All Retirement Q&A

Now that the kids are out of the house and my career has slowed down a bit, I'd love to take a trip to "find myself" a little. Where's a good place to travel for quiet contemplation and also mind-opening adventure?

About two years ago I rolled over about $100,000 of 401K money from a previous job into a conservative mutual fund. I am 50 years old, and grateful that it's earning 2.3% interest, rather than sitting in an aggressive fund where it could be down 10% to 30%. On the other hand, I don't feel as though it is earning as much as it could. What would you do with it? I have other retirement money—another $400,000 or so—in diversified funds—that has taken a beating. Would you recommend I keep this money as is or move it to something else? Thank you.

Karen, Eden Prairie, MN

I have been divorced for about 7 yrs. which seems like 14 since the last 7-8 yrs. we live like 2 people sharing the same house. This was my 3rd marriage (1st husband died, 2nd 20 yrs. marriage and this last one 10yrs.), but one thing was different; I didn't feel "alone" after he left. Most of my life I have been a "Care Giver" taking care of others; grandparents, parents, brothers, elderly neighbors, terminally ill patients, and everyone else that needed help.......everyone but me! This is the first time I have concentrated on my needs and what I want out of life. I wish I knew some of this 30 years ago (I'm now 60). My question is: most of my family (children & grandgildren) and friends keep trying to set me up with men. I work 2 jobs and do not have time for a relationship with anyone. They think I need a man to take care of me in my old age??? I'm working 2 jobs so I will be debt free before I retire (my ex maxed out the charge cards before he left). For the most part I am happy with my life. But nothing I say seems to get through to them. It's not that I want to spend the rest of my life alone, but I have found that I am very picky about who I would want to spend the rest of my life with. Am I wrong for being so picky this late in life? For workng so much? Note: I should be debt free within 2 more years if I keep working 2 jobs.

Job Hunters: Discover Your Life Path

I enjoyed your article Over 40, Seeking New Career very, very much. It really resonated with me. I have been in the software development field for 20 years and I am ready to do something else, I just do not know what to do. It's very overwhelming. How can I even start to identify what my next path should be? Is there anything specific I can do to help myself figure it out?

What do I need to do to ensure a successful retirement?

I’m thinking of retiring at age 65, when I can start collecting Social Security. Is there any reason to keep working?

What do I need to know if I want to retire at age 55?

I keep hearing that I only need 70% to 80% of my current income once I retire. Is that really enough to live on?

Does it make sense to have your retirement income in more than one account?

More and more people I know are planning to retire at age 62. Is there any reason to wait until I am 65?