Retirement | Michael Ratkovitch

Where will your retirement money come from? If you’re like most people, qualified-retirement plans, Social Security, personal savings and investments are expected to play a role. Once you have estimated the amount of money you may need for retirement, a sound approach involves taking a close look at your potential retirement-income sources.

The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth

Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?

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RE: Retirement

How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?

Retirement Traps to Avoid

Beware of these traps that could upend your retirement.

Retirement Plan Detectives

Watch this fun video for tips on how to search for missing money.

Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money

Things to consider before retirement.

Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?

Retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here's an overview of the six main sources.

Pay to Play: Planning for Your Child’s Activities

Make sure your budget is in line with your – and your child’s – expectations and level of interest.

Is a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business?

For some, the idea of establishing a retirement strategy evokes worries about complicated reporting and administration.

Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know

Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.

Retirement Is a Beginning

Key questions to answer when you are considering retirement.

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What You Need to Know About Social Security

Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?

Leaving Your Lasting Legacy

Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.

Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?

Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.

Dreaming Up an Active Retirement

When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter?

Rightsizing for Retirement

What does your home really cost?

Retiring the 4% Rule

A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.

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Articles

Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement

Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.

Retirement Realities

Many pre-retirees can become focused on the “ideal” retirement, but turning that dream into a reality can be tricky.

2026 Planning Outlook

In our final installment of the 2026 Outlook series, Baird’s Wealth Planning experts share opportunities for the year ahead.

When Should You Take Social Security

Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.

Financial Planning for Service Members

A guide for service members who hit their ETS date or retired as U.S. military to take advantage of their financial benefits.

Caring for Aging Parents

As our nation ages, many Americans are turning their attention to caring for aging parents.

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Videos

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.

How to Bake a Pie-R-A

Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?

Tuning Your Social Security Benefit

When should you take your Social Security benefit?

The Long Run: Women and Retirement

For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.

Leaving Your Lasting Legacy

Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.

Retirement Redefined

Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.

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