The goal that most people have while they are traversing their career paths is to be able to retire someday and do so in comfort. When you work to support your family over the decades you invariably have limited spare time. As a result a lot of things that you would like to do probably have gone undone. The objective for many is to be able to have these experiences once they retire. This is easier said than done. The income that is derived from Social Security is limited, and this alone is not … [Read more...] about Are You Drifting or Building?
Some States Are More Retirement Friendly Then Others
Considering the tax burden that you will be carrying after you put your working years behind you is important if you want to be intelligently prepared. Most people who retire are going to be living on a fixed income and the fewer expenses you have the better. Rising taxes could continually erode your discretionary income. Property taxes are something to evaluate. Of course the amount that you must pay is tied to the value of your home, so you may want to consider downsizing if you have a lot … [Read more...] about Some States Are More Retirement Friendly Then Others
Don’t Let Debt Hinder Retirement Plans
As you start to get serious about looking toward the future it is useful to see a holistic picture. Everything is connected, and the actions that you undertake in the present are going to impact the position that you are in later on. When it comes to retirement the ideal scenario is to have little to no debt, a solid ongoing income stream and a significant store of financial resources to fall back on. So, as you are planning ahead you would do well to address first things first and do … [Read more...] about Don’t Let Debt Hinder Retirement Plans
Be Aware Of Your Expected Lifespan
Preparing for retirement involves having a good idea of the financial resources that you are going to need to pay your way after you are no longer earning a paycheck or receiving income from your business. To be able to do this you are going to need to have an idea of your expected lifespan. Lifespans have been rising over the years as medical science develops advanced capabilities and people have a better understanding of how to take care of themselves. The average lifespan in the United … [Read more...] about Be Aware Of Your Expected Lifespan
You Have Received An Inheritance–What’s Next?
You are probably very good at what you do, but no one is an expert at everything. There is a common archetype out there about how people are sometimes reluctant to ask for directions because they don't want to admit that they need some help. This is something to avoid, and it is especially important to seek assistance when you have to make important financial decisions. One way that people can come into a significant amount of money is by receiving an inheritance. There are cases when an … [Read more...] about You Have Received An Inheritance–What’s Next?
Your 401(k) Account After Job Separation
If you want to be ready for retirement you have to get started saving as soon as you can in an effort to accumulate the financial resources that you will need to enjoy your golden years in comfort. A 401(k) plan is a very good start, and most of us are offered an opportunity to participate in one when we first begin our careers. It is definitely a good idea to contribute into the 401(k) plan that is offered at your place of employment, especially if the employer is willing to match your … [Read more...] about Your 401(k) Account After Job Separation
Let Your Attorney Guide You
If you are experiencing some types of symptoms that indicate a health challenge you are not going to be well served by making your own diagnosis. You could have some layman's hypothesis about what you may have, and you may get advice from people that you know. However, if you act without professional guidance you could well make a mistake that makes matters worse or create a problem that didn't previously exist. The above is something that you can apply to financial planning as well. If you … [Read more...] about Let Your Attorney Guide You
Understanding Social Security
As you are looking forward to the future it is important to have a good understanding of what you can expect from Social Security. If you want to be able to retire in true comfort you don't want to rely too heavily on Social Security, but if you are like most people it is certainly going to represent a significant portion of your retirement income. The first question that many individuals have about Social Security involves when they will become eligible to receive their full benefits. There is … [Read more...] about Understanding Social Security
Putting Something Away For Retirement
To be able to retire with financial freedom you have to look over the horizon well in advance. After all, you may have to pay your way for 20 years or more after you put your working years behind you and this is going to take some significant financial resources. There are those who don't worry about the future because they assume that Social Security will be enough to finance their retirement years. Depending on how much you paid into the program and what you expect your expenses to be this … [Read more...] about Putting Something Away For Retirement
Unique Perspective On Retirement Savings
As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age some of the facts are emerging about their preparedness and the news is not especially encouraging. A recent AP-LifeGoesStrong.com poll suggests that most of the baby boomers who are approaching retirement age polled say that Social Security will represent the centerpiece of their retirement incomes. In addition, nearly one fourth of the people who responded to the poll had no retirement savings at all, and the mean amount that poll … [Read more...] about Unique Perspective On Retirement Savings