So, you want to dive into the stock market without losing your sanity or, more importantly, your hard-earned cash? Here’s a strategy that’s not exactly ‘rocket science’ – Here’s a risk-free investment strategy that’s a ‘diet version’ of a financial plan. It surely doesn’t cover all the bases, but it’s sure to spice up your next dinner party conversation.
Rollercoasters are fun – at the amusement park. Not so much in your retirement account. And that’s where bad financial behavior gets costly.
Given the size of our growing national debt it’s no wonder so many people believe taxes will be higher in the future. We have an ageing population and there are a number of factors at work: There’s the annual deficit plus money needed to fund Medicare and Social Security, just to mention a few.
For some people, planning for retirement can feel like trying to eat an elephant; but, it doesn’t have to be that way. Before making big decisions, it’s always important to get the ducks lined-up first.
Retirement decisions can be momentous. Which year you would have remembered would depend on if you retired back then… and which year!
No investment strategy is without some kind of risk; but, I think this comes close. Take a look:
Remember 1966? What if you retired then? Would it have made a difference if you retired in 1967 instead? Can you time retirement? If not, how do you reduce your risk when there’s no time to rebuild all over again?
Retirement planning was much easier during working years than the challenge of managing after retirement. During the working years it’s relatively simple: just keep stashing money into your retirement plan and let the markets, over decades, do the rest!
Longevity risk is real. Accumulating assets for retirement was a lot easier than managing retirement income. Now you practically have to be an actuary to make sure your money doesn’t run out before you do!
Few understand the power of the investment allocation model, even in – especially in – times of crisis; but the power can be great when tied to a long-range financial plan.
If you have $500,000 in your 401(k) or IRA, it’s not really $500.000. That’s a tax planning mistake most people make going right out of the gate. If you’re married and filing jointly, it’s more likely you could have $325,000 (35% tax bracket) or just $315,000 (37% tax bracket).
The three largest expenses in the federal budget are Social Security/Medicare, interest on the debt, and defense.
