Financial Information

It’s no secret that we’re knee-deep in one of the most severe recessions in several decades – and you need important investment advice to see you through the recession, particularly if you’re saving up for retirement.  Since more baby boomers than ever before are freezing contributions to their 401(k) retirement funds or cashing them out altogether, it’s time to dispense some investment advice that will recession-proof your retirement savings – and have you living the retirement plans that you’ve always dreamed of!

Investment firms and advisors are keen to let their golden-aged investors know this key piece of advice: whatever the condition of the recession, do not pull out of the market out of fear.  While every bone in your body might be telling you to pull your money out of your portfolio before you lose your life savings, take note: markets inevitably must go through a cyclical effect.  Sure, it’s tempting to invest during the good times – but what about when a bear market is in full effect?  Any investment advisor will tell you that it’s because many investors don’t have the patience or the stomach to watch as the markets fluctuate based on economic growth and recession.  In fact, a recent study by Dalbar, Inc. found that no matter what an investor’s desired retirement plans or investment timelines, that same investor ended up selling his or her shares within four to six years in the market, simply because they were frightened by a sudden downtown in the market and the economy.

So if you’re looking to recession-proof your retirement savings, it’s important to understand that you shouldn’t pull your money out of the markets simply because it’s doing poorly; rather, a savvy investor will understand that once a market reaches the bottom, it has nowhere to go but up. However, a smart investment advisor will do everything possible to make sure that their clients understand the nature of fluctuating markets: it’s an inevitability that markets will waffle between a bull and bear market. 

Additionally, make sure that you receive an investment education from your registered investment advisor.  He or she will help you to outlast the poorest of markets, so you’ll be able to reap the fruits of a bull market once again!

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

Authored by Ken Himmler, Sr.

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.

Picking the right investment advisor to help you plan for your retirement isn’t a choice that should be taken lightly.  Consider your investment advisor to be like your financial guru for the golden years – he or she will help you to pick the right investment options that will turn your retirement plans and savings into a neat little nest egg, so you can spend your retired years in peace and financial security! 

So how exactly do you go about picking an investment advisor who’s a great fit for your retirement options?

Granted, there’s no magical formula for guaranteeing that you’ll find a great advisor right away; it takes plenty of research and a lot of face-to-face time.  If you feel daunted by the task, think of it as yet another investment in your retirement – after all, your investment advisor can turn your life savings into significant income!  Take the time to research investment firms who have great reputations; don’t rule out asking your friends and peers for advice as well, as you’ll be surprised at the recommendations you’ll receive!

Once you’ve narrowed down the investment firms, schedule initial consultations where you can get free investment advice.  Pay attention to what each registered investment advisor says and note any common advice among the various consultants: are they all recommending the same investment options?  Is the investment advice similar?  Is there anyone who stands out in regards to both advice and willingness to see your retirement goals through?  Take notes to help you compare and make your final decision at a later time – after all, this is a major financial decision that shouldn’t be made within the course of an afternoon!

Additionally, you’ll need to take into consideration which investment advisor best fits your budget.  Some of the larger investment firms can be quite expensive, so if you can’t afford the fees, don’t try to justify it – you’ll just eat into your overall retirement savings in the long run!

Choosing the right registered investment advisor doesn’t have to be a difficult process; rather, it just takes a little time and research to make sure that your future advisor’s investment advice fits your retirement goals.  Once you find the right advisor, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your retirement savings and investments will grow into a nice little nest egg for you and your family!

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

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.