This is an area of particular concern because so many older Americans have lost a substantial percentage of our retirement savings and the value of our homes have depreciated making for a double whammy.

This section provides information on ways to increase your income, save money and protect your savings. There is an explanation of a reverse mortgage and a great form which lists where everything you have is located. This form should be filled out and copy should be left with your spouse, your attorney and your accountant.

People around the world are living longer. This means there is an increased likelihood they will outlive their retirement savings. Current mortality tables show that an average healthy American male at age 65 today can expect to reach approximately age 85 - but that same individual also has a 50% chance of living beyond age 85 and 25% chance of living beyond age 92.

As a result, people who plan to cover their economic needs to their "life expectancy" - in this case, age 85 - still face a 50% chance of failure. A Wharton study explains that only lifetime income annuities can mitigate the financial risk of living too long by relieving consumers of the need to set aside the far greater sums they would otherwise need to allocate to other asset classes to ensure they would not outlive their retirement savings.

Help for Investors

The site listed below shows you where to check out financial professionals and how to report investment fraud as well as how to deal with broker bankruptcies, identity theft, 401(k) claims and how to file arbitration and mediation claims. www.HelpForInvestors.org

According to the Social Security Administration earned income represents 30% to 40% of the moneys necessary for retirement living. The most important things you can do to have enough money to retire are:

• Increase Retirement Savings
• Work longer  

Almost 1/2 of all financial assets held by households age 65+ can now be considered in retirement income "drawdown" mode, according to a new research report. The report found that $4.3 trillion, almost 1/2 of the $9 trillion held by households age 65+ is being used to draw 4% or more of income needed on which to live. This is a major shift as "drawdown" was only 20% just a few years ago in 2006.

More savings and continuing to work after 65 will be necessary

According to the Center for Retirement Research, 51% of American households are considered at risk of not having enough money to sustain their standard of living in retirement.  That is the case even if they work until age 65--two years behind the current average retirement age.

Amalgamated Bank of Chicago 7.50%  $37 annual fee   800-723-0303      

Simmons First National Bank (Arkansas) 7.25%  no annual fee  800-636-5151               

First Community Bank (Texas) 10.25% no annual fee 888-763-7600           

IberiaBank FSB (Arkansas) 10.25% no annual fee 800-217-7715          

Simmons First National Bank (Arkansas) 10.25% no annual fee 800-636-5151

Please check these rates and fees as they change regularly.