Investment Choices

Early retirement is an alluring prospect. When faced with a pitch that promises that you can cash in your company retirement savings in your 50s, reinvest the money, and live comfortably off the proceeds for the rest of your life, many simply can't say no. But usually they should. Read NASD’s Investor Alert to learn how to avoid being misled and financially harmed by flawed, even fraudulent, early-retirement investment schemes.

Read the Alert

Smart Investing

Withdrawing from Your 401(k)

Making sure you have saved enough money to last your lifetime is just one piece of the retirement puzzle. You’ll also need to decide when and how to crack open the nest egg you’ve accumulated and spend down your retirement savings. Smart investors think ahead and devise a strategy for withdrawing money from their 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts—taking into account other sources of incomes (including pensions, social security benefits, ongoing wages if they continue to work, and other investments). For more information, visit NASD’s Smart 401(k) Investing learning center.

Tools You Can Use

Minimum Required Distribution Calculator

Federal tax laws mandate that you start taking money out of your traditional IRA or employer sponsored retirement account by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 70 1/2. Your age and your account balance will determine the amount you've required to withdraw. To estimate what your minimum required distributions, use our Minimum Required Distribution Calculator.

Retirement Calculator

Other Tools and Calculators

Investor Home

Check Your Broker

Mutual Fund and ETF Expense Analyzer

Investor Complaint Center

Corporate Bond Prices

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Investor Education

College Savings Update

The Pension Protection Act of 2006, signed into law by President Bush on August 17, 2006, included a repeal of a provision in which the favorable federal tax treatment of 529 plans was slated to sunset in 2010. That’s terrific news for investors who want to invest wisely for a loved one’s college education. For more information, visit NASD's Smart Saving for College learning center.

Fake Regulator Web Sites

NASD continues to receive phone calls and complaints from international investors who, in the course of an aggressive sales pitch, have been sent to an "official" regulatory Web site that turns out to be phony. Although NASD has previously warned investors about fake regulator and fake broker Web sites, fraudsters are using new tactics to look legitimate. To learn about the latest twist, read "Dash" Gov Sites Part of Ploy to Dash Off With Your Money.

Military Financial Education Outreach

Are you a member of the armed services? Or do you know someone who is? Email them the link to SaveAndInvest.org, an important source for objective answers, unbiased investing resources and straight-talking financial information and tools. It's a free service of the NASD Investor Education Foundation.

Consumer Corner

Looking for an Internet Safety Net?

In partnership with a host of federal agencies, the technology industry, and consumer organizations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a one-stop resource to help you guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips on Internet auctions, secure use of Wi-Fi, social networking, and much more.

Past Issues of Investor News Available

In response to numerous requests, previous issues of Investor News are now available on our Web site.

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