Financial Information

The economy has been hitting your retirement fund hard.  Between the fluctuating market to the threat of inflation, it’s no wonder that you’re worried about the health of your retirement savings – and are possibly tempted to just put off saving for retirement until the recession disappears.  However, now is not the time to give up! 

We’ve got four of the easiest yet most effective weapons you can use in the battle against a downturn economy – so you can spend more time planning your dream Florida retirement and less time worrying about the current bear market.

Buy More Bonds.  Now that stocks are wildly fluctuating, it’s time to chuck some of your riskiest stocks in favor of safe investments, like bonds, TIPS and CDs.  Ask your investment advisor which investments will best balance out any losses you may incur due to shaky stocks. 

Become An Entrepreneur.  For many retirees, quitting their day jobs just isn’t an option.  If you want to look for something to do during your retirement, why not dabble in a bit of entrepreneurship?  Sell your crafts online, write articles for newspapers or invest in real estate – whatever you choose, make sure it can make you money!

Keep A Constant Check-up.  It’s important to talk to your investment advisor about the health of your investments every year, no matter what kind of condition the market is in.  Make sure your portfolio is continually updated so that you’re taking on the appropriate amount of risk for your age.  Remember, you want your investments to be more conservative the closer you get to your retirement age. 

Consider Moving Up Your Retirement Age. If you saw a sharp decline in your 401(k) retirement fund as a result of the recession, consider retiring between the ages of 65-67.  It’s going to take just under two years in order to recoup any losses that you may have experienced, so working just a few more months can make a huge difference.

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

Authored By Kenneth Himmler, Sr.

Between 2007 and 2009, many near-retirees have had their confidence blown to pieces as they’ve watched their 401(k) retirement funds stagger under the strengthening recession.  As they near their retirement age, many baby boomers are desperate for a sense of security, as there’s no guarantee that their retirement savings will still be there.  In fact, many financial experts agree that the 401(k) system has some serious flaws, many of which have only been revealed thanks to the credit crunch.

Near-retirees are in a delicate position as they near closer to their retirement age, as managing a 401(k) retirement fund quickly becomes a burden that many investors are not financially savvy enough for.  Even if a retiree works with a registered investment advisor, there’s no certainty that a downturn in the market won’t half a retiree’s precious savings within a year or less. 

The government is searching for a way to overhaul the 401(k) retirement system as economic conditions continue to bring its flaws to light.  One proposition that’s making its way around Congress is to set up universal retirement savings accounts that the government would make contributions to, with a low yet fixed rate of return.

While the federal government continues to seek answers that will help the 401(k) system in a future crisis, it’s still important to understand the risks and benefits of your own 401(k) retirement fund.  Many consumers are understandably afraid of making any more contributions to their retirement savings, given the poor marketing conditions – after all, the health of your portfolio tends to depend on the health of the stock market itself.  However, the 401(k) system is still performing as it should; i.e. it’s generating significant savings for future retirees.  Even if your 401(k) retirement fund experiences losses due to the poor conditions of the market, there should still be a significant bottom line – additionally, once the market recovers (as it’s bound to do), you can recoup losses by continuing to make safe investments with the help of an investment advisor. 

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

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.

I was looking through some websites yesterday that listed property for sale in Florida. A Florida retirement is one of those ideas which many people have in mind as retirement approaches, and quite a few people like the concept of retirement living in a sunny and warm climate. You may also be interested in investment properties that you can rent out to get a regular income.

It is amazing how much house you can buy for a reasonable price in Florida. In fact, it is second only to California in how much property has declined in value in the past year. They say that the prices are now around where they were in 2004, and it may be that they have not finished going down yet. As you approach retirement, in the light of current history it is very hard to know how best to preserve your capital through safe investments so that it lasts as long as you want.

While no one can predict the future, it’s generally agreed that you get the best protection by having diversified investments, so that no particular market sector has a major effect on your equity. While diversification is often talked about purely in financial terms, for example by owning several different mutual funds, the concept can be extended to owning different types of investment, including property.

If you decide to buy investment property and rent it out, there are many factors which you need to consider, and you may decide that the disadvantages outweigh the possibility of income and capital appreciation. However, owning a second property that you rent out can also be a tax efficient investment, and if you are interested in being a landlord it is a good way to get a passive income after you stop working.

What is important above all is that you get expert advice before going off and doing your own thing, particularly if you have already attained retirement age and cannot look forward to earning more income. That’s why it is great to have a resource such as www.kenhimmler.com to get investment advice to steer a course to the future. If you are ready to create a financial blueprint for your future, you need to contact the group at www.iamllc.biz , where you can find the guidance you need to make retirement years the best years of your life.

Authored by Kenneth Himmler, Sr.