two questions

[masterding]

A script from CNN "Alison Kosik is looking at the cost to your retirement. George Howell showing how college students will take a hit. Ali Velshi with the new damage to America's standing. And Ted Rowlands explains why thousands of jobs are now thrown into limbo. " my questions are:
1.Why "cost to your retirement"?Is it more appropriate to say "cost of your retirement"?
2.What does "take a hit" mean?
Thanks

[SoothingDave]

The is about the recent stock market dive. The falling stock values imposed a cost on anyone who holds stocks. This includes people planning for their retirements. So there was a cost imposed on peoples' retirement portfolios. "Retirement" in this statement means "retirement portfolio." So it's a cost to the portfolio.

"Take a hit" is an analogy from a fight. In this context it means to absorb more costs for their schooling (due to a change in rules about when interest payments must begin for student loans).