The Buccaneers' Eric LeGrand announced his retirement Thursday. He was originally signed by the team on May 2.

"Making it to the NFL was my dream. But now I want to see my team as strong as possible at the start of training camp," LeGrand said. "I'm a Buc for life."

LeGrand was honored with the Jimmy V Award for perseverance at the 2012 ESPYs earlier this month. In September, HarperCollins Publishers will release LeGrand's first book, a memoir entitled "Believe: My Faith And The Tackle That Changed My Life." There also will be a young readers version, "Believe: The Victorious Story Of Eric LeGrand."

LeGrand will be placed on Tampa Bay's reserve/retired list.

He was paralyzed from the neck down on Oct. 16, 2010 while tackling an Army kickoff returner while playing under Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers. A junior at the time of his injury, LeGrand would have been a part of the 2012 draft.

As a college player, he recorded 60 tackles, 11 for loss and 2 sacks.

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Buccaneers' LeGrand announces retirement

LONDON -- The last five years have been tough for those in retirement. Portfolio valuations have been hammered, and annuity rates have plunged. There's no sign that matters will improve anytime soon, either, as the eurozone and the U.K. economy look set to muddle through at best for some years to come.

A great way to protect yourself from the downturn, however, is to build your retirement fund with shares of large, well-run companies that should grow their earnings steadily over the coming decades. Over time, such investments ought to result in rising dividends and inflation-beating capital growth.

In this series, I'm tracking down the U.K. large caps that have the potential to beat the FTSE 100 over the long term and support a lower-risk, income-generating retirement fund. (You can see the companies I've covered so far on this page.)

Today I'll take a look at British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS.L) , the world's second-largest tobacco company and a favored share among dividend investors (including Neil Woodford), thanks to its high profits and its policy of paying out 65% of earnings as dividends.

Smoking performance?The addictive nature of their products makes tobacco companies good defensive shares; they perform well in a downturn. BAT has proved the truth of this by comprehensively outperforming the FTSE 100 over the last 10 years:

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

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Is BAT the Ultimate Retirement Share?

I'm 25 and off to a good start saving for retirement. But I'm scared stiff about how to invest my Roth IRA because a poor decision could cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time I retire. Any advice? Andy C., Des Moines, Iowa

Relax, there's no need to work yourself into a lather. Even though many pros like to make investing seem complicated -- probably so you'll hire them to manage your money -- it's really not all that difficult.

Sure, you'll make some mistakes. We all do. But as long as you follow a few key principles like keeping it simple, holding the line on costs, diversifying broadly and ignoring the jabber of pundits who advocate constant buying and selling, any flubs you make aren't likely to wreak mortal damage.

Take solace in the fact that you're already doing the single most important thing to assure a secure future: You're actually saving. Wall Street types may cringe when I say this, but contributing to a retirement account regularly throughout your career is more important than investing prowess for building wealth over the long term.

That said, since you're going to the trouble to put bucks aside in your Roth IRA, you might as well earn a decent return. Here are three ways you can do that, ranging from easy to easier to easiest, without getting obsessive-compulsive about it.

The easy way. Your aim as a long-term investor should be to build a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds and then stick with it, except to rebalance every year or so.

You can create that stocks-bonds mix simply and effectively by investing in just three funds: a total stock market index fund, a total bond market index fund and a total international stock index fund, each of which you can find on our MONEY 70 list.

This three-fund combo will give you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market, virtually all publicly-traded foreign stocks and the full gamut of taxable investment-grade domestic bonds.

In short, you'll put together the building blocks for a well-balanced portfolio -- and you'll do it on the cheap. Your annual costs should come in below 0.25% a year, or less than a quarter of what the typical mutual fund charges.

As for how to divvy up your money among these three components, there's no "official" blend. But considering that you're young and have plenty of time to ride out market setbacks, you'll want to lean heavily toward stocks, which have the potential to generate the highest long-term gains.

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Everyone makes some retirement investing mistakes

PITTSBURGH, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --fi360, the premier organization for fiduciary education, investment analytics, support services, and industry insights for financial professionals, today announced a collaboration with Charles Schwab Retirement Business Services. Schwab retirement advisors will now have access to a customized version of the fi360 Toolkit that is directly integrated into the Schwab Retirement Center technology platform. fi360 also will be conducting custom Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) training events for Schwab retirement plan advisors.

The technology project will allow Schwab advisors to leverage fi360's first-in-class product, an online investment management tool created to support advisors' management of client portfolios and documentation of a prudent investment process.

In addition to this key technology development, the two firms are working together to bring AIF training to Schwab retirement plan advisors, enabling them to earn the AIF designation. The AIF designation represents a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply a fiduciary process.

Importantly, the fi360 Toolkit is fully integrated with the Schwab advisor interface and will:

"fi360's sophisticated toolkit is an integral part of our commitment to helping advisors meet a fiduciary standard of care and help their clients navigate the evolving retirement landscape," said Debbie Pritchard, vice president, Schwab Retirement Business Services. "By streamlining investment selection, analysis, and reporting, advisors will be able to more efficiently provide their clients with a high level of service and transparency."

"We are excited to be working with Schwab to support retirement plan advisors with the most sophisticated fiduciary education and plan management and client reporting tools available," said fi360 CEO Blaine Aikin. "But it is ultimately the investors on the receiving end of highly-supported, prudent fiduciary management who are the greatest beneficiaries of this collaboration."

About fi360fi360 offers a comprehensive approach to investment fiduciary education, practice management and support that has established them as the go-to source for investment fiduciary insights. With substantiated Practices as the foundation, fi360 offers world-class fiduciary Training/Education,ToolsandResourcesthat are essential for fiduciaries and those who provide services to fiduciaries to effectively and successfully manage their roles and responsibilities. Fi360 assists those who rely on their fiduciary education programs, professionalAIF and AIFA designations, Web-based analytical and reporting software and resources to achieve success. For more information about fi360, please visitwww.fi360.comor Twitter: @fi360.

About Charles SchwabThe Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) is a leading provider of financial services, with more than 300offices and 8.7million client brokerage accounts, 1.52million corporate retirement plan participants, 822,000banking accounts, and $1.80trillion in client assets. The company was ranked "Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Self-Directed Services" in the 2012 U.S. Self-Directed Investor Satisfaction StudySM from J.D. Power and Associates. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, http://www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and mortgage services and products. More information is available at http://www.schwab.com and http://www.aboutschwab.com.

Charles Schwab Bank; Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.; Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc.; Schwab Retirement Plan Services Company; and Schwab Retirement Technologies (Schwab RT) are separate but affiliated companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Brokerage products and services are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Trust and custody products and services are offered by Charles Schwab Bank. Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. and Schwab Retirement Plan Services Company provide recordkeeping services with respect to retirement plans. Schwab RT is engaged in developing and licensing proprietary retirement plan recordkeeping systems to independent third-party administrators.

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fi360 Announces Initiative with Charles Schwab Retirement Business Services for Fiduciary Management Solution

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

In response to the demand for state-of-the-art retirement communities designed for active lifestyle and healthcare needs of todays aging population, Nexus Companies redefines retirement living with Vivante On The Coast. Vivante, which encompasses nearly 200,000-square-feet of space on a seven-acre gated campus, is now under construction with completion Fall 2013. Its the first new retirement community built in the area in 15 years.

Vivante will provide an environment of unparalleled luxury and comfort, coupled with the highest level of personalized service for residents. Underscoring the demand, the team has pre-leased 55 suites to date of a total 185 planned.

Vivante will be a unique experience in luxury retirement living, incorporating new ideas in fitness, healthcare, technology, and lifestyle that appeal to the demands of an expanding aging population, said Curt Olson, CEO/Founder, Nexus Companies.

Setting Vivante apart is:

The community includes 31,000 square feet of indoor amenity space. Suites include full kitchens with luxury finishes such as CaesarStone countertops and stainless steel appliances. Wellness amenities include an indoor saltwater pool, fitness center, spa, daily group exercises, yoga deck, physical therapy, serenity garden, reflexology footpath, putting green and bocce ball court.

Vivante is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its residents. The communitys services include 24/7 concierge, personal care and assisted living services, chauffeur services, pet care, move-in services, housekeeping, personal shopping and laundry services. Vivante will provide each resident with an iPad including an application to allow communication among family and staff. Residents are able to view activities and menus, and request maintenance and repairs.

Another significant part of the community is The Shores at Vivante On The Coast, a secured memory care facility located within the property, featuring 40 residences. The Shores provides specialized care for residents with memory impairment diseases such as Alzheimers, Vascular Dementia and Parkinsons. The coastal-inspired community is designed as a secure and safe home-like environment with its own separate amenities.

Once completed, Integral Senior Living will manage the community. Vivante is at 1640 Monrovia Avenue in Costa Mesa, with our leasing office at 320 W. Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Call 949-629-2100.

Photos/MultimediaGallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50353207&lang=en

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Vivante On The Coast™ Redefines Retirement Living

WINDSOR, Conn., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --ING U.S., a leading financial services provider, announced today a new mobile game app designed to help build investment and retirement planning awareness for consumers of all ages. Available for free on the App Store(SM) for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, the app, called STRUCT, leverages the power of "gamification" integrating game elements such as points, levels and a leader board while it simultaneously exposes players to fundamental investing concepts and terms. To learn more, visit http://structgame.com.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54454-ing-u-s-struct-mobile-game-app-investment-retirement-planning

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120724/MM43128 )

The premise of the game is for players to work with various building materials that symbolize different investment categories steel (cash), wood (bonds) and glass (stocks) as they build increasingly complex towers or "structs." Three main characters, called the build crew, correspond to a unique investor style: aggressive, moderate and conservative. A fourth crewmember is a wild card, representing both market opportunity and risk. Through crew selection and game objectives, metaphors about saving and investing are conveyed that parallel the concepts of risk, diversification, goals and achievement. Crew selection, a diversified strategy, and material handling are critical to a player's success.

"We know many individuals need to do more when it comes to preparing for their retirement. Gaining greater awareness about accepted investing and saving principles is a critical part of that process," said Rick Mason, president of Corporate Markets for ING U.S. Retirement. "ING U.S. is committed to developing effective ways that promote financial literacy and help consumers achieve positive retirement outcomes. By leveraging the popularity of mobile game apps, we believe STRUCT will entertain users while exposing them to important concepts."

Research shows that game apps are the most downloaded items by smartphone owners, and iPhone users are playing games an average of 14.7 hours a month.(1) Industry data also suggests that there are more people in the U.S. who meet the definition of active gamers than who save for retirement.(2)Feedback from ING U.S.'s own retirement plan customers further showed that a game app like STRUCT would be a fun and unique way to engage employees and heighten their awareness of saving and investing concepts.

"In the retirement market, innovation often occurs when providers and large corporate employers collaborate on ways to make saving easier for their employees. We saw this with the introduction of automated plan features and options, such as auto-enrollment, auto-escalation and target-date funds(3)," added Mason. "In developing STRUCT, we worked with several of our large plan customers on the concept of a mobile game. Their insights underscore how technology can be a critical tool to inform, engage and inspire positive savings action."

Players of STRUCT are introduced to each of the 12 game levels by an instruction guide who provides tips that challenge the player to work with different building material and crewmembers. Each level brings new complexity, and the right combination of crew, material placement and speed helps the player score points and unlock achievements. There are also surprise moves one can discover as they engage in play including breakage, bonus points and the ability to discard a crewmember's building material. The "Build School" brings the metaphors to life, demonstrating how investor style and asset classes can impact the outcome, while the game's glossary helps to build knowledge of key financial terms.

To learn more, visit http://structgame.com.

Press inquiries:Phil Margolis ING U.S. Office: (860) 580.2676 Cell: (860) 805.7642 Twitter: ING_US_PR Phil.Margolis@us.ing.com

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ING U.S. Introduces Game App that Teaches Investing and Retirement Saving Concepts

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fitch Ratings assigns an 'AAA' rating to the following State of Minnesota retirement system building revenue bonds:

--$20,660,000 series 2012 retirement system building revenue refunding bonds.

The bonds are scheduled to be sold through competitive bid on July 31, 2012.

In addition, Fitch affirms the 'AAA' rating on the $22.9 million outstanding building revenue bonds, series 2000 that will be fully refunded with this transaction.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

SECURITY

The bonds are special obligations of Minnesota, issued by the state through the Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), payable from separate semiannual payments made from each of the retirement systems under a joint agreement under which each system further grants the commissioner a security interest in its respective system's available assets in the event of non-payment.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

--OVERWHELMING COVERAGE OF DEBT SERVICE: The 'AAA' rating reflects the enormous coverage on the small amount of debt that is provided from pension contributions as well as the magnitude of the available system assets that could be tapped if needed.

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Fitch Rates $21MM Minnesota Retirement Sys Bldg Revs 'AAA'; Outlook Stable

There are various ways to plan and save for retirement, but for some, that advice is about 40 years too late. Even if you're starting late or have faced numerous setbacks, retirement is possible. Here are some tips from industry professionals on how to make your last-minute retirement dreams a reality.

The most important thing is taking the first step and sticking with it, according to Catherine Collinson, president of the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies in Los Angeles.

"Achieving a sense of retirement readiness is a lot of small steps that can lead to a quantum leap," she says.

The first step

To prepare for retirement, Collinson first suggests taking "a financial look in the mirror." Understand what your personal balance sheet is and calculate a savings goal. Collinson notes that this needs to be a real, calculated goal and not just a spitball estimate.

Wade Mayo, president and CEO of Life Insurance Company of the Southwest in Dallas, says that the amount of money a person needs to retire varies depending on the person, the type of lifestyle they want to live, medical expensesand their dependents.

"It is important to estimate Social Security benefits and other sources of income and what a person expects to spend annually in retirement," Mayo says.

Many experts say it takes about 70 to 85% of your pre-retirement income in order to maintain your lifestyle during retirement, according to Mayo.

People should also plan on having enough to live on for another 25 to 30 years when estimating what they'll need to retire, he adds.

Start saving

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It's Never too Late to Plan for Retirement

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nationwide Retirement Solutions (NRS), Nationwide Financials public-sector retirement plan business, today announced that it will continue to serve the Cook County, Illinois, deferred compensation plan for another five years. Under the agreement, NRS will provide the recordkeeping, marketing and education for the plans nearly 18,000 participants.

Nationwide looks forward to continuing our successful partnership with Cook County, said Anne Arvia, president of retirement plans for Nationwide Financial. We place the highest priority on providing our plan partners with a comprehensive defined contribution plan that provides their participants with the service, support and resources they need to prepare for a financially secure retirement.

Since 1997, NRS has served as the exclusive administrator for Cook County and the new contract extends this partnership until 2017, with two one-year optional extensions. The Cook County plan has approximately $961 million in assets.

Nationwide offers robust education for participants in all stages of retirement planning, including personalized account information available through one-on-one conversations with licensed financial professionals.

Weve had a successful relationship with Nationwide for the past fifteen years, and we look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with them to ensure our participants have the resources they need to prepare for retirement, said Tariq Malhance, the Countys Chief Financial Officer.

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poors. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit http://www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, Nationwide Financial, the Nationwide framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Information provided by licensed financial professionals is for educational purposes only and not intended as tax, legal, or investment advice. Retirement Specialists are registered representatives of Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA.

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Nationwide Retirement Solutions Renews Contract with Cook County

Last weekend, my dad told my mom that their "retirement guy" had called and told them to transfer their assets from one mutual fund to another. Upon hearing this, I asked who "their guy" was and what the fees and performance were for these funds. They didn't know either.

According to Teresa Ghilarducci, a professor of economics and retirement specialist, this is fairly commonplace: "I repeatedly hear about the 'guy.' When I ask how much the 'guy' costs ... or if their investments do better than a standard low-fee benchmark, they inevitably don't know."

Though I actually think my parents will be just fine in retirement, this uninformed approach to retirement planning will be a major crisis in coming years. According to recent estimates, there are 58 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 64. The median retirement savings for this group is only $26,000 per person.

To give you an idea of how scant that $26,000 will be when combined with Social Security and spread out over the rest of one's life, consider this: Almost half of these middle-class workers will be living on a food budget of $5 per day.

According to Ghilarducci, a safe rule of thumb is that you must have 20 times your annual salary saved up by the time you retire. If you earn $75,000 per year, you need $1.5 million saved up to retire with a similar lifestyle.

Even those who are saving are getting screwed But even if you are doing a great job saving for retirement, there's an insidious, almost undetectable culprit eating away at your savings: mutual fund fees. Whether we are forced into certain plans by our employers or choose them based on our "guy's" suggestions, mutual funds are still a popular vehicle for retirement savings.

A casual glance at a mutual fund's expense ratio might show a seemingly low percentage that you're charged each year. My parents, for instance, had been locked into a mutual fund with an expense ratio of 1% for decades. It seems low, but those fees can really add up over time.

Let's take a relatively simple example and assume my parents' mutual fund earned 9.8% per year -- the S&P 500 average between 1970 and 2011 -- and that they've been putting away $5,000 per year for 40 years. At this point in time, their savings would total about $1.7 million.

Source: Author's calculations.

Of course, these kinds of returns aren't too bad. The problem is that a group of Wall Street "pros" have been getting rich off folks like my parents for years, and not enough people realize it. You see, the 1% charged every year is what the mutual fund's managers charge for their "expertise" in picking winning stocks and sectors.

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The Shocking Retirement Numbers That Will Blow You Away