It seems to be a common theme at cocktail parties: “With the way the market is going now, I don’t think I will ever be able to retire.” But is it really that bad? What are the retirement challenges you need to prepare for? Million Dollar Nest Egg? At first glance, it certainly looks like […]
Archive | Retirement
Facts About Social Security Benefits
It’s easy to take Social Security for granted when retirement is years away, but with 94% of the U.S. workforce covered by Social Security, it’s likely that this program will play a role in your financial future, perhaps even sooner than you think. Here are some facts and statistics from the Social Security Administration that […]
Are You Ready to Retire?
Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether or not you are ready to retire. Is your nest egg adequate? It’s obvious, but the earlier you retire, the less time you’ll have to save, and the more years you’ll be living off of your retirement savings. The average American can expect to live […]
Using Buckets of Money for Retirement Income
Some retirees are able to live solely on the earnings that their investment portfolios produce, but most also have to figure out how to draw down their principal over time. Market volatility can present special challenges when you know that your nest egg needs to supply income for living expenses for many years into the […]
What Rate of Return Should I Expect from Stocks?
That depends on many factors, including your time frame, and the types of stocks that are part of your portfolio. Many retirement planning calculators project a portfolio’s future value based on historical returns. However, please remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and it is always good to question such assumptions. […]
Making the Most of Your 401(k) Plan
A 401(k) plan represents one of the most powerful retirement savings opportunities available today. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, and you’re not participating in it, you are not taking advantage of one of the most efficient investments that can be used for retirement. Contribute As Much As Possible The more you can save for […]