Consider these steps to help achieve the life you want in retirement. “It’s difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.” Sounds like another famous quote attributed to baseball great Yogi Berra: “The future ain’t what it used to be.”* We can generally agree that predicting, forecasting and even goal-setting require a bit of time traveling into the unknown, something we’re not well-equipped to do, even under the best circumstances. But we can plan. And that’s vital to enjoying and experiencing the life we want in retirement. And while past performance is no guarantee of future results, we can learn
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Three in Four say they’ll be better off financially in 2019. Will you be among them? Yep. It’s that time of year again. Out with the old in with the new…New Year’s resolutions that is. For the tenth year in a row, saving more money (a median of $200 a month) tops the list of the most popular financial resolutions people plan to make in 2019, followed by paying down debt and spending less money, according to the Fidelity Investments’ 10th Annual New Year Financial Resolutions Study. Four in ten (42%) say they’re currently in a better financial situation than
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Longevity The average life expectancy has increased. Chances are that if you’ve reached 65 years old you will live into your mid-80s according to life expectancy calculations. Many are living even longer—one in four people will live into their 90s, while one in ten will live past 95. Make sure that your retirement plan takes longevity into account so that you don’t run out of money—no matter how long you live. Loss of Income Make sure both you and your spouse are protected from the unexpected. Consider the financial impact of the loss of one spouse, running the numbers both
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When you see technicolor Peeps lining the grocery store shelves, you know that Spring is near and families will soon be gathering to celebrate the season. Whether you are gathered around an Easter feast or beaming with pride at a grandchild’s graduation, you may start thinking about the long-term legacy you are leaving for your loved ones. Legacy gifts can take many forms. Mementos, albums and scrapbooks, for instance. Or researching and sharing your genealogy. Or a custom cookbook that includes all the favorite family recipes. Just as important are considering the financial realities your loved ones will face without
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4 Tips to Get Your Financial House in Order In addition to that rewarding tradition of spring cleaning to get your house in order, this is a great time to get your finances in shipshape condition. We offer these tips to help you. 1. TAKE A HARD LOOK AT YOUR CREDIT CARDS Even though new credit cards are equipped with computer chips that make it harder for hackers to hijack your data, it’s a good idea to check your statements to make sure there are no mistaken or duplicate charges. 2. CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS ANNUALLY It’s free to check
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April is “Financial Literacy Month” and one of your best financial “teachers” can be your tax return. Here are some lessons to consider: 1. AVOID A BIG REFUND OR BIG TAX BILL Does your payroll withholding amount need adjusting? That’s what a huge tax bill or hefty refund is telling you. Shoot for the middle. Themore allowances you claim on your W-4 on file with your employer, the less tax is withheld. 2. A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) MIGHT HELP Even with health insurance, steep medical bills can accrue. Unless they total 10% of your adjusted gross income, you can’t
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