Retirement Trends

The State Retirement Systems, covering pensions for ex-state employees, judges and lawmakers, withdrew $29.7 million in 2013, down 88 percent from $248.7 million a year earlier.

With many expecting tax rates to rise over the next several years, using Roth IRAs, brokerage accounts and other post-tax vehicles for a portion of retirement savings is a good strategy.

Cash and security holdings totaled $3.06 trillion in the third quarter this year, a 4 percent increase from $2.94 trillion in the second quarter of 2013.

Payments will be reduced from $500 billion this year to between $100 billion and $200 billion each year from 2014 through 2017.

Total U.S. retirement assets climbed to a record $21.7 trillion in the third quarter.

Collections to the general revenue fund, the state's main operating account, are dwindling as a result of legislation over recent years to divert money directly to pay for things like transportation, education, pensions, and various tax credits and incentives.