Investing Guide

As we grow up in American, we are taught to work very hard to provide a decent income that will allow us to take care of our families, do our best to educate our children, and set goals that will provide a secure retirement. As time goes by, and the retirement age approaches, it would be wise to consider the following questions: Do I have enough money saved to retire? Will taxes have a major impact on our standard of living? Are our retirement safe in the monetary vehicles we are currently using?

I want to suggest looking into an Indexed Annuity. First off, an annuity is essentially a savings account with an insurance company. A very important benefit is that your principal investment and credited interest can never be lost due to index volatility. Indexed annuities are fixed annuities that allow a great chance to potentially earn a lot more interest than traditional fixed annuities and other accounts that are considered safe money alternatives. This is achieved by basing the interest earned on this particular annuity on an increase in equity or a bond index. You as a consumer have total control over how your annuity can accrue interest by choosing the index crediting methods on the anniversary of each contract year. The most commonly used indices are; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond, and the S&P 500. When you purchase an indexed annuity, you own an annuity contract backed by an investment life insurance company; you are not directly purchasing shares of stock or indexes. Continue reading ‘Safe Money – Understanding Annuities’ »

Many will agree that finding the right financial planner is an important thing. Good financial advice makes a huge difference in one’s financial future, especially when it comes to items like estate management and retirement planning. Sound financial planning will mark the difference between making ends meet and financial freedom, or being able to retire early or working through the golden years.” However, finding the right financial planner can be a chore. Here are some tips to get the best financial planner possible.

First and foremost, be prepared when searching for a financial planner. Individuals need to know what they want from their financial planner and what they do not want. For example, does a person want a fee-based planner or a commission-based planner? A fee-based planner takes a percentage of the amount invested and there is often no conflict of interest because they are not earning a commission. On the other hand, a commission-based planner may bombard clients with sales pitches for items that will get them a large commission. Continue reading ‘Tips Finding the Right Financial Planner’ »

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So how to plan successfully for your retirement? Below outlines the seven steps in designing a retirement plan.

Step 1 – Financial Discipline & Delay Gratification

Successful retirement planning always start with discipline cash management, before we even talk about any investment strategy. And this require the virtue of Delay Gratification.

Many people feel that they want to live life to the fullest. I do not disagree, but is it necessary to spend almost every dollar you earn, immediately in the same month, to live life to the fullest?

The number one reason for people to fail in achieving their retirement goal is the lack of financial discipline in delaying gratification. Delay gratification is an important virtue. Continue reading ‘Retirement Planning Through a Strategic Wealth Management Process’ »

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What went wrong with my retirement planning? I thought I’d been responsible and done everything right by the rules. But now as I approach retirement age I realise that I’m totally unprepared. So what did I miss?

The answer is actually quite simple. The harsh reality is that the old rules that used to work don’t work any more!

The assumptions that were relevant years ago are not relevant today. The critical element that I missed in my retirement planning is that planning should be dynamic. It should start early and be regularly reviewed and updated reflecting the changes in personal circumstances and the conditions in the world. Continue reading ‘Retirement Planning – Prepare Yourself The Rules Have Changed’ »

Global economies are in a funk. Stock markets gyrate regularly. Economists differ about the correct remedy, while governments spend taxpayers’ money to halt the slide, but it continues.

With the weakening USA economy, upcoming elections, fragile European economies, in the next two years, doubt and fear will be certain constants.

Meanwhile, several folks are preparing to retire in five to seven years. Some of these people panicked in the Great Recession, sold investments when the market dropped, and lost some of their retirement funds. Still, they continue to invest in the stock market. And with the short time before retirement, they worry that their savings will evaporate.

People seeking guidance to lead them through this period without further damage, can learn from the NFL. An NFL head coach tries to ensure that when his team enters the red zone, the area between the opponent’s 20-yard line and the goal line, his team scores at least a field goal; preferably, a touchdown. So, he develops special plays to try to meet that objective. Continue reading ‘Retirement Planning In The Red Zone: Identifying and Filling The Retirement Budget Gap’ »

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