SMALL WAYS TO SAVE BIG
This week’s article tells us “When it comes to saving for retirement, starting early is key. And while putting money away can seem like a huge and daunting task, it doesn’t always require major lifestyle changes. If you implement changes slowly and in small ways, you may not even realize how much you’re saving.” We agree, and because it does take time to save, we believe in putting some of that money into a place where your principal is protected from market declines. Call us so we can tell you everything about this product. We’re here to help you navigate toward retirement.
ARE WE ALL STRUGGLING?
This week’s article was interesting to me because it references a retirement survey and the data gathered; and suggests that all age groups are struggling to build a retirement. “Newly released retirement data reflects the changing landscape of retirement, and shows that majority of Americans want alternative retirement savings option.” What I found very interesting were the similarities in the desire to find options that will better enable each group, regardless of the age bracket, to meet their goals. We can help with that because we’re here to help you define your goals, and find some options for attaining them. Call us, we look forward to hearing from you.
IMPACT ON THE FAMILY
This past week’s news contained articles about the difference in wages earned by men as opposed to women. Not surprisingly, this disparity also has an impact on how women should better prepare for a secure retirement. This planning can have an impact on the entire family. We consider ourselves part of your family. Please call us, we are here to help you feel better about your retirement strategies.
CONCRETE MEASURES
The article I want to share with you this week resonates with a topic that I discuss often with my senior clients; the impact of the US Economy on them. This week’s article writes that a new study confirms senior citizens have their “backs to the wall financially. With the threat of financial ruin so prevalent, seniors need to take concrete measures to protect their financial health. That’s not a luxury–it’s a necessity.” Call us if you would like to discuss this. We’re here to come up with options that may help you in the long term.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES
wanted to share this week’s article with you because it discusses a topic we are always confronted with; a changing world that presents us with “many opportunities but also with uncertainties and obstacles which impact our financial planning and long-term financial security. Cast-iron government and employer retirement benefits are less prevalent than before, and have given way to a more individualistic approach based on personal responsibility.” Call us to discuss what options we think might best suit planning for your individual long-term financial security. We’re always here for you.
DIE TOO SOON OR LIVE TOO LONG?
I enjoyed this week’s article and thought to share it with you because it included a long list of what the author called “pertinent facts about annuities”. One item in particular caught my attention because I could not think of a more simple way to describe the reasoning behind an annuity. The article said “Life insurance guards against the risk of dying too soon, while annuities guard against the risk of living too long.” Have you ever thought that purchasing life insurance is done almost routinely and without question, probably because we tend to think of others before we think of ourselves. Now think about an annuity. Isn’t it time we focus on funding our life as much as we focus on providing for those we may leave behind? Call us. We’re here to help.
BACK TO SCHOOL TIME OF YEAR
This week’s article discusses in some detail the role of Annuities in retirement planning, and uses Teachers as an example. “Teachers are among the hardest working professionals and have the unique responsibility to prepare our younger generations for the future. And, as educators across the country go back to school for another year, it’s a good time to give some thought to what life should be like for teachers once they’re outside of the classroom and on to retirement.” Regardless if you are a teacher or not, it’s always a good idea to reflect on each of our individual retirement planning and the role Annuities can play. Call us if you have any questions. We’re here to help.
PITFALLS
I always enjoy reading articles that provide reminders of some retirement pitfalls to avoid. This week’s article identifies four: “Not Saving Early Enough”, “Understanding How Long You Will Live”, “Not Taking Into Account Healthcare Costs” and “Lack of Balance in Your Portfolio”. For the last pitfall the author writes “It’s important to have a balanced and varied retirement portfolio in order to reduce risk. One common pitfall is relying too heavily on one savings vehicle – it will be difficult to obtain consistent growth if your portfolio lacks diversity. For example, one product that can nicely supplement a 401(k) is a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA), which protects your principal from the uncertainty of market volatility.” We have always believed in FIAs and welcome your call if you would like to learn more about them.
DIFFICULT DAYS AND VOLATILE TIMES
We are taking a break today from sending you an article to read this week because we know many of you are preoccupied by these difficult days. Market volatility undoubtedly doesn’t feel good to anyone, and neither does not knowing how many more difficult days are coming. It’s times like these that we believe preservation of principal is most important. It is what we’ve always believed is prudent and beneficial, through strong days as well as difficult ones. We believe your savings are irreplaceable and we make every recommendation with this fact in mind.
When times like these occur it provides a good reason to re-evaluate your specific situation – time horizon, risk tolerance and cash flow to name a few things. If you have questions or want to look at making some or more of your hard earned money safer from market risk, please call us. We are here to help, and look forward to fully explaining some options you may want to know about.
WHY?
I saw a great presentation the other day and thought to share it with you. When answering the question “Why consider an FIA?” the author responded by saying “At a time when savings are still recovering from the financial turbulence of recent years and baby boomers are retiring in ever-increasing numbers, FIAs offer the opportunity for growth through a steady, guaranteed lifetime income stream, all while protecting the principle from the uncertainty of market volatility.” Let me know your thoughts on the article and if you have any questions about an FIA. We’re here to help you with your retirement plans.