"Based on the assumptions you have entered, your retirement assets will run out in 2027," it warned.

Had they been able to remain in the pension plan, their retirement assets would have been protected.

His advisory firm provides 401(k) advice to 11,000 people with retirement assets totaling $1.5 billion.

One situation for cashing out involves people who tap retirement assets to support themselves through a career change or life transition.

The professors say that other retirement assets will not grow as fast.

"It's still likely that many people will have difficulty building up adequate retirement assets," he said.

Especially if you want to leave retirement assets to family or friends, a Roth conversion is one of the simplest, best planning tools available.

It has gained momentum in attracting the retirement assets of baby boomers.

They have their retirement assets invested in public pension systems across the country.

About six months ago, they shifted 5 percent of their retirement assets into Deutsche's stable value portfolio.