals the government requires from many tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach a certain age. The point is simple: these accounts gave you years (sometimes decades) of tax deferral, and...
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Traditional vs. Roth 401(k): How They Work and How to Choose

A 401(k) is one of the most common ways people save for retirement through their employer. If your workplace offers one, it can be a powerful tool because it makes saving automatic and, in many cases, may include employer contributions. Many plans offer two main...
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Active vs. Passive Investing: What They Mean, How They Differ, and How to Choose

Most investing approaches fall into one of two camps: active or passive. People often frame this as a debate—like you must pick a side. In reality, both approaches can play a role depending on your goals, time horizon, costs, and how involved you want to be. This...
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