Are Your Social Security Records Accurate?
Are Your Social Security Records Accurate? Most everyone knows how important Social Security benefits are to financial security in retirement. Statistically, Social Security provides roughly half of all retirement income to retirees who had average lifetime earnings. While it may be a smaller percentage for higher income earners, it is still an important component and tends to be one of the few lifetime benefits that increase with inflation. Social Security is also a program workers have paid into over their working lifetime. Making sure your Social Security records are accurate so you...
Read MoreReady to Retire – what keeps you up at night?
Ready to Retire – What keeps you up at night? You’ve finally made it to that time in your life when retirement is in sight. Whether your projected retirement age is 62, 65, 67, or even 70 and beyond, what holds you back from retiring? What are your concerns, the thoughts that nag at you throughout the day and keep you up at night? Is it when to start your social security or even will it be around at all? Healthcare, how much will it cost, should I use a supplement or an advantage plan, what really is the difference between them? The cost of prescription drugs? Can I afford all this?...
Read MoreAcroynym Circus
Acronym Circus In 1981 The Johnson Companies created the first 401 (k) plan which allowed employees to contribute to their retirement plan through payroll deduction. So, from an employee perspective this is simple, how much do you want to contribute and where would you like to invest that among plan options. From a company or plan sponsor perspective maybe not so simple. Should I use a Stand-Alone Plan, a MEP’s, PEP’s, PEO’s GOP’s, ARP, or an exchange plan. Let’s take a look at what each plan is and we have provided a chart below with some of the similarities and differences. ...
Read MoreJob openings available, but Workers unwilling to work!
Job openings available, but Workers unwilling to work! In February of 2020 US unemployment was 3.5%, this represented 50 year low and employers could foresee a possible labor shortage on the horizon. Then the pandemic hit in February of 2020 and unemployment rose to 15% in March as we shut down many sectors of our economy. With so many Americans suffering, Congress stepped in and passed an array of assistance for struggling US workers. Congress has stimulated the economy allowing us to create a vaccine, get the cases of COVID 19 down to a manageable number, and open up the economy. Now...
Read More“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” – Anonymous
“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” – Anonymous Aging is an act that many individuals want to make gracefully. However, it is important to know that risks exist throughout all life stages. Today, let’s focus on risks in the retirement years. Statistically speaking, as we age, we lose cognitive abilities. Now is the best time to plan with your loved ones in mind; to protect wants, wishes, and desires for when they may lose a step or two. Baby boomers are ranging from ages 57-75 in 2021. According to The Alzheimer’s Association, 11% of those age 65+...
Read MoreQ3 2021 Global Asset Allocation Views
Q3 2021 Global Asset Allocation Views Market Review Stocks hit new highs as pandemic recedes – equity markets were finally able to hit new highs in June after trending sideways during the first part of the quarter. The latest grind higher was led by big tech after taking over leadership from cyclical sectors. Breadth has been weak as of late as the rotation from value to growth has occurred while the 10yr yield drops back below 1.5%. Almost all of the U.S. has fully opened up as covid restrictions have lifted. We are beginning to see travel pick up, and the return of large gatherings at...
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