A study by Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement reveals that while most Americans plan to retire at a specific age, 42% retire earlier than expected, primarily due to health issues and job loss. Only 5% retire later than planned, highlighting the unpredictability of retirement timing. Financial concerns remain a significant factor in retirement planning, with many Americans relying on the possibility of working longer to support their retirement lifestyle.

Understanding the income-related monthly adjustment amount, which uses a two-year lookback period on income to set Medicare premiums, is crucial for avoiding unexpected surcharges, writes Jeff Judge of Chesapeake Financial Planners. Common IRMAA triggers include Roth conversions, large capital gains, severance packages and business sales.

Rising healthcare costs are undermining Americans' retirement security, writes Donnell Stidhum of Self-Directed Retirement Plans. As medical expenses consume a larger share of retirees' income -- and Medicare leaves significant costs uncovered -- more individuals are tapping into their 401(k)s, both as a last-resort emergency fund and as a planned source of funding for future health needs. Stidhum warns that a planning and knowledge gap leads to high-stakes financial decisions being made without clear information, which can derail even well-funded retirement plans.

As people approach retirement, the decision to rent or own a home becomes a strategic financial consideration. Those who own homes outright benefit from stability and predictable expenses, while renting offers flexibility and reduces maintenance concerns. Evaluating how each option aligns with financial goals and lifestyle preferences is key.

Public sector sponsors can preserve promised benefits while improving cost control. See how an individual marketplace model supports predictable funding, retiree choice, and year-round advocacy.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature reached an agreement on reforming the Tier 6 pension system, including lowering the retirement age for teachers and teaching assistants to 58 for those with 30 years of service. The reforms also reduce contribution rates for most public employees and increase the cap on overtime for pension calculations.

The Alaska Legislature failed to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of a bill that would have reinstated a pension system for public employees. The override attempt fell short, with a 33-27 vote, below the 40 needed.

Health savings accounts offer a triple tax advantage for the account owner but can create significant tax liabilities for non-spouse heirs because the entire account becomes taxable income in the year of the account holder's death. Financial advisors recommend strategies such as using HSA funds for medical expenses, reimbursing past medical costs, withdrawing some funds to cover the taxes, and naming a charity or donor-advised fund as the beneficiary.

Advisors highlight the importance of regularly updating beneficiary designations to avoid potential legal and financial complications. They recount cases in which outdated beneficiary forms led to unintended asset distributions, causing distress for surviving spouses. Advisors suggest reviewing these designations annually and after major life events to ensure they align with current wishes and estate plans.

Estate planning for people without children may involve complexities, including selecting beneficiaries and trustees. "Without children or grandchildren, there's often no obvious choice, and the process of identifying appropriate individuals or institutions becomes more nuanced," writes Ronald Siegel of Brinkley Morgan.

The personal savings rate, which measures the share of income remaining after Americans cover taxes and expenses, reached 2.6% in April, down from 5.8% a year ago, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The rate was the lowest it has been since June 2022, when the country was facing record inflation.

Japan's corporate landscape is undergoing a major transformation as companies shift focus toward shareholder returns, capital efficiency and long-term growth opportunities. Fueled by governance reforms, rising investment culture and emerging sectors like AI, infrastructure and digital content, Japan's evolving market is creating a compelling case for active investors seeking long-term value and alpha opportunities. Learn more.

As public pension systems operate in an increasingly complex environment, NCPERS leaders emphasized the growing importance of sustained professional development and peer engagement across the industry. "The demands on public pension fiduciaries continue to evolve," said Hank Kim, CEO of NCPERS. "Organizations that prioritize education, invest in their teams, and engage with the broader pension community are better positioned to navigate risk, strengthen governance, and deliver long-term retirement security." Learn more.