A well-timed exit

Walter Updegrave of Money Magazine talks of pensions in Could you bust your own pension? He contends that some pension wounds are self-inflicted rather than deadbeat-company-inflicted — mainly by workers leaving voluntarily before their full benefits kick in. A poorly-timed exit can cost big bucks.

I’ve heard federal government employees talk of late-career financial planning seminars offered to those nearing retirement. The seminars explain the benefits and exactly when they kick in, and to what extent.

Private-sector companies may also provide such seminars in addition to their printed or website material.