“Should I buy an annuity with my 401(k) or roll my 401(k) into an IRA?” Many people struggle with the annuity vs. an IRA question as they approach retirement.

Before we delve into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand the nature of each type of retirement plan. Below are brief descriptions.

A dividend is a return on your investment paid out at intervals throughout the year, typically on a quarterly cycle, by the company in which you purchased shares.

Established, financially secure companies are more likely to issue dividends, an indication that funds are plentiful and that the company is able to both reinvest in its operations and reward shareholders.

Many investors put their money into dividend-paying stocks because they offer a significantly better return than bonds, and they are typically not high-risk investments.

As people get older, many must begin to rely more upon their children for care and support. Even the most independent retirees often chat with their kids to discuss finances, medical concerns, and housing plans for their golden years. Some people wait until they experience an accident or health scare to share their plans with loved ones, while others put off these conversations until it is too late.

People with aging parents (or retirees with adult children) should be proactive about discussing these difficult topics and life decisions. If you are an adult with aging parents, consider sitting down with them to discuss retirement planning, estate planning, and their wishes regarding housing and end-of-life care. 

One of the key needs that people have is to be autonomous. In other words, it’s human nature to want to feel independent and in control. 

For those near or in retirement, financial independence is especially important. You need to have the resources to live comfortably and securely without a regular paycheck. You also need to protect those resources. 

That requires putting systems and safeguards in place. To remain financially independent and in control, tackle these tasks sooner rather than later.

When you retire, do you plan on doing one or more of the following?

• Travel the world and explore exotic locales
• Spoil your grandchildren
• Relax in your beach house or mountain cabin
• Live comfortably until you pass away

Internally, we all have big dreams for that day when we finally step down from our job and step into a life of leisure in our golden years.

Retiring is an exciting time in your life, but it can also be the scariest. Suddenly you are without an income and must be self-sufficient. Getting yourself to that point is the key to success. You must plan carefully and know what you need before you retire. 

Here are the tops dos and don’ts of retirement to help you make the most of your golden years. 

The millennial generation has grown up in an era dominated by rapid changes in the economy. In recent decades, the responsibility of saving and investing has been largely delegated to individuals, as opposed to previous generations where this was mainly the role of governments and employers. Improved standards of living have also translated to increased life expectancies among millennials. The implication of this is that young people today have to make sound financial decisions to achieve financial security in retirement.

It was all about what you could gain during your earning years-- and now in retirement, it is how not to lose.  Join two experts, Harlan Accola of Fairway Independent Mortgage and David McKnight, the author of the Power of Zero,  for How Not to Lose in Retirement on Wednesday, July 21st at 5:30 pm eastern, as they review your most important investments: 

The countless choices can be mind boggling while researching your retirement investing options. However, there are certain decisions that should not be either/or.

Many Americans look forward to retirement as a time when the pressures of the working world are behind them. However, it can also create new challenges—especially around tax season.