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Reinventing Your Retirement New Realities For New Challenges For Clear View

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Reinventing Your Retirement New Realities For New Challenges For Clear View

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This presentation is part of the Transition Assistance Plan workshop series offered through Salem Works.

While many things in life are uncertain, we can control how we make better decisions. This presentation highlights the fundamental approach needed for short-term fixes and getting back on track long-term.

This presentation is part of the Transition Assistance Plan workshop series offered through Salem Works.

While many things in life are uncertain, we can control how we make better decisions. This presentation highlights the fundamental approach needed for short-term fixes and getting back on track long-term.

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Reinventing Your Retirement New Realities For New Challenges For Clear View

  1. 1. Reinventing Your Retirement PA0000.029.0405 New Reality, New Challenges Transition Assistance Plan TIPS for Salem Works May 18, 2009 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP® Member, Financial Planning Association Rated Advisor, Paladin Registry [email_address] www.moneylinkpro.wordpress.com Direct: 978-388-0020 Cell: 978-621-8268
  2. 2. Resource Links <ul><li>www.moneylinkpro.wordpress.com </li></ul><ul><li>http://www.cfp.com/learn/ </li></ul><ul><li>http://www.fpaforfinancialplanning.org/ </li></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  3. 3. Common Comments Today <ul><li>How Do I Get Back on Track? </li></ul><ul><li>Where’s My Bailout? </li></ul><ul><li>How Will I Be Able to Afford to Retire? </li></ul><ul><li>Who Will Be There to Help Me? </li></ul>Source of data: Employee Benefits Research Institute (EBRI) 2005 Survey PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  4. 4. Today’s Presentation <ul><li>10 Tips to Financial Health </li></ul><ul><li>Reviewing the Fundamentals of Investing </li></ul><ul><li>Retirement Plan Distributions </li></ul><ul><li>Understanding the Impact of Your Behavior on Financial Success </li></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  5. 5. What’s a Person to Do? <ul><li>Develop a plan </li></ul><ul><li>Increase your savings </li></ul><ul><li>Invest with clear goals in mind </li></ul><ul><li>Review your plan regularly </li></ul><ul><li>Review estate planning needs </li></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  6. 6. Back to Basics <ul><li>Have a Plan – Every House Starts with a Blueprint </li></ul><ul><li>Have SMART Goals </li></ul><ul><li>Recalibrate Your Risk Temperature </li></ul><ul><li>Understand the Impact of Inflation & Taxes </li></ul><ul><li>Diversify: Your Mom’s Advice Was Right </li></ul><ul><li>Control What You Can – </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Don’t Panic Over the Press </li></ul></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  7. 7. Back to Basics -- Part 2 <ul><li>Your Asset Allocation </li></ul><ul><ul><li>It’s Not All About Buy & Hold </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Avoid the Common Mistakes </li></ul><ul><li>Control Your Costs </li></ul><ul><ul><li>With Your Lifestyle & Investments </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Take Care of the Ones You Love </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Insurance is for the Living & Day-to-Day </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Estate Planning is for Everyone </li></ul></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  8. 8. Understand the effects of taxes This is a hypothetical illustration and does not represent the performance of a specific investment option. Taxable distributions (and certain deemed distributions) are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, may also be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Early surrender charges may apply. 1 Based on an assumed federal tax rate of 33% and assume no distributions. This chart is intended to illustrate the advantage of tax deferral. It does not project the actual performance of a specific product or its underlying funds. 2 Tax-deferred results do not reflect Total Insurance Charge or surrender charges, or the $30 annual maintenance fee, which is waived for contract anniversary values of $50,000 or more and no Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Please note that no federal income taxes have been paid on the results. Taxable Illustration 1 Tax-Deferred Illustration 2 $100,000 9% 33% 33% Starting investments Rate of return Tax rate Tax rate on 9% = 6% net $100,000 9% 33% 0% Starting investments Rate of return Tax rate Tax rate on 9% = 9% net It will take 12 years to double your investment. 72 ÷ 6% = 12 years It will take 8 years to double your investment. 72 ÷ 9% = 8 years $100,000 Start $100,000 Start $200,000 12 years $200,000 8 years $400,000 24 years $400,000 16 years $800,000 24 years
  9. 9. Inflation Matters What Will It Cost to Maintain Your Lifestyle? Be prepared to double your money if you’re retired for 25 years!! PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP® What 3% Inflation Can Do to a $30,000 Per Year Standard of Living 5 Years $34,778 10 Years $40,317 15 Years $46,739 20 Years $54,183 25 Years $62,813
  10. 10. Auto 340% College Tuition (not including boarding and books) Home 1978: $6,379 2004: $28,050 1978: $37,229 116% 2004: $80,328 1978: $62,500 2004: $225,000 260% Understand the effects of inflation Source: NADA Industry Analysis Division, May, 2005 Source: The College Board, 2005 Source: US Census Bureau, 2005
  11. 11. The Investment Pyramid PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP® Growth Current Income Cash Equivalent Savings Higher Risk/Higher Reward Potential Lower Risk/Lower Reward Potential
  12. 12. Stocks were up 71% of the time—57 up periods, 23 down Stocks were up 99% of the time—70 up periods, 1 down Potential Return Stocks were up 87% of the time—66 up periods, 10 down Dec. 31, 1925–Dec. 31, 2005 Potential Return Potential Return Dec. 31, 1925–Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 31, 1925–Dec. 31, 2005 One-year Holding periods Five-year Holding periods Ten-year Holding periods The Advantages of Diversification and Equities INDEX PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS This illustration is for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent the performance of The Hartford Mutual Funds, The Hartford variable annuities, or any particular investment. The S&P 500 Index is unmanaged. You cannot invest directly in the S&P 500 Index. Assumes reinvestment of income and no transaction cost. Data source: Wiesenberger, 1/06
  13. 13. Wall Street: The Rise in Red Ink – Newsweek How Many Lean Years? – Newsweek The Economy: Blood, Sweat and Tears – Newsweek The Death of Equities – Business Week Staring into the Abyss…crash is a shocking warning that the economy is living on borrowed time – U.S. News & World Report After an Economic Heart Attack: The crisis calls for emergency treatment to calm the markets –and a long-term plan to restore the nations fiscal health – Newsweek How the Bull Crashed Into Reality – Business Week “… the flight of individual investors and the breakdown of the markets foreshadow the end of the capitalistic system as we have known it.” – Business Week Don’t panic over the Press
  14. 14. Wall Street: The Rise in Red Ink – April 16, 1973 How Many Lean Years? – August 5, 1974 The Economy: Blood, Sweat and Tears – August 12, 1974 The Death of Equities – August 13,1979 Staring into the Abyss…crash is a shocking warning that the economy is living on borrowed time – November 2, 1987 After an Economic Heart Attack: The crisis calls for emergency treatment to calm the markets –and a long-term plan to restore the nations fiscal health – November 2, 1987 How the Bull Crashed Into Reality – November 2, 1987 “… the flight of individual investors and the breakdown of the markets foreshadow the end of the capitalistic system as we have known it.” – September 14, 1974 Don’t panic over the Press … History Does Repeat and So Do the Headlines
  15. 15. Don’t panic over the Press INDEX PAST PERFORMANCE IS NO INDICATION OF FUTURE RESULTS The S&P 500 Index is unmanaged and does not represent the performance of any particular investments. You can not invest directly into the S&P 500 Index. Assumes reinvestment of income and no transaction cost. Source: Compilation of both the Bloomberg and Wiesenberger, 1/06. Looking past the current crisis There will always be reasons not to invest. However, in the long-run, even investments made on the worst days of the century, ones with the most upheaval and instability, have historically done well. For example, if you invested $100 S&P 500 Index on December 31, 1936, and added $100 on some of the worst days of the century (instability that was reflected in the market’s performance), what would the outcome be? By December 2005, despite those declines, an investment would have accumulated $407,721. The parenthesis notes the date of the addition.
  16. 16. Four Numbers You Need to Know Comparing Returns: Average Annual Returns From Stocks, Bonds and Treasury Bills Over the Last 54 Years (12/31/54–12/31/08) PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  17. 17. Let’s Talk About Risk <ul><li>Risk is the chance of not meeting your goals </li></ul><ul><li>Risk is a natural, necessary part of investing </li></ul><ul><li>A majority of Americans continue to have most of their money in investments that aren’t beating inflation </li></ul><ul><li>The greatest risk to financial success can be taking no risk at all </li></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  18. 18. TIPS TO REBUILDING FINANCIAL HEALTH <ul><li>What You Can Do Now … </li></ul>Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  19. 19. 1.) Let’s Get Physical … Getting Your Nest Egg Off the Couch and Back Into Shape <ul><li>Finding Balance is Not Just for Yoga </li></ul><ul><li>Rebalancing Reduces Risk and May Lead to Bigger Future Gains </li></ul>Source of data: Schwab Center for Financial Research PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP® $2.9M $3.5M Never Rebalanced Annually Rebalanced
  20. 20. Source of data: vanguard Center for Retirement Research 2.) Diversify to Protect <ul><li>A 60%-stock / 40%-bond Mix in Action </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Since 1926 this mix has returned 8.5% versus 8.1% for a 50%/50% Mix </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Use an Auto-Rebalancing Feature </li></ul><ul><li>Too Much of a Good Thing Can Give You More than a Headache </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Trim holdings in US Treasuries to no more than 20% of total bond/fixed income portfolio </li></ul></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  21. 21. 3.) Understand Your Self PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP® “ People don’t change their behavior unless it makes a difference for them to do so.” – Fran Tarkenton American Football player, Businessman, Author, Corporate Consultant Traditional Finance Theory versus Actual Reality
  22. 22. Behavioral Finance <ul><li>“ Investors </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Are not totally rational </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Often act based on imperfect information </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Markets </li></ul><ul><ul><li>May be difficult to beat in the long term </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>In the short term, there are anomalies and excesses” </li></ul></ul>CC0000.068.0803 ®
  23. 23. Behavioral Finance CC0000.068.0803 <ul><li>Loss aversion </li></ul><ul><li>Narrow framing </li></ul><ul><li>Anchoring </li></ul><ul><li>Mental accounting </li></ul><ul><li>Naïve Diversification </li></ul><ul><li>Disposition effect </li></ul><ul><li>Herding </li></ul><ul><li>Regret </li></ul><ul><li>Media response </li></ul><ul><li>Optimism </li></ul><ul><li>Take Your Risk Temperature: www.myriskprofile.com </li></ul><ul><li>Risk Profiles Change Over Time Usually Because of Market Conditions </li></ul><ul><li>Financial Planning May Help Us Avoid Bubbles </li></ul><ul><li>(see www.moneylinkpro.wordpress.com) </li></ul>®
  24. 24. 4.) Lose Rate <ul><li>Consider Refinancing Your Home Loan </li></ul><ul><li>Refinance or Get a New Home Equity Line for Emergencies </li></ul><ul><li>Talk with an Experienced Real Estate Attorney About a Loan Modification </li></ul>CC0000.068.0803 5.) Boost Your Credit Score <ul><li>Check Your Credit Report for Errors or Possible ID Theft </li></ul><ul><li>Go to www.annualcreditreport.com </li></ul><ul><li>Check out these consumer info sites: www.ftc.gov or www.idtheftcenter.org </li></ul><ul><li>Avoid balance transfers or using more than 50% of line </li></ul>®
  25. 25. 6.) Lighten the Load <ul><li>Review Recurring Charges to Identify Items to Cut </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Those Movie Channels You Rarely Watch </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Calling Features on Phone Services </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Negotiate with Providers for Lower Fees </li></ul><ul><ul><li>They’d Rather Keep You than Lose You </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Empower Your Kids to Handle Their Own Budget – A Great Learning Tool </li></ul><ul><li>Consider the “Latte Factor” </li></ul>CC0000.068.0803 ®
  26. 26. 7.) Safety Net Makeover <ul><li>Review All Your Insurance Coverage </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Don’t Skimp in the Wrong Places </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Poor Coverage Will Leave You Exposed </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Life Insurance: Newer Actuarial Tables Mean Possible Lower Rates if Current Policy > 5 yrs old and Health Hasn’t Changed </li></ul><ul><li>Auto & Home: Raise the Deductible, Reap the Savings </li></ul><ul><li>Real Estate: File a “Homestead Declaration” </li></ul><ul><li>Health: Talk with an Insurance Specialist about post-COBRA options </li></ul><ul><li>ID Theft: Take Steps to Protect Yourself </li></ul>CC0000.068.0803 ®
  27. 27. 8.) Estate Planning Decide Now or Someone Else Will CC0000.068.0803 <ul><li>Now’s the time to get your affairs in order: </li></ul><ul><li>Health Care Directives – </li></ul><ul><li>Remember Terry Schiavo? </li></ul><ul><li>Durable Power of Attorney </li></ul><ul><li>“ Simple” Will – Your Life is Probably More Complex but It’s a Start </li></ul><ul><li>Guardianship for Minors </li></ul><ul><li>Trusts – Great Way to Lower Probate Costs & Protect Privacy </li></ul>®
  28. 28. 9.) Roll, Roll, Roll Your Egg Retirement Plan Distribution Strategies CC0000.068.0803 <ul><li>A.) Leave It </li></ul><ul><li>Cannot make additional contributions </li></ul><ul><li>Limited investment choices </li></ul><ul><li>Plan may change if company changes hands </li></ul><ul><li>Potential for tax issues based on payout to heirs </li></ul><ul><li>B.) Transfer It to New Employer </li></ul><ul><li>Same as ‘A’ above </li></ul><ul><li>C.) Cash-Out/Lump Sum = TAXES </li></ul><ul><li>D.) Roll to Your IRA = More Options </li></ul>®
  29. 29. 9.) Roll, Roll, Roll Your Egg Retirement Plan Distribution Strategies CC0000.068.0803 <ul><li>Consider a “self-directed” IRA </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Option to invest in a number of non-traditional alternatives like real estate, operating businesses or franchises. </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Consider starting a business and opening a solo-401(k) with a loan option; roll your old 401(k) into the new plan and then take a loan without jeopardizing the tax-deferral status </li></ul>®
  30. 30. 10.) College Funding is A Retirement Issue CC0000.068.0803 <ul><li>If your child is already in school or getting ready to attend in fall 2009: </li></ul><ul><li>Call the Financial Aid Officer and let them know </li></ul><ul><li>Appeal any awards </li></ul><ul><li>If your child is within 3 years of attending: </li></ul><ul><li>Minimize assets held by the child </li></ul><ul><li>Consider starting a business – it reduces income and assets used in financial aid calculations </li></ul>®
  31. 31. What Advantages Does a Fee-Only Fiduciary Financial Planner Offer to You? The Value of Advice … Work with an Advisor Working On Your Side <ul><li>Experience </li></ul><ul><li>Time </li></ul><ul><li>Resources </li></ul><ul><li>Knowledge </li></ul><ul><li>Investment Planning </li></ul><ul><li>Investment Discipline </li></ul><ul><li>An Understanding of the Effects of Taxes </li></ul>
  32. 32. What Should You Do Next? <ul><li>Find a Fee-Only CFP ® Professional Through the Resource Links Provided </li></ul><ul><li>Learn More. Sign up for Financial Topics/Financial Planning Strategies e-newsletters. </li></ul><ul><li>Check out www.investorwatchdog.com and www.moneylinkpro.wordpress.com for more comments, information and resource links. </li></ul><ul><li>Call for a complimentary Money Tune Up, Portfolio Review or College Money Assessment </li></ul><ul><li>Call 978-388-0020 to discuss any questions. </li></ul>PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®
  33. 33. Reinventing Your Retirement PA0000.029.0405 Steve Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP® 978-388-0020 A Q &

Notes de l'éditeur

  • Thank you all for attending this seminar. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss your investment planning needs both in the pre-retirement years and more importantly, to continue to invest during your retirement years. Because people are living longer, healthier lives, it’s important that you don’t find yourself in a perilous position down the road. Plan now so your money will continue to work for you even well into your retirement years. Today we’re going to present to you some current retirement statistics and we’ll cover some investment basics. We’ll also discuss how to build a solid and diversified portfolio that can help you achieve your financial goals. We have also drawn up a number of hypothetical case studies, each illustrating a different financial challenge. Lastly, we’ll discuss the benefits of working with a financial advisor and how to find one who understands your needs.
  • When asked about their most common concerns, people approaching retirement and those who are already retired responded worrying most about fear of outliving their resources. Personal health and the health of one’s spouse were also primary concerns. These concerns are reinforced by the EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute) 2005 survey. Chief among concerns of retired people are 1) having enough money for basic expenses; 2) not outliving their retirement savings; 3) having enough money for medical expenses and 4) having enough money to pay for long-term care. The problem is that most people – whether they are retired or working – tend to put off making investment decisions until it’s too late.
  • Thank you all for attending this seminar. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss your investment planning needs both in the pre-retirement years and more importantly, to continue to invest during your retirement years. Because people are living longer, healthier lives, it’s important that you don’t find yourself in a perilous position down the road. Plan now so your money will continue to work for you even well into your retirement years. Today we’re going to present to you some current retirement statistics and we’ll cover some investment basics. We’ll also discuss how to build a solid and diversified portfolio that can help you achieve your financial goals. We have also drawn up a number of hypothetical case studies, each illustrating a different financial challenge. Lastly, we’ll discuss the benefits of working with a financial advisor and how to find one who understands your needs.
  • As you near retirement, you need to review your current situation and make a realistic inventory of your income sources and expense needs at retirement. Develop a savings and investment plan with an eye on the goal of retiring comfortably. As we already mentioned, experts estimate you will need 75-80% of your pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement. Consider increasing the amount you save and make sure your investments are allocated to maximize the potential of reaching your goals. There are many types of investments for you to choose from which we will discuss a little later. Reviewing your main sources of retirement income within a few years of your planned retirement is important. First you can develop a specific projection of your total retirement income. Second you can begin to determine your level of involvement in the management of your funds after you retire. Many people who are approaching retirement have not reviewed their estate planning needs for many years. Making the transition to retirement provides an excellent opportunity to review and revise your estate plans.
  • Compared to previous generations, today’s retirees are living longer, healthier and more active lives. The older population will continue to grow significantly in the future. By 2030 there will be about 70 million older persons, more than twice the number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4% of the population in 2000, but are expected to grow to be 20% of the population by 2030. With this increased lifespan comes a score of new opportunities but as we’ll see in a few minutes, along with these opportunities, come some formidable financial challenges.
  • Compared to previous generations, today’s retirees are living longer, healthier and more active lives. The older population will continue to grow significantly in the future. By 2030 there will be about 70 million older persons, more than twice the number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4% of the population in 2000, but are expected to grow to be 20% of the population by 2030. With this increased lifespan comes a score of new opportunities but as we’ll see in a few minutes, along with these opportunities, come some formidable financial challenges.
  • However, the rule of 72 doesn’t take taxes into account. What do taxes do to your investment rate of return? [Read Slide] Here, we illustrate the difference between a taxable and tax-deferred investment for a taxpayer in the 33% tax bracket, based on assumed federal tax rate. Investments are subject to market risks and there is no assurance that compounding alone will provide positive investment results.
  • The average annual rate of inflation over the last 15 years, through 12/31/04, was 2.85%. You might not think that low rate of inflation has an impact on your finances or your purchasing power. However, over time it has a tremendous impact. Since most retirees are expected to live many years in retirement, inflation will have an even greater chance to erode your assets.
  • Did you buy a new car recently? Did you pay more for that car than you did for your first house? These charts illustrate the impact of inflation. Car: According to the National Automobile Dealer Association, the average automobile in 1978 cost $6,379. In 2004, the average automobile jumped in cost by 340% to $28,050. That equals an average annual increase over 6%. College: According to The College Board, the average cost of four years at a private college in 1978 was $37,229. By 2004, the same four years tuition, not including room and board, at a private college cost $80,328 -- an increase of 116%. That equals an average annual increase over 3%. It is projected that college will cost $140,240 by the year 2008. House: According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average cost of a home in 1978 was $62,500. By 2004, the average home increased in cost by 244% to $225,000. That equals an average annual increase over 5%.
  • This slide illustrates the investment pyramid. It depicts the risk/reward relationship among various investments. Think of the risk triangle as building a house. It must have a solid foundation. As you can see, cash equivalent investments like traditional bank products such as CDs and money markets are on the bottom. Why? Because they are considered most stable. They tend to fluctuate the least in value but they offer low returns. They are excellent choices for meeting short-term goals. As you go up the pyramid, both risk and potential reward increase. Income investments are in the middle and growth investments are on top. What investment you purchase and where it falls on the risk triangle is a personal decision. But remember, everything has a trade-off. If you want maximum safety, you’ll get low yields; if you want high returns, your principal will fluctuate widely. You should meet with a financial advisor to choose products based upon your own individual financial situation, goals and risk tolerance levels.
  • These charts show the effect of the S&amp;P 500 Index for different lengths of time. The longer an investor holds the stocks, the greater the potential for an overall positive return. Remember that historically, long-term investing has ridden out the daily ups and downs of the market. The longer that you hold onto stocks, the better your return potential. Holding an investment in the S&amp;P 500 for one year produced a gain 71% of the time. Holding an investment in the S&amp;P 500 for five years produced a gain 87% of the time. Holding an investment in the S&amp;P 500 for ten years produced a gain 99% of the time. Again, the longer that you hold onto stocks, the better your return potential.
  • Seen these recently? Here are some of the more dramatic headlines that have been featured on the front page of various publications. [Read slide] I’m sure they all look familiar; however, they aren’t as recent as you might think.
  • As you can see, history not only repeats itself, so do the doom and gloom prophets in the media.
  • History has shown that there is always a reason to get out of the market just as clearly as it has shown that staying in is the most profitable course of action. There will always be reasons not to invest. However, in the long-run, even investments made on the worst days of the century, ones with the most upheaval and instability, have historically done well. For example, if you invested $100 in the S&amp;P 500 Index on December 31, 1936, and added $100 on some of the worst days of the century (instability that was reflected in the market’s performance), what would the outcome be? By December 2005, despite those declines, an investment would have accumulated to $407,721. The parenthesis notes the date of the addition.
  • Now let’s look at the indices and the returns on investments we discussed earlier. Understanding how three major investment categories have historically performed – and knowing how inflation compares to their performance – is one of the basic premises of investing, and it’s really pretty simple. This slide illustrates historical returns for stocks, long-term government bonds and U.S. Treasury bills as compared to the rate of inflation. Note that stocks have historically returned almost double that of long-term government bonds over the long haul. As a comparison, look at the average annual total returns for the most recent 10-year period, i.e. 1995-2004 S&amp;P 500 Composite – 12.07% Long term Government Bond (Lehman Aggregate) 7.27% U.S. Treasury Bills – 8.71% Inflation – 2.5% The key to developing a successful portfolio is to find the right allocation of stocks, bonds and cash holdings across each of these investment categories. There are many choices within each of the categories in developing a successful portfolio. Your financial advisor can help you make the best choice, based on your goals, time-horizon and risk tolerance.
  • One element of investing that scares many investors – whether retired or still working – is the thought of losing some of their money in investments that decline in value. As a result, most Americans invest their retirement money in products that are too conservative. Remember, risk is two-dimensional. There is the possibility of investing in a product that may be too aggressive for you and which may decrease in value thus causing you to lose part of your principal. But there is also the possibility of investing in a product that is too conservative and doesn’t keep pace with inflation and taxes. If you invest too conservatively, you run the risk of outliving your resources and not having enough money to live a financially secure retirement. The rule of thumb is that the younger you are the more aggressive you can be because you’re investing for the long-term, but as you age, you need to re-evaluate your risk tolerance which may become more conservative over time. Risk is a natural, necessary part of investing. In fact, the greatest risk to financial success can be taking no risk at all.
  • Compared to previous generations, today’s retirees are living longer, healthier and more active lives. The older population will continue to grow significantly in the future. By 2030 there will be about 70 million older persons, more than twice the number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4% of the population in 2000, but are expected to grow to be 20% of the population by 2030. With this increased lifespan comes a score of new opportunities but as we’ll see in a few minutes, along with these opportunities, come some formidable financial challenges.
  • Each year the Employee Benefit Research Institute conducts a retirement confidence survey among pre-retirees and retirees. In their 2005 survey, retirees indicated they are already feeling the pinch of less income. Less than half of the retirees surveyed feel they will have enough money for basic expenses and only 25% felt they did a good job planning their retirement. Medical expenses are a major concern of retirees as is long-term care. And, a mere 23% believe they will not outlive their money.
  • The retirement years will be expensive and Social Security will only provide a portion of the money you will need to live comfortably. It is estimated that you will need between 70 and 80% of your pre-retirement income to support a comparable lifestyle. Since people are living well into their 80s and 90s, health care expenses will play an ever increasing role as you age. The low interest rates we have experienced over the last few years continue to affect savings growth. And, as always, inflation, even low inflation, continues to erode purchasing power. Lastly, taxes will always be a factor. As Ben Franklin said more than two hundred years ago – “The only two certainties in life are death and taxes.”
  • What Advantages Does an Investment Representative Offer to You? Experience: Investment representatives bring wisdom and knowledge gained from years as an investment professional to your financial needs and goals. Time: Investment representatives stay on top of the investment world so you don’t have to. Resources: Investment representatives are backed by the research, expertise, and additional support of the professional investment company. Knowledge: Investment representatives understand how different products work within different strategies. Investment Planning: Investment representatives help you determine your investment goals and risk tolerance. Investment Discipline: Investment representatives remind you of your investment goals and help you evaluate various moves based on those goals. Taxes: Investment representatives can help provide information about the tax consequences of different investment products and different investment moves. Neither The Hartford nor its employees or agents provide financial, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult with a qualified tax advisor for guidance in these areas.
  • If you haven’t done so recently, make an appointment to consult with (name of financial advisor) Prior to your appointment, gather all your necessary documents and spend a moment determining what your financial objectives are. During your appointment, discuss your financial needs and objectives and work with your financial advisor to develop a diversified and balanced portfolio based on your risk tolerance profile. Even diversification, though, doesn’t protect against investment loss. Once you have developed a financial plan, don’t forget to meet with your advisor regularly and keep him/her apprised of changes in your life so you can make any necessary changes to your portfolio mixture.

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