Saving for Future

Question: Everyone talks about 'the number,' but what does it tell you? -- ROBERT C., Los Gatos, Calif.

Question: Are you familiar with something called a Plan B pension? Is it a legit investment and, if so, how can I sign up? --Lloyd, Decatur, Georgia

About 73% of Social Security filers last year took their benefits early, even though they would receive larger checks if they had waited until full benefits kicked in at 66. Here's why these folks thought it was the right decision.

Question: I'm behind in saving for retirement. Should I take more risk to catch up? --James Wilson, San Antonio

PayScale.com collected salary data for more than a hundred college degrees. These workers majored in some of the lowest paying fields. But they still love what they do.

Question: I'm 28 and would like to have $1 million by the time I retire at 65. What are some of the investing options I should consider? --Joshua Sin, Fresno, Calif.

Question: I'm 33, make about $150,000 a year and am starting from scratch to plan for retirement. A person close to me wants to sell me life insurance with a cash value feature as a way to save. Can you help me here? What do you think is my best option? --Carlos R., Houston, Texas

Question: What is the difference between a total world index fund and a total international index fund? How you see such funds as part of a retirement portfolio? --Dave, Apple Valley, Minnesota

Attending school in California and becoming an engineering major can really pay off for college graduates -- by thousands of dollars a year.

Question: When I retire, should leave my money in my company's 401(k) or roll it into an IRA? --Mark, Plymouth, Minnesota

Question: I'm a recent college graduate who has a decent job that pays the bills. I also have around $10,000 in a savings account and contribute $100 a month to my 401(k). How should I begin to invest my money? Should I go to a broker? Manage it on my own? Help! --Sophia, New York City

Many early baby boomers may have a hard time making ends meet in retirement, according to a new study.

Question: I'm retired on a pension and will soon start receiving Social Security. So I'm wondering, once you're retired do you still need an emergency fund of three to six months' worth of living expenses as you did when you were working? --Jim, West Farmington, Ohio

Question: I have been contributing the maximum to my 401(k) for some time now. But are there any other tax-friendly ways I can save even more for retirement? -- David W., Carlsbad, Calif.

Question: I have $200,000 invested today that I would like to grow to $800,000 over the next 24 years. What return do I need to earn on my investments for that to happen? -- Nancy, Quincy, Mass.