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.

Saving up for a successful retirement can often seem like a shot in the dark.  After all, how much do you really need in order to enjoy a comfortable retirement, as well as be financially prepared for any emergencies, like increased medical bills, education for your grandchildren and so on?  It’s no longer enough to just contribute to your 401K retirement without setting a specific savings goal that you intend to reach upon your retirement age. 

So what’s a savvy saver like yourself to do?  Simple: whip out your retirement savings calculator!

The retirement savings calculator may sound like a high-tech tool that only registered investment advisors can use, but it’s actually quite easy for the average consumer to incorporate into his or her retirement planning.  You can pick up software for a retirement calculator from your investment firm, or you could simply head online and Google the search term for tons of free calculators. 

If you’re not exactly sure how to use a retirement calculator, no need to worry: it just takes a few specific goals in order to generate the amount of money you need in order to retire.  All you need to do is input your desired retirement age, the amount of money that you’re putting away now and what you think you’ll spend each month once you’ve reached your golden years.  The retirement savings calculator will then tell you what you’ll have saved if you keep contributing the same amount of money to your funds.  This will help put a clear goal in your mind if you have no idea what you need in order to enjoy your retirement to the fullest.

So once you’ve used your retirement savings calculator, what do you do next?  Take your findings to your investment advisor, where the two of you can discuss what investment options will get you to where you need to go. 

Don’t leave your retirement planning up to chance – gain control by using a free retirement savings calculator today!

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

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.

If you’ve done your retirement planning homework, then you know that an investment firm can really help your savings to go the distance.  A registered investment advisor will not only help you to choose the best investments for your funds – but he or she will also work hard with you to make sure that you quickly and easily meet your retirement goals!

Yet if the current economic climate has you a bit weary as to whether or not you should invest your hard-earned retirement savings – after all, if you follow the news reports and newspapers, you may think that you’ll lose your money in an instant! – take heart: investment firms are more dedicated than ever before to getting and keeping your business.  This means you can get some pretty fantastic services from your registered investment advisor without having to empty your retirement savings to pay for them!

So what exactly should you be looking for when choosing the right investment firm or advisor to boost your retirement nest egg?

You should make sure that your investment advisor knows what key assets to look for in a mutual fund, especially given the shaking condition that the economy is in.  It’s no longer enough to just check out a fund’s fees and performance; you need to research the actually manager of your portfolio as well.  Don’t just assume that all investment advisors or firms are the same – you need to take control of your money!  Make sure that your investment advisor has a long history of happy customers, and has a reputation for smart investments.  You need to know as much as you can about the person or company who will be handling your retirement savings, so don’t skimp out on this important step.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for bonus incentives from your investment firm.  For example, many firms now offer free classes on investment research for their clients as a way to educate them on boosting their retirement funds.  You could also ask for a discount in fees, since many investment firms and advisors are desperate for business.  Don’t be afraid to negotiate your way to a deal!

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

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.