Q. Why is the recommended mix of stocks and bonds any different at the beginning of my career than at the start of retirement? I don't understand why I should reduce my exposure to stocks...

Q. What is your best advice for balancing income and spending? -- Marvin Baltodano, Sunrise, Fla. A. With 2012 winding down and 2013 fast approaching, now is an excellent time to focus on the single...

Q: I've been offered a choice between taking a lump sum payment from my defined-benefit pension plan from a previous employer or taking an annuity and leaving the plan. The lump sum is $200,000. Should...

Q. I'm 56 and my wife is 52. We have a pension, no debt and our mortgage is paid off. We also have $800,000 in savings. Can we afford to retire early? -- Tom, Harrisburg,...

Q. I'm in my mid-30s and max out my 401(k) and a Roth IRA every year. I also invest $4,500 a year in mutual funds. What more should I be doing to prepare for retirement?...

Q. I'm 65, my wife is 63 and we have about $600,000 saved. She thinks we ought to consider buying an annuity. I feel we don't need an insurance company to give us a monthly...