Retirement | Ashton D. Melchert

Where will your retirement money come from? If you’re like most people, qualified-retirement plans, Social Security, personal savings and investments are expected to play a role. Once you have estimated the amount of money you may need for retirement, a sound approach involves taking a close look at your potential retirement-income sources.

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Tuning Your Social Security Benefit

When should you take your Social Security benefit?

Traditional vs. Roth IRA

One or the other? Perhaps both traditional and Roth IRAs can play a part in your retirement plans.

How to Retire Early

Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.

How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?

Knowing the rules may help you decide when to start benefits.

New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026

A look at the new retirement contribution limits from the IRS.

Important Birthdays Over 50

Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income.

Financial Strategies for Women

Some may leave their future to chance but in the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be apparent.

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?

Lifestyle considerations in creating your retirement portfolio.

What's So Great About a Rollover?

Making a career move requires tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your retirement plan.

View all articles

Annuity Comparison

Compare annuity options to see how each one could affect your long-term income outlook.

Inflation & Retirement

See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.

Simple 401k

See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.

Estimate Your RMD

Calculate your required minimum distribution amount based on your account balance and age.

Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)

Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.

How Much Do I Need To Retire?

How much is enough to retire? It depends on your lifestyle, timeline, and more. Use this calculator to get a personalized est

View all calculators

Working With A Financial Professional

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

What You Need to Know About Social Security

Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?

RE: Retirement

How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?

Should You Ever Retire?

A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.

Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries

Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.

Perception vs. Reality

There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.