Checklist to Find Out if You’re Ready to Retire, Financial Moves for End of 2023, How to Prepare for the ‘Widow’s Penalty’

Stages of Retirement: It's Not Just About Your Savings | Fixed Indexed Annuities Can Be a Potent Diversifying Tool | Don't Let the 'Widow's Penalty' Blindside You: How to Plan Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( November 8, 2023 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Building Wealth]( [Youtube]( [Building Wealth]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Retirement Management [] [Stages of Retirement: It's Not Just About Your Savings]( [Stages of Retirement: It's Not Just About Your Savings]( (Getty Images) Leaving behind the full-time job probably sounds pretty good, but planning for the transition involves more than having your finances in order. CFP Tony Drake details the [stages of retirement](. [] Annuities [] [Fixed Indexed Annuities Can Be a Potent Diversifying Tool]( [Fixed Indexed Annuities Can Be a Potent Diversifying Tool]( (Getty Images) [Fixed indexed annuities]( offer a unique combination of growth potential and safety, but as annuities expert Ken Nuss points out, they are complex, and selecting the right one takes thought and research. [How to Develop a Dividend Reinvestment Strategy]( Dividend investing can be a sound investment strategy for investors seeking retirement income, growth, and a measure of stability in their portfolios. By investing in regular dividends, investors can build wealth over time and reduce their risk exposure, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to grow their portfolio. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Taxes [] [Don't Let the 'Widow's Penalty' Blindside You: How to Plan]( [Don't Let the 'Widow's Penalty' Blindside You: How to Plan]( (Getty Images) If one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse could [pay nearly double the amount of income taxes](. CFP Joe F. Schmitz Jr. provides the details on how to plan for this. Featured Content Sponsored Content from Kiplinger Advisor Collective [Join the Kiplinger Advisor Collective Today]( Are you a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience waiting to be shared? Do you dream of expanding your influence within the industry and connecting with like-minded peers? The Kiplinger Advisor Collective is the ultimate platform for personal financial experts like yourself. [Find out more](. [] Retirement Planning [] [Are You Ready to Retire? Find Out With This Checklist]( Financial adviser Jonathan Shenkman explains why it's critical to consider these core aspects of a successful retirement, both financial- and lifestyle-related, before you walk away from your career. [Read More]( [Should You Withdraw Early From Your 401(k)?]( While taking money out of your 401(k) plan is possible, it can impact your savings progress and long-term retirement goals, so it's important to carefully weigh the risks, costs and benefits. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Personal Finance [] [Five Financial Moves to Make as Year's End Approaches]( Now's the time to review where you are and where you're going, wrap up remaining goals for 2023 and think about what you want to accomplish in 2024. Financial expert Kate Winget shares what to look at as you make your end-of-2023 financial moves. [Read More]( [Vanguard vs. Fidelity vs. Schwab]( Who are you partnered with? See how these popular brokerage firms stack up when it comes to fees, resources, and specific services, so you can decide on the right fit for you. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Also on Kiplinger [] - No, your [Social Security benefits]( aren't going away - [Home sellers' costs]( could soon be cheaper - 10 [worst states to retire in]( if you hate paying taxes - For the latest ways to earn 5% to 7% cash yield safely and reliably, plus 4 Model Portfolios to show you exactly where to put your money, [bank on Kiplinger Investing for Income]( ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. 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