Invest & Retire

“Investing can seem so complicated that you might shut down and do nothing about it — or feel you need to hire someone to guide you. However, it doesn’t need to be complex. You probably already have the opportunity to get started right where you work.”

Essentials

Latest Investing & Retirement

IRA vs. 401(k): Both of the major retirement plan tools have strengths and weaknesses, but money expert Clark Howard holds a clear opinion.
IRA vs. 401(k): Which Is Better? Investing & Retirement March 21st, 2023
If you're contributing to a retirement account in the United States, you've probably debated an IRA vs. 401(k). The good…
How to open a Roth IRA
How To Open a Roth IRA Investing & Retirement March 13th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard thinks Roth IRAs are just about the best tool around when it comes to saving for…
Clark Howard names the best 529 savings plans by state.
Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Investing & Retirement March 10th, 2023
A 529 savings plan gives you a tax-free way to invest in your child's education. But what are the best…
Fractional Shares
What Are Fractional Shares and Where Can I Buy Them? Investing & Retirement March 7th, 2023
Fractional shares allow investors to create a diversified portfolio of stocks and ETFs without needing much capital. In this article,…
Ask Clark money column
Can You Trust Retirement Calculators? Investing & Retirement March 3rd, 2023
The premise of a retirement calculator is fascinating. Based on my income, savings rate and assets today, when will I…
Ask Clark money column
What Fee Level Does Clark Consider Acceptable For a Company 401(k)? Investing & Retirement March 2nd, 2023
It's easy to find information about investing fees with the best investment companies. If you'd rather not wade through the…
retirement age sign
The Most Popular Retirement Ages Investing & Retirement February 28th, 2023
If you're like many U.S. workers, retirement can't come soon enough. Are you wondering when you can retire? And, how…
A SEP IRA is a great retirement plan for those who earn self-employment income.
What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? Investing & Retirement February 23rd, 2023
If you're self-employed, contributing to a SEP IRA may be a great way to fund your retirement. In this article,…
What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work?
What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? Investing & Retirement February 23rd, 2023
A solo 401(k) is a retirement plan for the self-employed. If you're a business owner, a solo 401(k) is a…
Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons
Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons Investing & Retirement February 20th, 2023
This retirement-centric company helps you track and optimize your retirement planning with free tools. It also combines automated investing with…
retiree looking at map
Report: The Best and Worst States for Retirement Investing & Retirement February 17th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard says that the key to ensuring that you’re comfortable later in life is to save for…
Ask Clark money column
I Have $60,000, Owe $6,000 in Student Loans and Want To Invest in Real Estate. What Should I Do? Investing & Retirement February 16th, 2023
Oh, to be young with a bank account full of money and four decades to go before retirement age. That’s…
Ask Clark money column
What’s the Best Savings Account for a Teenager? Investing & Retirement February 8th, 2023
It's never too early in life to start saving and investing. I envy today's teenagers who have the opportunity to…
6 Challenges To Consider if You Plan To Retire Before 65
6 Challenges To Consider if You Plan To Retire Before 65 Investing & Retirement February 8th, 2023
Someone who listens to money expert Clark Howard's podcast asked a question about the challenges of retiring early. Her husband,…
Ask Clark money column
Should I Invest Instead of Paying Extra on My Low-Interest Mortgage? Investing & Retirement February 6th, 2023
Buying a home is the biggest purchase many of us will ever make. The thought of owing perhaps hundreds of…
Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules
Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules Investing & Retirement February 1st, 2023
Once you turn 73, the IRS expects you to take annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. But…
Should You Follow the 4% Rule When You Retire?
Should You Follow the 4% Rule When You Retire? Investing & Retirement January 22nd, 2023
I JUST READ THATthe 4% rule is making a comeback. From where, I thought? Under the4% rule, you withdraw 4%…
retirement money jar
Report: The Average Amount Retirees Spend in Retirement Investing & Retirement January 17th, 2023
How much money do you plan to spend in retirement every month? The Employee Benefit Research Institute's (EBRI) 2022 Spending…
Ask Clark money column
Can I Invest Through My HSA While Still Remaining Liquid? Investing & Retirement December 19th, 2022
An HSA, or a Health Savings Account, can be one of the most exciting financial tools if you know how…
Ask Clark money column
Should I Invest or Pay Off My Student Loans? Debt December 6th, 2022
Compound interest is one of the most exciting, powerful and remarkable forces in finance. Given enough time, a modest amount…
Ask Clark money column
How Much Should Your 401(k) Account Cost You All-In? Investing & Retirement December 1st, 2022
The easiest decision in retirement planning is contributing to your company 401(k) account up to the company match. You can…
investment account
Should I Care About the Fee on My Investment Account if I’m Getting a High Rate of Return? Investing & Retirement November 7th, 2022
If you’re thinking about investing in mutual funds or index funds, you should know that it's quite normal for you…
Tax-Loss Harvesting: How To Use a Bear Market To Lower Your Tax Bill
Tax-Loss Harvesting: How To Use a Bear Market To Lower Your Tax Bill Investing & Retirement November 4th, 2022
It's been a rough year for U.S. equities. Due to a combination of historic inflation and aggressive interest rate hikes…
IRS Announces Record 401(k) Contribution Limit Increase for 2023
IRS Announces Record 401(k) Contribution Limit Increase for 2023 Investing & Retirement October 25th, 2022
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a record increase in 401(k) contribution limits for 2023, raising the standard amount from…
"What is an HSA" and "what are the HSA contribution limits in 2021" are common health insurance questions.
What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Health Insurance October 20th, 2022
If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan at work, you may have been offered the option of an HSA.…
investor sees stock market losses
Should I Take Money Out of the Stock Market and Buy I Bonds? Investing & Retirement October 18th, 2022
The stock market’s performance of late has not been one for the faint of heart. It's not surprising if you're…
down stock market chart
My Stock Market Investments Are Down 25%. Should I Take My Money Out? Investing & Retirement October 12th, 2022
The news on Wall Street isn't pretty these days: U.S. stock markets have been falling for months. The S&P 500…
Fidelity, Vanguard Working To Prevent 401(k) Leaks
Fidelity, Vanguard Working To Prevent 401(k) Leaks Investing & Retirement October 11th, 2022
The days of working for a single company for decades, getting a decadent retirement party and riding off into the…
watering money growing in pot
Is Now a Good Time To Put Money in a CD? Investing & Retirement October 10th, 2022
If you’re thinking about a place to stash your cash, interest rates on certificates of deposit (CDs) may present an…
Don’t Make These 7 Common Retirement Mistakes
Don’t Make These 7 Common Retirement Mistakes Investing & Retirement October 4th, 2022
Financial planning and investing aren't rocket science. It's first and foremost about discipline. You set some goals, determine what needs…