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Presents an introduction to the magazine's retirement saving guide. How baby boomers are defying the stereotype and saving considerable amounts; Possibility for employment opportunities ahead for older Americans as the job force is expected to shrink; Yardsticks for retirement income needs; Retirement checklist; The three keys to financial planning. INSET: A RETIREMENT CHECKLIST.

The article offers a look at low- and no-cost financial planning services. Brokerage firms, banks, insurers, and mutual fund companies are looking to serve baby boomers who are planning for retirement. The services provide investment advice. Vanguard and T. Rowe Price offer advice on specific investments. INSET: HOW TO AVOID PLANNER RIP-OFFS AND FIND A TRUSTWORTHY ADVISER.

Offers a look at the role of fund company Vanguard Group Incorporated in helping customers manage their finances. Role of John J. Brennan as the chief executive of Vanguard; Services developed by Vanguard, including financial planning programs, low-cost management services for participants in its 401(k) business, and offerings to help retirees manage their wealth; Report that Vanguard has set up a sales unit aimed at peddling its exchange-traded funds.

The article presents advice on selecting a financial planner. Commentary is presented on reasons for hiring one, how much a planner's services cost, how to find the right planner, and questions to ask before making a commitment. It is noted that saving for retirement and reducing financial anxiety are among reasons why one might choose to engage a planner.

This article highlights the results of the 2010 capital accumulation plans (CAP) members survey focusing the members' view toward their retirement plan. It suggests that most of the respondents still do not have clear understanding of their what they need to secure a comfortable retirement despite being in their plan for 9.3 years at the average. It says that 56% think of their defined contribution plan provided by their employer as their primary retirement savings option.

The article discusses the actions taken by financial planners to ensure that their dealings with retirees remain profitable. A survey of 700 financial advisors revealed that advisors are spending more time with clients who are in or near retirement than they do with other clients. A growing number of financial services firms and financial planners are changing the way they charge retirees, particularly for time-consuming retirement planning services.

The article presents the advice given by certified financial planner Pierre Dunagan of the Dunagan Group to the Knox family, a blended family of six children ranging in age from 4 to 20 years old, headed by Marcel and his wife, Judith. Dunagan emphasizes the importance of preparing or saving for retirement. It details how the Knox family can step up the timetable for home purchase. Dunagan also stresses that the Knoxes should each purchase term life insurance for at least $500,000.

The article looks at the cost and quality of financial plans. The benefits of comprehensive plans from the Vanguard Group and from an independent, fee-only financial planner are compared. The benefits of retirement plans from T. Rowe Price, Cambridge Associates, Garrett Planning Network, Financial Engines, Charles Schwab and others are compared.

Gives advice to U.S. financial planners on helping self-employed clients maximize the tax benefits from their financial plans. Advantage of retirement plans to clients; Preparation that clients must do to benefit from qualified plans; Clients who would benefit from defined contribution plans; Comparison between a qualified plan and a Simplified Employee Pension plan; Overview of tax planning moves that clients can take to maximize income; Factors to consider when classifying employees' status.

Deals with the financial planning strategies adopted by African American couple Rafael and Janice Richardson of Montgomery, Alabama. Recommendations from financial adviser Cheryl Creuzot; Benefits from application for grants and scholarships; Maintenance of cash reserves; Retirement goals.

The article discusses a survey from the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) which revealed that Millennials in the U.S. ask advice from their parents and friends before making a financial decision. Topics discussed include the tendency of Millennials to make changes when speaking with professional advisers, retirement planning of Millennials, and financial challenges experienced by the generation including higher debt and hard job market.

The article offers advice on protecting one's saving for retirement from factors that could affect retirement income plans. Some of the factors that could derail retirement planning for people in the U.S. include investment losses, job loss or downsizing, and higher prices. It stresses the negative consequences of cutting out the expense of saving for retirement. Financial planner Malay Vasavda suggests investing in money management software to help one monitor his or her expenses on a regular basis and to control spending.

The article discusses how to choose the right financial planners and the presents information on the requirements for three financial designations namely Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant and Personal Financial Specialist. It is suggested that one should choose a professional financial advisor who have a prescribed level of knowledge in areas including financial planning, insurance, income tax and retirement planning.

The article reports on a study conducted at the first annual Investment Planning Conference of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' personal financial planning division which found that a significant number of planners expected their clients to meet their retirement investment goals. The financial planners attending the conference estimated that about half their clients retiring by the year 2000 would have achieved financial security. Three-quarters of those retiring in the twenty-first century also were thought to be investing enough to meet their goals. It has also been noted that if half of the financial planning clients were meeting their investment goals, the other half were not--a disturbing sign for clients who presumably are financially sophisticated. The poll found clients turned with increasing frequency to their financial planners for advice. Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said clients were most interested in planning for retirement and 30% cited estate planning. Clients requested the most advice about mutual funds, which constituted 85% of investment advice sought.