To paraphrase Dickens, there’s a lot of controversy today about whether we live in the best of times or worst of times concerning retirement. On the one hand, many Americans generally have some kind of retirement support, if you include Social Security, Medicare, private and public pension plans, and the many types of pre-tax retirement plans, such as IRAs and 401(k)s.
On the other hand, demographic and economic forces are making retirement itself a much bigger challenge, primarily because people live longer now. That means you need to work and save enough today to somehow pay for later without employment — a tall order. And recent market upheavals have demonstrated that you may not be able to rely on the stock market in the short term to pay the bill.
This presentation will introduce you to strategies that could help you to potentially build a bigger nest-egg during your working years, make it last longer in retirement, and even pass on more to your heirs.
Because, after all, retirement should be a time to finally relax, stop worrying and enjoy life. But you can’t escape the daily grind until you are financially independent, which in the end is what retirement is all about. So bottom line, let’s talk about working toward financial independence.
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important information
Securities are offered through AXA Advisors, LLC. Insurance and annuity products are offered through AXA Network, LLC. AXA
Network conducts business in CA as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC, in UT as AXA Network Insurance Agency of
Utah, LLC, in PR as AXA Network of Puerto Rico, Inc. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice. Ascend
Planning & Consulting, LLC is not a registered investment advisor and is not owned or operated by AXAAdvisors or AXA Network.
This presentation is provided for information purpose, only and should not be construed as investment advice, and you should seek
professional advice based on your specific personal circumstances.
Please be advised that this document is not intended as legal or tax advice. Accordingly, any information provided in this document
is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be
imposed on the taxpayer. The tax information was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s)
addressed, and you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
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important information
AXA Advisors believes that education is a key step toward addressing your financial goals, and this material
is designed to serve simply as an informational and educational resource. Accordingly, this material does not
offer or constitute investment advice and makes no direct or indirect recommendation of any particular
product or of the appropriateness of any particular investment-related option. Your needs, goals, and
circumstances are unique, and they require the individualized attention of your financial professional. But for
now, take some time just to learn more.
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agenda
The New Retirement Realities
Overcoming the Challenges:
Retirement planning guidelines for the four major life stages —
Building Assets, Protecting Assets, Enjoying Retirement, Leaving
a Legacy
Working with a Financial Professional
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the new retirement realities
We’re living longer retirement costs more
Continued inflation
Increased market volatility
Higher taxes?
Rising interest rates?
Social Security and Medicare uncertainty
Reduced or no employer retirement support
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retirement may last longer and could cost more
Sources:
Median Life Expectancy: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus14.pdf#015
Average Retirement Age Retirement 2015: http://www.gallup.com/poll/168707/average-retirement-age-rises.aspx.
Average Age of Retirement: 1960: www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2001/10/art2full.pdf, p 14,
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inflation is down...but not out
Based on an average historical (1913-2015) inflation
rate of 3.18%1…
…you will need $209 in 25 years to purchase goods
valued at $100 today.2
In 25 Years: $51,638
Subaru Outback Station Wagon Cost
1) Source: http://inflationdata.com/Inflation/Inflation/DecadeInflation.asp
2) Source: http://www.buyupside.com/calculators/inflationjan08.htm
3) Source: http://www.subaru.com
Today: $24,995
In 25 Years: $52,334
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Monthly Close - Dow Jones Industrial Average
January 2009 – January 4, 2016
The markets are volatile…
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fewer pensions and gold watches
Trend is that fewer employers providing guaranteed lifetime pensions.
Greater job turnover means less build-up in 401(k)s, with less vesting.
There’s no protection against companies cutting their “matches.”
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Source: http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=3521&type=0
0
4
8
12
16
20
24
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2075
%ofGDP
Expenditure as a % of GDP
Medicaid
Medicare
Social Security
This chart illustrates a potential
path for the budget that highlights projections of
spending under current policies for the largest
federal entitlement programs—Social Security,
Medicare, and Medicaid.
social security and medicare in bad health
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make the most of the building years
Power of regular saving
The power of starting early
Tax breaks from the government
Additional tax advantaged opportunities
Investment choices/vehicles – risk and rewards – asset
allocation
Dollar-cost averaging
What if you need to save for college too?
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the power of regular saving
$2,400 year ($200/month) compounded annually
0 Percent
3 Percent
7 Percent
Hypothetical Example
Illustration does not take inflation, taxes, or management fees into account. This example is not
intended to indicate the performance of any specific investment. Rates of return will vary over
time, particularly for long-term investments. Investments offering the potential for higher rates of
return also involve a higher degree of risk. Actual results will vary.
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Age
Years
Until 65
Monthly
Contribution
Total
Contribution
Growth*
Total
Value
25 40 $189 $90,905 $409,095 $500,000
30 35 $276 $115,920 $384,070 $500,000
35 30 $407 $146,689 $353,311 $500,000
40 25 $614 $184,090 $315,905 $500,000
45 20 $954 $229,023 $270,977 $500,000
50 15 $1,568 $282,299 $217,701 $500,000
* Chart assumes 7% growth for illustrative purposes. The figures are rounded and are not intended to indicate
the performance of any specific investments. Taxes, inflation and fees were not taken into consideration. Rates
of return will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Investments offering the potential for higher
rates of return also involve a higher degree of risk. Actual results will vary.
Hypothetical Example
the sooner you begin investing, the better
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From your employer
• Roth after-tax (401(k) / 403(b))
• Pre-tax (401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE or SEP IRA, etc.)
• Don’t lose your employer’s match! (free money)
• Rollovers and consolidation
On your own (Traditional or Roth IRA)
• When you can, contribute to both 401(k) and IRA
• Spousal IRAs
• SEP IRA for side business
• When to consolidate scattered IRAs
Note: Withdrawals for these types of plans are taxable and if taken prior to age 59½
may also be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty.
don’t overlook your employer-sponsored retirement plans or IRAs
for tax breaks
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Fixed Annuities
• Tax-deferred accumulation
• Guaranteed* Retirement Income
Municipal Bonds
• Can be purchased individually or through funds
• Can be triple tax free
Permanent Life Insurance
• Death benefit and potential to build cash value
• Tax-deferred accumulation
* Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company
additional tax-advantaged opportunities
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the critical importance of asset allocation
Chart illustrates sample portfolio asset allocations. Allocations are presented only as examples and are not intended as investment advise. Please
note that asset allocation does not guarantee a favorable outcome. Consult a financial professional if you have any questions about how these
examples may apply to your situation. Sources: Standard and Poor’s; Center for Research and Security Prices; Morgan Stanley; the Federal
Reserve. For the 20-year period ended 12/31/05.
30%
40%
30%
Stocks
Bonds
Treasury Bills
Nearing/In Retirement
Low Risk
Portfolio Risk Level
Middle-Aged
Moderate Risk
Younger Investors
Aggressive Risk
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Not based on “hot tips” or hearsay
Research and analyze your investments
choose your investments wisely
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the advantages of dollar-cost averaging
Lets you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when they rise.
Schedule
Regular
Investment
Market Price
/Share
Shares
Acquired
Accumulated
Shares
Total Investment
Value
Month 1 $120 $5.00 24 24 $120
Month 2 $120 $2.50 48 72 $180
Month 3 $120 $4.00 30 102 $408
Month 4 $120 $6.00 20 122 $732
Month 5 $120 $8.00 15 137 $1,096
Investment in 5 months: $600 for 137 shares –––– Average cost per share: $4.38 –––– Total Value: $1,096
The result: dollar-cost averaging typically provides a lower average cost per share, and therefore
the potential for higher profit over time.
This table is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of any investment. Please note that
dollar-cost averaging does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Dollar-cost averaging
involves continuously investing in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels, an investor should consider his/her
ability to continue purchasing through low price periods.
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what if you need to save for college at the same time?
May seem counterintuitive, but …
Many sources of college grants and loans
No sources of retirement gifts and loans
Greater gift to your children to first provide for an independent
retirement than to end up depending on them later in life
Great if you can save for both, but save for college only after
maximizing your company matches and IRS retirement account
tax advantages
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it’s what you keep that counts
The closer you get to retirement, the more
you need to protect your nest egg:
From the market
From inflation
From taxes
From financial failure of provider
From yourself
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reducing the impact of market volatility
Asset allocation
Careful investment selection
Dollar-cost averaging
Rebalancing
Products with guarantees
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investing to attempt to outpace inflation
Source: http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/histretSP.html
http://dqydj.net/sp-500-return-calculator/
http://www.in2013dollars.com/1926-dollars-in-2015?amount=100
Investments and inflation between 1926 and 2015
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the power of tax deferral
The chart is for illustrative purposes only.
466,096
320,714
374,572
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
$500,000
This hypothetical illustration shows how a $100,000 investment in a tax-
deferred account versus a fully taxable account after 20 years. It
assumes an individual is in the 25% tax bracket, as well as an 8% return.
This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes
only. The 8% return is not intended to reflect the actual
performance of any product or any other investment.
This example does not reflect deductions for any fees
or expenses -- such as the mortality expense charge,
sales charge, or administrative fee that are assessed
with a variable annuity -- which would reduce the
investment performance shown. The AXA Equitable
Accumulator variable annuity for example contains a
mortality and expense charge of 0.80%, distribution
charge of 0.30% and an administrative fee of 0.30%
Tax rates and tax treatment of earnings may impact
comparative results. Lower maximum tax rates on
capital gains and dividends would make the return of
the taxable investment more favorable, thereby
reducing the difference in performance between the
accounts shown. State and local taxes should also be
considered. Withdrawals made prior to age 591/2 may
result in an additional 10% federal tax penalty.
Please consider your personal investment horizon and
income tax bracket, both current and anticipated, when
making an investment decision as these may further
impact the results of the comparison.
Tax-Deferred
Investment
(Before Tax)
Fully
Taxable
Investment
Tax-Deferred
Investment
(After Tax)
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Stock ratings
Mutual fund ratings
Bond ratings
Insurer ratings
Bank ratings
identifying quality & strength
Examples of rating Firms:
Morningstar
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
A.M. Best
Bankrate.com
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retirement years – considerations
Sources of retirement income
How to potentially maximize/extend your income
How to maintain a minimum lifetime income
Maximizing your Social Security benefits
Long Term Care planning
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sources of retirement income
Pensions
Social Security
Savings Accounts
Annuities
401(k) – employee retirement plans
IRAs
General (taxable) investment accounts
Dividend-paying stocks
Bonds
Mutual funds
Exchange traded funds
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making the most of your retirement income
Get the right asset allocation for you
Determine your withdrawal rate
Seek to maximize dividends and interest
Get income guarantees
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how to get lifetime income security
Immediate fixed annuities
Variable annuities with
living benefits
Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement
purposes. In essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which
payment(s) are made to an insurance company, which agrees to pay out
an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are contract
limitations and fees and charges associated with annuities, which
include, but are not limited to, mortality and expense risk charges, sales
and withdrawal charges, administrative fees, and charges for optional
benefits. Amount in a variable annuity’s investment portfolios are subject
to fluctuation in value and market risk, including loss of principal. A
financial professional can provide cost information and complete details.
Guarantees of a minimum income amount are generally optional, require
an additional fee, and contain certain restrictions and limitations.
Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing
insurance company.
Withdrawals from annuities may be subject to normal income tax
treatment and if taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to an additional
10% federal income tax penalty. Withdrawals may also be subject to a
contractual withdrawal charge.
Living Benefits are optional riders that can be added at an additional fee.
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long term care planning
Increasing need – children/relatives may be less available for elder care
People age 65 will face at least a 40 percent lifetime risk of entering a
nursing home sometime during their lifetime*
Care is expensive – average annual cost of a private room in a nursing
home in the U.S. is $50,000 a year. In some regions, it can easily cost
twice that amount*
LTC not paid by Medicare; home care not covered by Medicaid
LTC insurance premiums may be tax deductible
With LTC insurance, the younger you purchase typically the lower the
premiums
* Source: https://longtermcare.genworth.com/comweb/consumer/pdfs/long_term_care/GE805_AHIP_Guide_Crono.pdf
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preserving an estate and maximizing legacies – considerations
Estate taxes
Estate planning strategies
Life insurance
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guarding against estate taxes
The potential amount of
your estate that may go to
federal estate taxes and
not your heirs.
40%*
The maximum estate tax rate is now 40 percent with an applicable
exclusion amount of $5.45 million.
Source: www.irs.gov
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do you intend to leave behind a legacy?
A comprehensive estate plan enables you to:
Decide who receives a share of your assets
Decide how and when your beneficiaries receive
their inheritance
Decide who will manage your estate
Select a guardian for your young children
Provide for the orderly continuance or sale of
a family business
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Provides “instant estate”
Can fill in gaps in support
Can pay estate taxes
Proceeds may be income-tax free
Can keep a business/professional practice
alive, owned by those you wish
Can provide extra amounts for charities
and schools
Life insurance contains certain exclusions, limitations and terms for keeping it in force.
For costs and complete details of coverage, contact a financial professional.
life insurance can help make a difference
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benefits of using a financial professional
A financial professional has the experience and know-how to:
Develop a strategy to help you address your retirement goals and objectives
Provide objective, unemotional guidance and answers to your retirement questions
Recommend appropriate financial products
Potentially help minimize the bite of taxes
Review your situation regularly, and provide ongoing check-ups
Refer you to other necessary professionals – Estate Planning attorneys and
accountants
Reduce your stress and save time
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retirement escape with confidence
Start saving for retirement early
Take advantage of helping hands along the way –– tax breaks and
employer matches
Use asset allocation and other proven investment strategies
Protect your assets — from taxes, the markets, health costs, yourself
Maximize your retirement income and final legacies
Consider using a professional(s)
Review your financial situation regularly
49. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary
initial consultation, please email us at info@ascedndplanning.com or call
(703) 205-0402.
Our difference is our team.
Ascend Planning & Consulting, LLC is comprised of a group of top
financial advisors who are registered representatives of one of the
nation’s largest and financially strong financial companies, AXA
Advisors, LLC. Under the direction of our founders, we have assembled
a highly sophisticated and knowledgeable group of advisors to help you
with all of your business and personal planning needs.
Ascend Planning & Consulting, LLC is not a registered investment
advisor and is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA Network.