# Retirement **URL:** https://community.clark.com/c/retirement/12.md [Latest](https://community.clark.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.clark.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.clark.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Retirement category](https://community.clark.com/t/about-the-retirement-category/21)
**Author:** [@james](https://community.clark.com/u/james)\ **Replies:** 0
Planning to retire soon? Just starting to think about saving for retirement? Share your questions and tips here. --- ## [Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract - QLAC](https://community.clark.com/t/qualified-longevity-annuity-contract-qlac/3233)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/qualified-longevity-annuity-contract-qlac/3233 "2026-09-12T18:37:31Z")
I’m going to buy a single-life, life-only Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) from Fidelity. I am trying to solve a few problems… my IRA is large, and despite my best efforts to use it early, I may be choking on … --- ## [Baby Boomers Retire With Record Debt](https://community.clark.com/t/baby-boomers-retire-with-record-debt/9554)
**Author:** [@Cnon](https://community.clark.com/u/Cnon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2026, 1:14pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/baby-boomers-retire-with-record-debt/9554 "2026-07-18T13:14:38Z")
https://www.investopedia.com/baby-boomers-are-carrying-debt-into-retirement-heres-how-much-12013027 --- ## [Should you pay off your mortgage before you retire?](https://community.clark.com/t/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-before-you-retire/9436)
**Author:** [@boidies](https://community.clark.com/u/boidies)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-before-you-retire/9436 "2026-06-21T00:30:34Z")
We did this and it worked out well for us. Right after 9/11 we used a small inheritance to pay ours off. At the time it was a guaranteed 8% return. For the peace of mind alone this is worth doing. And we still dealt wi… --- ## [RMD Withdrawals based on % of Asset Mix](https://community.clark.com/t/rmd-withdrawals-based-on-of-asset-mix/9399)
**Author:** [@Deserttax](https://community.clark.com/u/Deserttax)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/rmd-withdrawals-based-on-of-asset-mix/9399 "2026-06-08T22:07:34Z")
We here about the % amount of money to allocate to various an asset mix, i.e. - 60% growth equities, 10% value/income equities, 20% fixed income, 10% cash or something to that effect. However, should the same amount of … --- ## [Will Social Security Benefits Run Out?](https://community.clark.com/t/will-social-security-benefits-run-out/2644)
**Author:** [@TeamClarkAdmin](https://community.clark.com/u/TeamClarkAdmin)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2026, 12:44pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/will-social-security-benefits-run-out/2644 "2026-05-08T12:44:36Z")
Clark doesn’t think so! What do you think? --- ## [FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) execution](https://community.clark.com/t/fire-financial-independence-retire-early-execution/8870)
**Author:** [@Nole](https://community.clark.com/u/Nole)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2026, 9:19pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/fire-financial-independence-retire-early-execution/8870 "2026-03-15T21:19:48Z")
Hello, I was laid off toward the end of last year. I like to keep working, but I’m not interested in corporate rat race, so now I am seriously considering FIRE option (Financial Independence, Retire Early). My situati… --- ## [Considering retiring in 6 months to a year](https://community.clark.com/t/considering-retiring-in-6-months-to-a-year/8841)
**Author:** [@bws2](https://community.clark.com/u/bws2)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2026, 3:54am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/considering-retiring-in-6-months-to-a-year/8841 "2026-03-14T03:54:52Z")
I’m 62 and thinking of retiring in 6-12 months. What do I need to be aware of and take action on before I make this move. Also any words of wisdom from those who have already retired (Do you like it? What would you … --- ## [Should I convert my regular IRA to a Roth IRA if I have 300,000 in the regular IRA right now?](https://community.clark.com/t/should-i-convert-my-regular-ira-to-a-roth-ira-if-i-have-300-000-in-the-regular-ira-right-now/8935)
**Author:** [@P8nter2](https://community.clark.com/u/P8nter2)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/should-i-convert-my-regular-ira-to-a-roth-ira-if-i-have-300-000-in-the-regular-ira-right-now/8935 "2026-02-25T18:22:11Z")
I am 57 years old and was wondering if I should convert my Roth IRA to a regular IRA to avoid high future taxes or is 300,000 not enough? I’ve seen on other posts whereby some posters recommend that you have a million or… --- ## [Going from Disability to Social Security, and collecting on first spouse](https://community.clark.com/t/going-from-disability-to-social-security-and-collecting-on-first-spouse/8931)
**Author:** [@ladybuglake](https://community.clark.com/u/ladybuglake)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/going-from-disability-to-social-security-and-collecting-on-first-spouse/8931 "2026-02-06T14:10:54Z")
My family member is 61, and is divorced and remarried. Her first marriage lasted over 10 years, and he earns much more than her, as she is disabled. Does her former spouse have to be dead for her to collect on his soc… --- ## [Free online retirement budget calculator](https://community.clark.com/t/free-online-retirement-budget-calculator/8501)
**Author:** [@Nole](https://community.clark.com/u/Nole)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 8:12pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/free-online-retirement-budget-calculator/8501 "2026-01-30T20:12:19Z")
What is your favorite free online retirement budget calculator? --- ## [Certificate of Deposit Rates](https://community.clark.com/t/certificate-of-deposit-rates/8821)
**Author:** [@SeattleBaker](https://community.clark.com/u/SeattleBaker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/certificate-of-deposit-rates/8821 "2026-01-08T23:17:14Z")
CDs are popular in retirement and I found this map that shows you where the top CD rates are in every state. You can subscribe and they send you emails with the best CD rates. Anybody use this site? --- ## [When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security?](https://community.clark.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-collect-social-security/121)
**Author:** [@TeamClarkAdmin](https://community.clark.com/u/TeamClarkAdmin)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-collect-social-security/121 "2025-11-10T21:23:03Z")
When did you/do you plan to take Social Security? And why? Share your opinion here! --- ## [Portfolio while retired](https://community.clark.com/t/portfolio-while-retired/8448)
**Author:** [@RCS](https://community.clark.com/u/RCS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2025, 2:18pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/portfolio-while-retired/8448 "2025-10-31T14:18:06Z")
I retired this year due to company downsizing. I am 62 so have 3 years before Medicare kicks in. I will need to take some distributions for the next three years to ave enough income. I converted my company 401k to an IR… --- ## [A very wise podcast on how to be happy, whether you have a lot of money or not](https://community.clark.com/t/a-very-wise-podcast-on-how-to-be-happy-whether-you-have-a-lot-of-money-or-not/8401)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2025, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/a-very-wise-podcast-on-how-to-be-happy-whether-you-have-a-lot-of-money-or-not/8401 "2025-10-05T18:11:14Z")
This podcast was meaningful to me, as I’m preparing to retire in 2026 and I have been wondering about how to convert from a super-saver to a happy spender. “Today’s guest is Morgan Housel, the bestselling author of The… --- ## [Need advice catching up on retirement savings at age 50](https://community.clark.com/t/need-advice-catching-up-on-retirement-savings-at-age-50/410)
**Author:** [@Dizzy](https://community.clark.com/u/Dizzy)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2025, 10:39pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/need-advice-catching-up-on-retirement-savings-at-age-50/410 "2025-09-08T22:39:04Z")
Hi, I am 50 years old and I paid my own way through college and out-of-state graduate school, then worked non-profit for a number of years. Needless to say, I was drowning in debt. I am basically debt free now and earni… --- ## [Entering retirements. Is there any knowladge base, everything you need to know, classes that anybody could recommended to me](https://community.clark.com/t/entering-retirements-is-there-any-knowladge-base-everything-you-need-to-know-classes-that-anybody-could-recommended-to-me/7942)
**Author:** [@imjustagirl](https://community.clark.com/u/imjustagirl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2025, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/entering-retirements-is-there-any-knowladge-base-everything-you-need-to-know-classes-that-anybody-could-recommended-to-me/7942 "2025-08-05T17:17:43Z")
Any tips, tricks, or advice a person should know before entering retirement? Thank you, board. --- ## [Preparing for Retirement Recommendation](https://community.clark.com/t/preparing-for-retirement-recommendation/2390)
**Author:** [@PFA\_in\_ATL](https://community.clark.com/u/PFA_in_ATL)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2025, 12:43am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/preparing-for-retirement-recommendation/2390 "2025-07-15T00:43:16Z")
As I prepare for retirement in the next 5-years or so, I have been reading several books, newsletters, and many podcasts. I have been looking for a Clark reading, subscribing, or listening list, but I need help finding … --- ## [How I resolved a pre-retirement spending dilemma](https://community.clark.com/t/how-i-resolved-a-pre-retirement-spending-dilemma/7664)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2025, 12:01pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/how-i-resolved-a-pre-retirement-spending-dilemma/7664 "2025-05-20T12:01:16Z")
My wife went to see some newly-built houses recently, then I went back with her on Saturday. I was impressed. These are lovely David Weekley Homes, low builder-subsidized financing on top of price discounts… some of thes… --- ## [Clark says "Spend your IRA money before you die" - think about the Charitable Rollover Gift Annuity](https://community.clark.com/t/clark-says-spend-your-ira-money-before-you-die-think-about-the-charitable-rollover-gift-annuity/3646)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2025, 5:50pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/clark-says-spend-your-ira-money-before-you-die-think-about-the-charitable-rollover-gift-annuity/3646 "2025-05-02T17:50:24Z")
This is a really nice new tool to benefit the charity of your choice and get some lifetime income in return. I have been a serious laggard all my life in giving to my Alma Mater, but this gift option gives the ability to… --- ## [Roth Conversion Assistance](https://community.clark.com/t/roth-conversion-assistance/4172)
**Author:** [@ManUfan](https://community.clark.com/u/ManUfan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/roth-conversion-assistance/4172 "2025-04-16T20:59:19Z")
I am in need of a CPA or tax professional who can assist with a Roth conversion. Just want to get it done before I retire in a few years. --- ## [Fixed Indexed Annuity](https://community.clark.com/t/fixed-indexed-annuity/6336)
**Author:** [@FerrariClunker](https://community.clark.com/u/FerrariClunker)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/fixed-indexed-annuity/6336 "2025-04-11T16:19:09Z")
As retirement approaches (~10 yrs), a steady income is more important than chasing high returns in my portfolio due to lower risk tolerance. I was invited to a dinner for retirement planning. They mentioned a Fixed Ind… --- ## [Proposal in Congress would allow Medicare recipients to continue to add to their HSAs](https://community.clark.com/t/proposal-in-congress-would-allow-medicare-recipients-to-continue-to-add-to-their-hsas/600)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 6:57pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/proposal-in-congress-would-allow-medicare-recipients-to-continue-to-add-to-their-hsas/600 "2025-04-01T18:57:09Z")
I am going to write to my Member of Congress about H.R. 3796, the Health Savings for Seniors Act, bipartisan legislation that would allow seniors covered under Medicare to continue using or create new Health Savings Acco… --- ## [Spending proposal means devastating 5th year of Medicare pay cuts](https://community.clark.com/t/spending-proposal-means-devastating-5th-year-of-medicare-pay-cuts/7246)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/spending-proposal-means-devastating-5th-year-of-medicare-pay-cuts/7246 "2025-03-10T18:19:58Z")
I just saw this press release from the American Medical Association concerning this week’s Federal budget proposal. It contains a 2.8% cut to reimbursements to doctors. In inflation-adjusted terms, Medicare payments to d… --- ## [Saving during retirement](https://community.clark.com/t/saving-during-retirement/7169)
**Author:** [@Rondam](https://community.clark.com/u/Rondam)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/saving-during-retirement/7169 "2025-02-26T17:01:15Z")
My Medicare Advantage Plan is great! I don’t know why Clark doesn’t like them. My plan covers everything I need plus I receive $300 a year towards glasses, $75 a month towards Over The Counter items, meal delivery thru t… --- ## [Max out Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA first?](https://community.clark.com/t/max-out-roth-401-k-or-roth-ira-first/7007)
**Author:** [@SpaceCowboy92](https://community.clark.com/u/SpaceCowboy92)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2025, 1:50am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/max-out-roth-401-k-or-roth-ira-first/7007 "2025-02-02T01:50:46Z")
I have enough retirement savings to max out an HSA, then either a Roth 401(k) or the Roth IRA. When it comes to the 401(k) or IRA, which one would you max out first? I am thinking the IRA, but it is easier to max the 40… --- ## [Social Security website slowdown](https://community.clark.com/t/social-security-website-slowdown/6964)
**Author:** [@nikemac2](https://community.clark.com/u/nikemac2)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2025, 11:15pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/social-security-website-slowdown/6964 "2025-01-28T23:15:22Z")
While trying to log in to mysocial today, the site seemed to plod along at an unbelievably slow pace. I was never able to get to a page that would give me the information I needed. Has anyone else had this problem? I … --- ## [Morningstar's latest about the "4% Rule" - hint... it's not 4%](https://community.clark.com/t/morningstars-latest-about-the-4-rule-hint-its-not-4/6961)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/morningstars-latest-about-the-4-rule-hint-its-not-4/6961 "2025-01-27T18:24:32Z")
As of January 2025, they have lowered the 30-year safe withdrawal rate to 3.7%, and they have constructed a “conservative spending system” with 25%-50% stocks. But you have options. You’re not tied to 3.7%. … --- ## [Medicare Part D Prescription Drug out-of-pocket caps proposed to be eliminated - H.B. 191](https://community.clark.com/t/medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-out-of-pocket-caps-proposed-to-be-eliminated-h-b-191/6957)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2025, 1:32pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-out-of-pocket-caps-proposed-to-be-eliminated-h-b-191/6957 "2025-01-27T13:32:13Z")
This information is offered without any political slant or endorsement. It’s just the facts. H.R.191 - To repeal the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. 119th Congress (2025-2026), Rep. Ogles, Andrew \[R-TN-5\] (Introduced 0… --- ## [The tools I rely on for retirement planning](https://community.clark.com/t/the-tools-i-rely-on-for-retirement-planning/6457)
**Author:** [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/the-tools-i-rely-on-for-retirement-planning/6457 "2024-12-16T15:48:31Z")
I am going to retire in 2025. Here are my picks for free retirement planning tools. Yes, free. Flexible Retirement Planner - It’s free to individuals, but I donate a few Dollars to the author every year anyway Fidelity… [Next page](https://community.clark.com/c/retirement/12.md?page=1)