The New Commonsense Guide to Mutual Funds Book

INTRODUCTION.

PART 1 The Retirement Landscape.

STEP 1 Think about how retirement is changing.
STEP 2 Focus on what you do well.
STEP 3 Set up your own shop.
STEP 4 Calculate retirement needs.
STEP 5 Refine your projections.
STEP 6 Consider what you're likely to get from a pension.
STEP 7 Don't bank on Social Security.
STEP 8 Check your Social Security earnings and benefits.
STEP 9 Take a look at taxes.
STEP 10 Consider the power of compounding.
STEP 11 Start early.
STEP 12 Compare a 401(k) to an IRA.
STEP 13 Take a look at the new Roth IRA.
STEP 14 Contribute, contribute.
STEP 15 Buy disability insurance.

PART 2 401(k) Plans: The Basics.

STEP 16 Look at the players.
STEP 17 Consider your employer's agenda.
STEP 18 Consider the government's agenda.
STEP 19 Turn this to your advantage.
STEP 20 Look at the contribution limits.
STEP 21 Pay attention to vesting.
STEP 22 Consider the qualifying rules.
STEP 23 Check the hardship withdrawal rules.
STEP 24 Read the summary plan description.
STEP 25 Check into plan safety.

PART 3 How to Get In and Get Out.

STEP 26 Get help from Human Resources.
STEP 27 Check the employer match.
STEP 28 Check out loan provisions.
STEP 29 Pay attention to beneficiary designation.
STEP 30 Watch out for a hand-back.
STEP 31 Consider after-tax contributions.
STEP 32 Look carefully at supplementalplans.
STEP 33 Look for a withdrawal loophole.
STEP 34 Consider getting money out through the back door.
STEP 35 Be careful when you change jobs.
STEP 36 Coordinate with your spouse.

PART 4 Investing It.

STEP 37 Stretch your notion of risk.
STEP 38 Take a quick test.
STEP 39 Score your wherewithal.
STEP 40 Learn the risk basics.
STEP 41 Think about correlation.
STEP 42 Look at what the pros use.
STEP 43 Diversify.
STEP 44 Invest in stocks.
STEP 45 Consider the case for index funds.
STEP 46 Consider the case for active funds.
STEP 47 Explore investment styles.
STEP 48 Take a look at the bond market.
STEP 49 Invest internationally.
STEP 50 Look at the money markets.
STEP 51 Examine your plan's investment options.
STEP 52 Think about the beauty of dollar cost averaging.
STEP 53 Look at how mutual funds work.
STEP 54 Watch the expenses.
STEP 55 Get the prospectus.
STEP 56 Rebalance.
STEP 57 Don't buy company stock or life insurance.
STEP 58 Look at the new capital gains rate.

PART 5 Preparing for Change.

STEP 59 Be realistic about your new lifestyle.
STEP 60 Pay off debt.
STEP 61 Pay down the mortgage.
STEP 62 Gather your papers.
STEP 63 Organize your records.
STEP 64 Calculate your net worth.
STEP 65 Draw up a financial statement.
STEP 66 Review your portfolio.
STEP 67 Don't move out of stocks.
STEP 68 Look at taxes before you move.
STEP 69 Delay collecting Social Security if you can.
STEP 70 Consider whether you will work.
STEP 71 Consider long-term-care insurance.
STEP 72 Put health care in place.

PART 6 Steps To Take in Retirement.

STEP 73 Don't take the money and run.
STEP 74 Consider leaving money with your employer.
STEP 75 Consider converting to a Roth IRA.
STEP 76 Look at the distribution options.
STEP 77 Look at spouse's rights.
STEP 78 Don't name a revocable trust as beneficiary.
STEP 79 Don't use a Q-Tip.
STEP 80 Think about estate planning.
STEP 81 Beware of pension max.
STEP 82 Complete a living will.
STEP 83 Take another look at your estate plan.
STEP 84 Pay attention to special rules for noncitizens.
STEP 85 Tie up loose ends.
STEP 86 Look at disclaimer wills.

PART 7 403(b)s, 457 Plans, Etc.

STEP 87 Bone up on 403(b) plans.
STEP 88 Find out what type of plan you have.
STEP 89 Compare 403(b) and 403(b).
STEP 90 Look carefully at the withdrawal rules.
STEP 91 Beware of the 403(b)-Keogh pitfall.
STEP 92 Watch out for 457 plans.

PART 8 Sample Portfolios A top-notch financial planner clarifies the risks and rewards of these 14 examples.

RESOURCES.