Financial Information

The markets are falling fast, and there’s a significant downturn in investment performance.  Most investors think that the tumbling market performance is caused directly by the recession; however, there’s more to poor long-term investment performance than the recession.  If you’re in the midst of retirement planning and are worried about your 401(k) retirement fund, then pay attention to this article, since it might mean the difference between a bare-bones retirement nest egg and your dream of a Florida retirement!

Many baby boomers are growing increasing nervous that overall long-term investment performance has been on the decline – but surprisingly, the fault doesn’t completely lie with the investment firms, investment advisors and other financial professionals who are helping you with your retirement planning.  The major contributing factor to poor long-term investment performance has much to do with many investors’ inabilities to stomach a wildly fluctuating market.  A recent study by Dalbar, Inc. found that a less-than-ideal holding period was responsible for the decline of investment performance, since many investors sought to sell their shares after only four to six years in the market, despite any long-term expectations or investment strategies. 

Another major contributing factor to the downturn in long-term investment performance lies in the inability of investors to guess prime investing opportunities and timelines; in other words, investors are more likely to invest when markets on the rise.  Due to this feeling of joie de vivre when the market boom is fruitful, many investors will move their money away from safe investments in the anticipation that they will still make money.  Therefore, savvy investors will invest even during the slowest periods of economic growth, and always be sure to make safe investments.  After all, just because the market might look like it could grow forever, doesn’t mean you should stop making smart investment strategies for your retirement savings!

If you’re headed towards retirement, keep strong during the tough times if you want to see a healthy long-term investment performance with your portfolio; your investment advisor will thank you for it!

For more information on smart retirement planning, visit www.kenhimmler.com, the IRA and 401(k) experts!

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.

Amy is your typical baby boomer saving away for her retirement in another ten years.  She’s been making regular contributions to her 401K retirement fund, has a registered investment advisor educating her about profitable and safe investments and has a diversified portfolio that provides a solid foundation for her savings.  Amy feels as though she’s more than ready for her retirement – yet she’s forgotten one key factor that could drain her retirement savings within a few years: what about retirement living?

It’s easy to let your residence slip when considering your retirement goals, just like Amy has; after all, many baby boomers assume that they’ll be living in the same house throughout the duration of their golden years.  Yet what happens when plans change, and you’re suddenly considering Florida retirement or one of many continuing care retirement communities?  A savvy saver knows that life has a funny way of changing things just as a person has settled into routine – so don’t let a change in living plans suck away at your retirement nest egg!

Although you may be focused on spending the rest of your days traveling and playing rounds of golf with friends, it’s important to take into consideration the fact that you might have to spend the last phase of your retirement in a retirement center or a continuing care retirement community.  After all, while many seniors are able to live independently, there are those who have to spend some time in a retirement home.  Make sure that you plan ahead for this potential scenario by boosting your retirement goals; it’ll spare your family and loved ones significant financial burden!

Additionally, many retirees get itchy feet through their golden years and decide to move somewhere new.  Florida remains a hubbub of popular retirement living, while many retirees are choosing to relocate to a different and exciting country altogether.  While you may be determined to stay in your current residence, don’t let your retirement savings dwindle if you suddenly crave a change of scenery!

For more information on smart retirement planning, visit www.kenhimmler.com, the IRA and 401K experts!

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.

Retirement planning can often seem like an arduous task that makes one feel as though he or she needs a financial degree from Harvard in order to understand it all.  If you’re looking at your retirement savings and wondering how you can bolster, protect or even plan ahead for it, you may be tempted to head to your nearest investment advisor.

However, you don’t have to have an advanced degree in order to get the ball rolling on your retirement plans; in fact, there are plenty of free retirement tools available right now that can help you to plan ahead for that Florida retirement or investment property in Spain!

Never underestimate the power of the retirement calculator.  This handy tool will help you with your retirement planning, since it calculates exactly how much you’ll need to save in order to have the retirement of your dreams.  Just input “retirement calculator” into your favorite search engine and watch at all of the free results that pop up!

Additionally, many investment firms and registered investment advisors now offer free financial advice at an initial consultation.  It’s a great way to get a feel for your investment options and how they relate to your retirement; plus, you won’t have to spend a single penny to get some great advice!

Don’t forget that your employer may also offer classes on smart retirement strategies, especially if you work for a larger company.  Take advantage of these seminars and educate yourself on everything from 401Ks to IRAs and mutual funds – your retirement savings will thank you for it!

It is so important to make sure you do your research before investing. For more information on smart retirement planning, visit www.kenhimmler.com, the IRA and 401K experts!

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.