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Published: May 05, 2017 4 min read

The Senate dealt a blow to retirement savers this week, when members voted 50 to 49 to roll back Obama-era support for auto-IRA plans. Some 55 million Americans lack access to workplace retirement plans, and these state-level initiatives would allow small business owners to automatically enroll employees in IRAs, deducting money from their paychecks. A handful of states, including Illinois, California, and New Jersey, have already approved these auto-IRA programs, while an additional 30 are considering them. Now these plans are in legal limbo—which means it's more important than ever to take control of your own savings. If your company doesn’t offer a 401(k) plan, open up an IRA. Bone up here on the pros and cons of different account types, and happy investing!

Best wishes,

Elizabeth O'Brien

(filling in for a vacationing Karen Damato)

THIS WEEK'S RETIREMENT NEWS, INSIGHTS AND ADVICE

5 Things to Know About the Newly Passed House GOP Health Care Bill

The House of Representatives passed its bill to repeal and replace Obamacare this week, sending the legislation on to the Senate. In its current form, the bill would increase premiums for older consumers and would weaken protections for pre-existing conditions. Yet there are probably more changes ahead for the bill. Money

How to Retire Without Losing a Steady Paycheck

Consulting for your former employer offers a great way to ease into retirement. But shifting from an executive role with decision-making power into an advisory position requires an attitude adjustment. Money

1 Thing Americans Get Right About Social Security (and 4 Things They Get Wrong)

A growing number of Americans understand that waiting to file for Social Security will boost their benefits for life. Yet pre-retirees remain confused about other aspects of the program, according to a new survey. Money

9 Ways to Stay Younger Than Your Age

The fountain of youth is a state of mind, according to Betty Finney, author of “Growing Young.” She outlines steps to stay youthful at any age—not so you can look decades younger, but so you can remain healthy and enjoy retirement to the fullest. NEXT AVENUE

Are You the Family Bank?

Six in 10 people age 50+ provide financial support to family members. If you're doing so, heed these tips to ensure that you don’t compromise your own retirement security in the process. CNBC

Job Hunting Tips If You're Over 50

Ageism exists in the workforce, but it’s possible to overcome. Many people plan to work longer, either to shore up their retirement nest egg or simply because they enjoy staying engaged. Know how to impress hiring managers if you’re job hunting over age 50. NEXT AVENUE

Map Out the Long Term

Many pre-retirees plan how they’ll fund their retirement before they plan what they want to do when they stop full-time work. A better approach: Develop a retirement plan with the strategic planning process used by many businesses. THE RETIREMENT CAFE