-
8 Scary Retirement Facts
Tweet Share on Facebook June 15, 2012 CommentFor the next 20 years, about 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 each day. Some have been preparing diligently for their retirement by building savings, and are looking forward to having the freedom to do what they want to do when they want to do it. Other boomers may not have begun to contemplate how retired life will look because they are caught up in living for today. As this massive generation crosses into what has historically been retirement age, they will face many new realities, and they may not all be pretty.
-
4 Ways to Minimize Lifestyle Inflation
Tweet Share on Facebook June 14, 2012 CommentWhen we first started working, we didn’t make much money, but we still had enough to pay the bills and spend the rest of it enjoying life. As we get older and make more money, we also spend more and more. Saving and investing are put on the back burner as we work harder to pay for luxuries. That’s lifestyle inflation, which is a huge problem for many of us. Here are four ways to minimize lifestyle inflation:
-
The Wrong Way to Deal with Volatile Markets
Tweet Share on Facebook June 14, 2012 CommentI can’t blame investors for being spooked by market volatility. The financial news is enough to trouble anyone. Our domestic economy is growing at a painfully slow rate. U.S. employers added only 69,000 jobs in May, down from an average of 252,000 a month from December to February.
-
Starting to Invest Early Provides Lifelong Rewards
Tweet Share on Facebook June 13, 2012 CommentCompound interest works wonders for the average investor. Leveraging time to increase wealth is one of the few things almost anybody can do to significantly improve their net worth. But there are many more reasons to start saving for retirement at your first job that go beyond the magic of compounding. Here are a few additional reasons you shouldn't delay investing for retirement:
-
Retire in This Welcoming Caribbean Community
Tweet Share on Facebook June 12, 2012 CommentResidents refer to the little island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, as ”La Isla Bonita.” Beautiful it is, like the best of the Caribbean. Ambergris Caye is also one of the best places in the world to think about island retirement.
-
4 Steps to Follow for a Successful Retirement
Tweet Share on Facebook June 11, 2012 CommentMost of us dream of a successful retirement. But a comfortable retirement doesn’t just happen. Retirement security requires planning and effort. As you consider your retirement future, here are four steps to follow for a successful retirement:
-
Retire Outside Your Comfort Zone
Tweet Share on Facebook June 8, 2012 Comment (4)Most baby boomers have managed to survive the heavy demands of a career and raising a family. Now they are closing in on the next act in life: retirement. The time to do what you want to do when you want to do it awaits. You get to decide if you want to pursue a relaxing life of leisure or a stimulating second career doing what you have always wanted to do.
-
Your Broker (Not You) Will Retire on Your Retirement Plan
Tweet Share on Facebook June 7, 2012 Comment (6)A study published by Demos makes a compelling case for something I have known for a long time: Retirement savings accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457s, IRAs, Keoghs, and SEPs are a giant rip-off and a national disgrace. Demos is a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy group. Among its stated goals is “a more equitable economy with widely shared prosperity and opportunity.” It found some low hanging fruit with its analysis of retirement plans.
-
Choosing Between a Roth or Traditional 401(k)
Tweet Share on Facebook June 7, 2012 Comment (5)A Roth retirement account is a great way to save for retirement. Roth contributions are made with after-tax money, so you won’t get any tax benefit in the year you make the contribution. However, in retirement, you can withdraw from a Roth account without paying any additional tax.
-
Why a 401(k) Trumps Roth IRA Contributions
Tweet Share on Facebook June 6, 2012 Comment (3)Many workers have the option to save for retirement in both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA. If you are unable to max out both accounts, you need to decide which type of account provides you with more value. While most experts will advise individuals to contribute to a 401(k) first until you capture the full employer match, opinions differ for contributions after the match is reached.
