Time to start thinking about optimizing Roth conversions, RMDs, capital gains, Medicare premiums and charitable giving before year's end. The things you do before Dec. 31 are typically what save you the bigger dollars. And saving bigger dollars is fun for everyone. Here are five things retirees should consider before Dec. 31:

This week’s article takes a look at an animal investors might prefer to come face to face with in the wild than in the stock market: the bear. One silver lining of a sinking stock market is that it puts Roth IRA conversions on discount. This article provides a highly detailed comparison of the tax implications of traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs so that you can determine if a conversion can help you make the most of this downturn