Planning your retirement online

Government Web sites

ssa.gov

The Social Security Administration's site explains how to apply for benefits and helps you calculate how much you're likely to receive based on whether you start collecting as early as age 62, as late as age 70, or somewhere in between.

www.irs.gov

Head here for information on taxes, including the rules on IRA contributions and withdrawals.

pbgc.gov

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) insures many traditional, defined-benefit plan pensions, up to certain limits. Its Web site provides general information on the topic, plus specifics on pension plans that have been terminated by employers and taken over by the agency. The PBGC does not cover defined-contribution plans, such as 401(k)s.

treasurydirect.gov

This is the place for information on buying Treasury securities, a longtime retiree favorite.

Other selected sites

medicarerights.org

The Medicare Rights Center is a nonprofit advocacy organization, and this site answers many, if not all, of the questions you might have about health coverage after age 65.

retirementjobs.com

Thinking of going back to work in retirement? This site has job leads and general advice.

elderhostel.org

Elderhostel is the granddaddy (and grandmommy) of organizations sponsoring educational travel experiences for retirees and other older adults.