Let’s Talk About Retirement

Anthony J Smith asked:


Too soon we get old, and too late we get smart is the old Yiddish proverb. This applies to most people as they do retirement planning. Retirement ideas range from imagining yourself living in a life of luxury, playing golf, taking 9 month vacations, and enjoying life, down to living in a retirement community where your basic needs are taken care of. Failing to plan for your retirement can have very negative consequences on the quality of your retired life.

To do proper retirement financial planning, you should start early ? that’s the “too late smart” part of the proverb. You’re getting older every day ? are you getting smarter? Fortunately, there are retirement books that can help you with this. One of the most important is “401(k) Basics” by Motley Fool publishing. It will steer you into how to make the most of a company 401(k) plan, while taking an unsentimental retirement view ? telling you that there is no fast road to riches, only steady, regular savings and investing will help ensure you against retirement losses.

Your retirement benefits should contain a mix of growth funds early on, wealth preservation funds and income generation tools as you age ? this can be found online through a number of retirement calculators, and will help you plan the day when you can send your company your retirement letters and say “I’ll be on the golf course!” Most retirement calculators are driven by an investing rule called the Rule of 72 ? take 72 and divide it by your rate of return in points (for example, getting 6% on a savings account or CD) and that will tell you how many years it takes for your investment to double. In this case, 72 divided by 6 is 12, meaning that sitting an investment down in a 6% account means it will double in 12 years.

Remember that slow and steady contributions win the day; you can’t rush this later in life. Start early, invest everything you can afford to, and know that your money is working for you in the long term. If you’re eligible for a 401(k) program, you should take it ? it benefits you in multiple ways, from employee matching (which doubles your investment) to being take out of your paycheck before taxes (which is fundamentally giving you a 20-35% increase in the net investment from doing it in post-tax income) to tax deferral on the interest it accrues. A 401(k) is by far and away the best retirement investment vehicle possible.

One thing you should not count on is Social Security; due to changing demographics, we’re going to be disbursing more from Social Security than it takes in in about 5 to 10 years, and the fund will literally run out at the current rate of contributions in thirty years. Presume that you’re on your own and plan accordingly.



BUSTER

Allison B asked:


My mom retires Friday after 33 years at her job as a secretary.My nephew’s 5th birthday is on the same day. I want to throw them a small, family only party. I want to have my sister, her husband, my niece (age 6), my father and boyfriend attend. I plan on having the party at my parent’s house (my apartment is too small) on Friday evening. I want it to be more elegant for my mom but also fun for my nephew. I would like to serve appetizers and cook a special dinner something kid friendly yet elegant (chicken parmesan or salisbury steak). Maybe separate cakes (vanilla for mom, chocolate for nephew), cheap champagne to toast the retirement and sparkling cider to toast the birthday, etc…(this is where you fill in your ideas on things)

BUSTER

Peter Clark asked:


Individual Retirement Accounts. It’s enough to put you to sleep isn’t it? However there are very sound reasons for you to understand Iras, and to set one up for yourself. If you’re interested in a comfortable retirement you need to understand Individual Retirement Accounts.

What are I

ndividual Retirement Accounts, why would you need one and which is the best one for you?

An Individual Retirement Account, or what is also known as an IRA, is an account that individuals may set up to plan and invest for their retirement. The IRA was enacted into legislation in 1974, however it was only in 1981 when significant changes were made to the tax status of IRAs that they became popular.

It is the tax status of Individual Retirement Accounts that make them extremely attractive to people who are seeking to invest for their retirement to ensure that they have a well funded comfortable retirement when they are no longer able to work and so can no longer earn an income.

In it’s wisdom the government recognized that it was extremely difficult to provide sufficient retirement benefits from the public purse so that all retirees could retire in comfort on a government pension. This was recognition of the fact that over time, as the population ages, the public purse would not be able to afford to pay full retirement pensions to everyone, so the government needed to come up with a plan to make individuals invest for their own retirement.

The way to do this was to offer people incentives to do so by way of tax advantages though their IRAs.

So when money is deposited into an Individual Retirement Account it is tax deductible, and all income made through investing the fund during it’s life is also tax free.

That doesn’t mean though, that money is never taxed on the way in or way out of an IRA. What the government does is to tax the money as it is taken out of the IRA, it is taxed as ordinary income.

One of the great barriers to successful investing is the requirement to pay tax each time income, or a capital gain, is made. Throughout an investors investing life it is necessary to realize funds along the way to pay tax. This seriously reduces the ability to earn high returns on moneys invested because capital is being taken out all the time to pay tax, and so there is less to invest along the way.

However if, though an IRA, it is possible to invest and reinvest all income and capital back without paying any more tax, that increases massively the potential returns that someone can make investing. Hence the reason why an IRA is so attractive to individuals. An IRA can take maximum advantage of the power of compounding.

An Individual Retirement Account is required by law to be held in trust by a “custodian” who is often, or usually a bank, broker or insurance company. There are various regulations governing what your IRA custodian can do with the money, some imposed by tax law and some imposed by the custodians rules as well.

Usually traditional IRA custodians have restrictive rules about what investments the IRA can be invested in, and the funds are usually directed to investments owned by the custodian. This may be good for the custodian, but not necessarily so good for the owner of the IRA, who may not be earning the best returns.

It is also quite possible to have a self directed IRA. This is still held by a trustee, or custodian, however has a much less restrictive range of rules about the types of investments that can be invested in. The owner of the self directed IRA, or what is also known as a self managed IRA, can direct the investments into a wider range of investments that should, over the life of the fund, make much better returns. Add to that the power of compounding and the difference between the returns on a traditional IRA held by a custodian who invests the funds into their own investments, and a self directed IRA invested by the owner, can be massive.

So as you can see there are powerful reasons why you need your own Individual Retirement Account, and there are also powerful reasons why you need it to be a self directed IRA. In particular the best reason is that the best investment for your IRA is in real estate. Over time real estate offers the most stable long term investment, both for an IRA and any other investment. Investing your Individual Retirement Account in real estate offers significant long term benefits, however so many people don’t do so, either because they don’t know that they should, or because the rules of investing their IRA funds don’t allow them to do so.

They need to rollover their funds into a self directed Individual Retirement Account and start making some solid decisions to invest their retirement funds in real estate.

Even in the current market there are some outstanding and extremely solid investments in real estate. One in particular offers no money down investing for both credit investors and IRA investors, with tenants supplied and high quality homes to invest in. Returns are guaranteed and it’s a turnkey investment in real estate from a solid US public company with significant experience in real estate investing.

So, despite the fact that learning about Individual Retirement Accounts might send you to sleep, there are very good reasons to start learning anyway. And if you’re setting one up make sure it’s a self managed IRA, and that you invest it in solid real estate investments amongst others.

You’ll be glad you did when you retire.



MILLIE

polyana28 asked:


My dad’s boss and I are planning a large retirement/55th birthday party for him. We are planning for a large group of about 75 people. It will be a surprise party. Dad is a fisherman, so I’ve decided to have a fish fry and go with a “gone fishing” theme. I’ve found plenty of party favors and decorations, but I’d really like to get the guests involved.

I think it would be hard to play games with that many people. I’d like to try to have some activities that are fun and funny that will make the party truly memorable. Dad is not a sentimental person, I don’t think he’d care too much about a scrapbook and I know he won’t watch a videotape. I’d really appreciate any suggestions you can offer! Many thanks.

CONNIE

gw_extdman1 asked:


I never seem to get ahead with the bills that I have and I only get a limited income and have been on disability and forced retirement since 1987 and up until 2003 was paying on bills that my brother charged in my name and that is when the creditors told me not to pay anything more. During that time, I had to close several accounts that I had in my name and they went to the credit bureaus and now I have bad credit as far as I am concern and need to get a loan to pay off those bills and try to get some brand new clothes and some other items that I need. Anyone with information pleaselet me know some how, by the grace of God I need the help soon. Or I will crazy!
I won’t go to payday loans because they are way too expensive and the bills I have is not all just every day bills, they are bills that I keep getting phone calls about from the creditors. Wife can’t help out at all her money that she gets on her disability goes for her medicine and all the house cleaning and the personal hygine we have to have.

ELISABETH

scottklajic asked:


I spent 3 years, 9 months and 10 days on active duty (was released 3 months early for graduate school) That gives me on my retirement printout 1371 retirement points.

Then, I joined the guard and received another 164. Total retirement points 1535 for a total 5 “good” years.

However, I also did some correspndence corses which I was told to turn in to the retirement person which shows up on my printout as “ACCP Misc Points” and is added to the “Total Career Points” column–NOT the “Total Points for Retirement Pay” column.

Question–what is the difference between “career points” and “retirement points?” If career points are not calculted for retirement pay, what are they good for?
To the one responder so far–I am sure you know what you are talking about–however, I have no idea what “non-retirement bond” means.

BONITA

Uchenna Ani-Okoye asked:


Some buy bonds as savings for retirement while some others purchase bonds for college education. Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs) In this case, IRA stands for Individual Retirement Annuities rather than Individual Retirement Account. For example, it is possible to use your 403(b) to fund your 401(k), Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or another 403(b).

A couple had saved up for their retirement. This income would consist not only of the interest or the earnings that the retirement plan would earn but also the principal amount, which is also protected in this kind of annuity. You have goals you want to reach — saving for retirement, vacations, new furniture and many other things.

If you were able to implement a strategy to squeeze a little more out of your 401k plan, say 8% more every year, this would result in four times the amount of money you would have at retirement because of the power of compounding interest. Don’t provide employee-type benefits (paid vacation days, health insurance or retirement plans). Most recently, the SEC issued a report on pension consultants regarding conflicts of interest and the objectivity of advice given to retirement plan sponsors.

Cost estimates for outsourced asset retirement programs can vary widely– be sure to include retirement costs and downstream liability into your overall cost calculation. Gone are the days when employees sought to remain with a company until retirement. Why wouldn’t they be when ‘early retirement is within reach’ if you’ll just BUY and follow their proven success formula valued at $2995, for just $147, BUT if you act today you can have it for ONLY $97.

This article describes seven specific ways in which the home equity nest-egg can be used to enhance retirement income planning. An appropriate asset allocation, retirement plan and insurances can together create a financial strategy to help your savings last a lifetime. Many experts point out that the death benefit provision (which guarantees that if you die while still saving for retirement, your beneficiaries will receive at least the amount of your principal and in some cases, with the purchase of optional riders, which carry additional fees, that amount plus locked-in investment gains), as well as the potentially strong performance of variable annuities, can make them a smart choice.

You could start a retirement savings plan. The Daily’s would be able to send their children to college without sacrificing their retirement savings. One person was keeping in touch with them, though, even in his retirement Don Keough.

The answers to those two questions help to form much of your retirement strategy. At retirement he had a nice house paid for, a good car paid for, a pension, and $85,000 plus in company stock that would now be worth a fortune. Invest in tax-free municipal bonds or tax-deferred US Savings Bonds instead of bank CDs (remember that tax-exempt interest is included in the calculation of taxable Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits).

It helps in personal budgeting, investment management, debt management, managing medical expenses, retirement planning and so on. If you had to come up with $200,000 in disposable income over the next 20 or 25 years (the duration between retirement and death), could you do it, only you can determine whether your retirement will be spent counting pennies or living life to its fullest.

5 million in their estate, including the life insurance, retirement money, and business, they should either have an individual trust for each or have a trust that ’splits’ into two trusts when the first one of them dies.



ANDREW

Tha tru hustla asked:


Im in my early twenties and I just started working after finishing school, but I do want to start a retirement account. What source or foundation should I use for a retirement account?

Im pretty dumb in this area. Is a savings account through a company like ING Direct bad for a retirement account?

MADELYN

sweetnsexy_38 asked:


What actions can be taken at different stages of life to ensure a financially secure retirement? How would you plan to fund your retirement years.

ALVIN

Pnreddy asked:


What’s your age now? In some point in your life, have you ever thought of retiring from what you are doing right now? Is the idea of retirement ever occurs to you? Or, are you open to the truth that everything has an end? Well, if you’ve spent your most silent moment pondering about all these things, then you are somehow ready for a retirement.

So if you are on your 30s and the thought of retirement already occurred to you, then don’t worry. There’s nothing wrong with that. After all, it is better to think of your future as early as possible.

So what is retirement planning all about? What are and aren’t involved in the retirement planning? There are essentially top ten useful moves to take when preparing for retirement.

Step 1: Finances? Review Everything about It

Reviewing your finances is obviously the most primary thing to do during retirement planning. This is essentially for the reason that if you know where you are or what status in life you belong, you will certainly know where you are heading. Just think about this as your plan for studying.

If you think you have the budget to support your studies, then you know that you can study. So in terms of retirement, it is a rule to set your budget first before you consider an eventual retirement. It may take time though, particularly if you find yourself up to elbows in debt. If this is the case, then it’s clear that you are not yet ready for it.

Step 2: Set Goals and Priorities and Think about Them

When thinking about your future living, you should start setting goals and priorities. It is our goals that motivate us to do something for our own benefit, but it is our actions in fact that bring out the results. In either case, developing goals and priorities in life is very much required.

So to begin, ask yourself as to how you want to spend your time after retiring from work. Where do you want to live? What do you want to do? What about your family? How do they fit into your retirement plans? Knowing the answers to these questions will somehow make you feel ready and comfortable to kick back and continue living. It will help you realize what you need in terms of money and health.

Step 3: Consider and Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

Another perfect thing to do after your retirement is to develop a healthy lifestyle. It is now time to think about your health. After all, you are aging and that means you need to take care much of your health to continue living.

A sense of commitment is also required to maintain a healthy life. Just be active and pay much attention and dedication to your goal of becoming healthier. You will be surprised to wake up one day with the best posture and health possible.

Step 4: Learn About Retirement Plans

As you may know, there are a number of retirement plans available on the market these days. However, not all of these retirement plans may suit your requirements. So to start figuring out which of the available plans is best for you, consider first your employer’s retirement plan. If possible, try to talk to your Human Resource representative about your employer’s retirement plan.

Know whether your employer provides a pension or not. Then ask for a summary description of the plan, as well as an explanation for everything that is involved. Lastly, find out what you can contribute and try to inquire about vesting and the like.

Step 5: Review Your Benefit Statement

So you’ve decided on what plan to take. It is now time to review your benefit statement. This statement is provided to you by your employer periodically and it is where you can find your total advantages along with the amount that is owned by you. Review this statement to make sure that everything is going smoothly. In case you found certain areas that require to be questioned, talk to your benefits administrator as soon as possible.

Step 6: Open an IRA

IRA is one of the most common retirement plans in the world. It is often given to those who are married if they or their spouse has earned income. Well, there are two types of IRA. The first is the traditional IRA and the other is the Roth IRA. Both of these types has its own requirements and standards, and each has its own function.

So you should communicate and ask for help from the financial institution you are considering, to figure out if the IRA is perfect for you. If you found that you are eligible to open an IRA, then wait for nothing. Open it as soon as you possibly can. Once you have opened it then start contributing to the maximum amount allowed each year.

Step 7: Look at Your Social Security Statement and Review It

It is usual that every year, you will receive a Social Security Statement that stresses a record of your earnings that have been labeled as Social Security taxes paid. This statement generally comes about three months before your birthday. Well, if you receive this statement, review it carefully. Ensure that it presents an estimate of the benefits that you and your family might receive from those earnings.

If you have certain questions, then there’s no other better way you can do than to contact the Social Security System. Simply ask for help directly through them. I’m sure that they are willing to answer all your queries.

Step 8: Assess Your Life Insurance

When you retire, you may or may not need a life insurance. Although you have the choice, it is always a better idea to do your homework first to identify what particular kinds of benefits is attached to it. This is particularly applicable to those who have families who would be left without other means of income if you were to retire from life.

Also note that a life insurance policy can also be used to pay the taxes on your inherited IRAs or perhaps other retirement funds that have been set in your properties.

Step 9: Think About Long Term Care Insurance

Many of those who have considered retirement think about long term care insurance. They consider this option knowing that it will help them support their living. Of course, no one likes to live and being left in a nursing home, which is but a strong possibility when a person gets older. Long term care insurance may also be useful in case you will be affected by a major illness which can possibly wipe out your retirement savings. It is for this reason in fact that long term care insurance is needed.

Step 10: Talk to Your Spouse and Family about Your Retirement Plan

As expected, this would be the last step to take when considering a retirement planning. This is particularly significant knowing that your family can be affected by whatever decision you may make. So if possible, talk to your spouse and family about your retirement plan, and ensure that they understand about your plan and that your plan can help you support them. Just make them aware about it. That’s simply it!

So everything has been said. Well, these above mentioned ideas may not guarantee that you will be ready for that big retirement of yours. But in any case, these will somehow give you an idea on how to prepare. So noting all of these is still worth the effort.



AURELIA