Ana Fajardo

Planning for Retirement: Its Importance

Published on : 10-27-2022

The idea behind retirement planning hasn't changed much, but many other things have. Bond rates are lower than in past generations, while the average life expectancy has increased. Nowadays, more businesses are switching from defined benefit to defined contribution pension plans. These new strategies are more erratic and susceptible to fluctuations in the market. It is imperative to prepare carefully for your retirement because of this. Investing in stock market is a great approach to enhance your money and reduce risk.

Retirement planning not only increases your funds but also offers security to individuals unable to work. You might need more money to survive on without a retirement plan. Additionally, you might need to amass a sufficient nest egg if you have to leave your job early. However, if your situation changes, you can modify your strategy. Members of the sandwich generation, a group of people who financially support their children and themselves, understand the importance of this type of strategy in particular.

Even though retirement is frequently decades away, people must start planning today to prevent financial difficulty in the future. Even a tiny monthly contribution can help you accumulate a sizable corpus before retirement. Retirement planning is something that many individuals opt to put off until they are close to retirement age, but starting now will enable you to save enough money for a comfortable retirement. Only $25 a month can be protected, which is a fantastic place to start.

Diversifying your sources of income is an additional strategy for managing your retirement. You can reduce your tax liability by investing in several account types. For instance, you can lower your taxes on withdrawals after retirement by diversifying your savings. On the other hand, you can wind up paying more tax on the same amount of money if you only have one account offering tax-deferred returns. Likewise, you can lower the cost of living in various locations by diversifying your sources of income.

Establish an emergency fund of three to six months' worth of your salary when you begin your profession. In addition, it would help if you devised a strategy to pay off an urgent debt. Even though Social Security will still be around until you reach retirement age, it won't cover your bills. Therefore, retirement planning is crucial to guarantee your financial security after retirement.

Making more informed decisions about your life after retirement is possible with the help of retirement planning. Making the finest career or financial decisions may fall under this category. Making wise financial decisions and lowering stress can be facilitated by clearly understanding what to anticipate during retirement. You can enjoy life worry-free and have a safe retirement with careful planning.

After retiring, you can enjoy financial independence thanks to a solid retirement strategy. With the correct retirement strategy, you'll be able to set aside a particular portion of your salary while still having money left over for unforeseen bills and standard living costs. Of course, each person's strategy will be unique depending on their lifestyle choices, savings objectives, and spending priorities. So, to identify the best plan for you, you must speak with a financial counselor. Online calculators can also be used to aid with retirement planning.

Planning for retirement can assist you in achieving your goals. It could be time to pursue the things you've put off while working if you've been working for a while. You can retire early if you have enough money saved. You'll be able to pursue hobbies and new occupations as a result. Additionally, it will give you greater adaptability and independence as you age.

Tips on Retirement Planning

Published on : 10-10-2022

After reaching retirement age, one often stops actively seeking employment. Semi-retirement describes this period. The word "semi-retirement" describes a situation in which one continues to work but reduces responsibilities and hours. And there are numerous reasons why this is a good thing. For example, you may devote more time to your loved ones and interests in this retirement scenario.

For retirement planning purposes, a SEP plan is a good option for self-employed individuals. It's similar to an IRA, but you probably can't open one. Instead, you can make pre-tax contributions to a retirement account to reduce your taxable income, and the money will grow tax-free until you withdraw it. In addition, recent legislation raised the maximum annual contribution to $61,000 from $58,000 for SEP IRAs.

Identifying your savings objectives should be your first step. As you progress through life, your priorities and costs will change, necessitating a reevaluation of your financial goals. Increase your 401(k) contributions, for instance, if increased retirement income is a priority. You should also contribute the maximum amount to a Roth IRA if you want to make use of it.

While there is significant debate over Social Security, the program is safe for the time being. Politicians are unlikely to modify the program substantially due to the subject's sensitivity. Moreover, the trust funds will be exhausted in 2034, when 78% of the promised benefits have been paid out, according to Shai Akabas, director of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Workplace retirement plans like the 401(k) allow people to save money while still employed. Recent surveys have found that over 80% of Americans put money into a retirement savings account. However, there are specific inquiries you should make to identify the most suitable strategy for your retirement funds. It will help if you start by examining the costs of various options. You may accomplish this by researching the costs associated with the plan and the investing choices. It's also essential to be sure that any fees you'll be responsible for are listed prominently and in cash amounts.

Each year, your Social Security payments will be redetermined automatically. The adjustment will boost your benefits if your current income exceeds your "best 35 years" earnings. Adjustments are made annually in October, depending on the CPI, and are applied back to January 1. The adjustment has typically ranged from 1% to 2% during the previous decade.

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be established in a number of ways. You can put money into these accounts whenever you choose, and they will be invested tax-deferred. Furthermore, it's worth noting that IRA donations qualify for a tax break on the federal level. The IRS offers tools to assist you in understanding the IRA requirements and what you need to do to be eligible for these deductions, which vary depending on your income and tax status.

Numerous investment options exist for IRA accounts. An individual retirement account (IRA) can purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles. Collectibles, real estate, diamonds, and stamps are all acceptable assets for an IRA. In addition, you may find an Individual Retirement Account product from nearly any financial services provider.

There are methods to lessen the impact of taxes in retirement, but they can still be a hardship. It is recommended that you get the advice of a tax expert before making any tax-related decisions. An after-tax annuity is another option for lowering your effective tax rate. Depending on the nature of savings, after-tax annuities may be subject to additional taxes. In specific annuity plans, the investor pays taxes solely on the money's appreciation, whereas in others, both the principle and the interest are subject to taxation. Additionally, you may want to delay tapping into your conventional IRA or 401(k) until you reach age 59 and a half.

You need to spread your money around. The tax burden can be reduced by maintaining assets in three distinct accounts over an extended period. A retirement planning tool, such as NewRetirement Planner, can also be used to help you establish a reasonable annual withdrawal rate. Aside from federal and state taxes, you could also have to fork over some of your Social Security benefits in local taxes.

Helping you maintain your independence in later life is the goal of long-term care services. Services like this help those who need support with things like eating, bathing, dressing, transferring, using the restroom, and more. These can be delivered in the comfort of one's home or in an assisted living or nursing facility.

You can use the money from a life insurance policy to cover the costs of nursing home care. It's common for people to let their life insurance policies expire, but the payout might be used to pay for nursing home care instead. Moreover, some companies provide long-term care insurance that you may maintain even if you leave your job.

Wealth Administration


Published On:- 09-16-2022

Wealth management is a subfield of personal finance that caters to clients with a wide range of incomes and assets. The services provided are geared toward making sure customers reach their monetary objectives. A consultant or business catering to ultra-wealthy clients is your best bet for accessing these options. Clients who lack the time or knowledge to manage their wealth correctly might consider using the services of a professional wealth manager. Investment performance may be maximized with the help of these experts, who offer objective guidance. In addition, a wealth manager can provide various investment solutions tailored to the specific demands of their affluent clientele. This article will discuss three of the most critical gains from working with a financial manager.


Various businesses offer wealth management, including banks, investment organizations, and insurance companies. Investment management, tax and estate planning, risk assessment and mitigation, and RSU and options planning are all part of these services. It's common practice for independent asset managers to maintain ties to the legal and financial communities. Most individuals, however, do not consider themselves affluent and hence cannot afford to pay for such services. However, high-net-worth people may access various services from independent wealth management businesses. Wealth managers provide clients with various services, including but not limited to accounting and tax consulting, financial planning, and investment guidance. Furthermore, they can coordinate the assistance of external attorneys in creating a thorough financial strategy for their customers. For clients who are unfamiliar with the tax consequences of their financial decisions, a wealth manager may help handle estate planning.


The term "wealth management" refers to advising ultra-wealthy people on how to grow best and safeguard their fortunes. Private wealth managers is a common term for these experts. Their typical client has a million dollars or more in disposable income. Wealth managers, in contrast to financial planners, typically work with customers who have more excellent means and are more actively involved in managing their assets. In contrast to financial counselors, private wealth managers take a hands-on approach to managing their customers' money. Wealth managers provide individualized services to meet their client's specific requirements. Providing top-notch guidance to customers is a common goal of these businesses. Investment choices consistent with moral principles are a common feature of these packages. Some companies may have lower minimums or prices than others, and the services are available online. They are also available at most physical bank branches. You may talk to a financial manager at any RBC location or reach out to one of the numerous advisors available.


Experts in wealth management take the time to learn about their client's hopes and aspirations before designing a bespoke financial strategy. Even if you have an emergency fund and a savings plan, it never hurts to get a second opinion to ensure everything is working as smoothly as possible. They can also aid with retirement and estate preparation. Before committing to a wealth management company, it is essential to do some research about your options. Discussing your financial situation openly and honestly with your wealth management advisor is essential. This will allow you to assess their level of knowledge and evaluate if their services are a good fit for your needs. By investigating their history and costs, make sure they are a good fit for your needs.


Make sure you understand how the costs will be determined before committing to a financial manager. For example, firms might choose between a fixed price or a commission-based model. Several variables, including age and the intricacy of your financial condition, will determine how much you will be expected to pay. If you have over $250,000 in liquid assets, you should consider working with a wealth manager. Others, however, begin with financial planning and then transition to wealth management as their net worth grows.


Investment management, risk management, estate planning, and charitable giving are just a few financial services that makeup wealth management. The objective is to maximize profits before considering taxes and other costs. When working with clients, wealth managers frequently need to collaborate with other specialists who may offer supplementary assistance. Retirement and tax preparation are two more areas where a wealth manager may be of service. Financial fees for wealth management vary by service and client-asset size. The fees of certain wealth managers are calculated as a proportion of the total AUM. This implies that their costs will be cheaper if a customer has assets worth less than $2 million. In addition, there is the possibility that alternative wealth management companies provide a wrap fee scheme that consolidates all fees into one annual payment.

Guidelines for Choosing the Best Independent Financial Advisor

Published On: 08-24-2022

It is critical to conduct research when looking for the most acceptable financial counsellor. First, check the advisor's credentials and complete a background check. You can also check BrokerCheck, a website that analyzes client complaints and disciplinary histories in the sector. You should also request recommendations from previous clients, as a potential advisor may only use the most enthusiastic. Finally, you want to engage with a credible financial advisor who will prioritize your interests.

After you've cut down your list of potential financial advisors, the following step is to look into their background. First, examine their credentials and how many years of experience they have in the sector. Next, determine whether they are a member of any professional organizations and whether they have received any complaints or disciplinary measures. Finally, before you hire them, make sure you understand their rates. This way, you can be sure that you are working with the best financial counsellor available.

Make an effort to network with other advisors in your sector. Don't try to position yourself as the "best" financial counsellor by presenting at huge company finance seminars. You'll obtain warm leads and an implied endorsement this way. However, be honest about your experience and the services you provide. This way, you won't face any pushback from human resources and will walk away with a few warm leads.

A financial advisor can assist you in saving money and identifying cost-cutting options. Furthermore, they may assist you in selecting the best insurance policy and identifying coverage gaps that may cost you money. They can even help you complete critical paperwork, such as naming a health care proxy and executor. A financial advisor can also advise you on tax regulations, investments, and asset management, among other things. Getting financial counsel is critical to obtaining financial freedom, so select the best one for your needs.

Determine why you need a financial advisor in the first place before employing one. For example, are you seeking an expert to assist you in saving for your retirement? Or do you require assistance negotiating your finances during a divorce? Whatever your requirements are, you should choose an expert who can meet them. You should also check to see if they have the plans you require. It's crucial to make sure that the financial professional you hire can focus on your particular demands and will do their best to fulfil those goals. 

Using a Retirement Calculator, you can figure out how much money you need to save for retirement.

Published On: 07/29/2022

"How much do I need to save for retirement?" is a common retirement question. This is a difficult, but not insurmountable, problem to solve. Annual reviews of the formula are a good idea for people who are getting close to retirement. There are four things to think about when figuring out how much money you'll need for retirement. Once you know how much money you make now, multiply that number by 25. For those who work a regular job, they must save at least 80% of their income for retirement.


The amount of money you should set aside for retirement is influenced by your financial situation. When determining your financial requirements, don't forget to factor in any other assets you may have, such as a home or a pension. If you're spending more on your cell phone plan than you're saving for retirement, you may want to reevaluate your priorities. However, don't forget that the sooner you begin saving, the better. Building a secure future requires saving for retirement. Fortunately, there is assistance available for those who are unable to save a significant sum of money.


As a general rule of thumb, save at least 12% of your income. Employer contributions are also included. You can save up to 15% of your salary if you get the maximum employer match. Remember that the sooner you start saving, the more compounding interest you will reap. Charles Schwab is an excellent place to begin. Employer match isn't always enough to cover the gap in salary.


Healthcare costs are rising and retirement savings must keep up. There is no guarantee that receiving an inheritance will transform your life. You can save even more money by relocating to a state with a lower cost of living. Furthermore, no one has a crystal ball to see where taxes will be headed in the future. As a result, you should set aside a larger sum than you anticipate using. If you do, you won't regret it. Do not get distracted by what other people are doing.


As a general rule of thumb, experts recommend saving 15% to 20% of your annual income for retirement. Because the percentages don't change much with age, starting early gives you an advantage. Maintaining a consistent amount throughout your career is essential. It's never too early to begin saving for your future. Your retirement savings will grow steadily while you're young. Because the savings percentages are higher if you start saving later in life, you'll need to put aside more money than you think.


Investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds can also help you save more money, depending on your situation. Index-linked mutual funds may also be a viable investment option. You'll be able to put together a better retirement portfolio this way. However, keep in mind that most people assume that they will live to be 80 years old when planning for retirement. It's possible you'll come to regret it.


Pre-retirement earnings should be saved at a rate of at least 80%, according to this rule. This rule works well, but it necessitates a flexible thumb. Any earnings you had prior to retirement are subject to the 80 percent rule. Taxes paid prior to retirement should be taken into account. A pre-retirement savings rate of eighty percent (80%) allows you to retire with an additional eighty percent (80%). While you're employed, your savings will continue to grow tax-deferred, but at a slower rate than when you're retired.


Making a budget is a second way to figure out how much money you'll need for retirement. Then, divide your annual income by the number of years you expect to live.. Creating a budget will help you determine how much money you need to save for retirement and make it easier to accomplish your goals. Setting a withdrawal rate of four percent and multiplying the total by 25 is an example of how to do this. If you put more money aside for retirement, your remaining working years will be longer. You should always take into account your personal risk tolerance and time horizon when making investment decisions.


Having a clear picture of what you want out of life in retirement will help you determine how much money you should save for retirement. Expenses like housing, food, and health care that you must pay for out of your own pocket should be taken into consideration. Next, think about the things you like to do, such as going on vacation, eating out frequently, and having a good time. If you go over your current budget, you'll have to account for the taxes you'll owe. 

Why Sooner Retirement Planning Is Important


07-04-2022



According to Ana Fajardo while early retirement planning may appear to be a waste of time, it has a number of advantages. You can save money on insurance if you plan ahead of time. For example, you can buy long-term care insurance when you are young and in good health, which allows you to pay much less than you would when you are older. However, when you retire, you may discover that your insurance company refuses to cover you, which could cost you a lot of money.


A 403(b) retirement plan is one of the most popular ways to save for retirement. These plans deduct money from your paycheck and invest it in high-yielding assets. They are tax-deferred until you take them out. Some employers will even match employee contributions to 403(b) savings accounts. You might be able to find a plan that best meets your requirements. You can save for retirement with no tax consequences if you use a 403(b) retirement savings plan.


Another advantage of a cash balance plan is that it provides the promised benefit. It also does not require employee contributions, unlike traditional pension plans. It is also portable, which means you can keep using your plan even if your company changes pension plans. Investment credits are typically in the four to five percent range. If you want to invest your money, cash balance plans can be a good option. However, make certain that you understand the risks and benefits of each type of retirement plan.


Ana Fajardo thinks that, early retirement planning has numerous advantages, including the ability to avoid costly mistakes later in life. For example, if you intend to spend 70% of your pre-retirement income, it is preferable to begin saving while you are still young. And if you plan to invest your money, you can easily double or triple it and build a good corpus over time. A secure retirement nest egg is the foundation for a happy and stress-free life.


The earlier you purchase long-term care insurance, the lower the premiums. And because you're younger, they rise at a slower rate each year. Premiums rise by 2% to 4% per year for those in their 50s who purchase them. However, if you wait until you're 60, your premiums can rise by up to 8%. And if you're a homeowner, you can take advantage of today's low prices while benefiting from built-in equity.


As with any other type of plan, you must determine which is best for you. Defined benefit plans (DB) in the United States require an employer to set up the plan before the employee's tax return is due. A defined benefit plan is preferable for those looking to build long-term wealth, whereas a defined contribution plan is preferable for smaller businesses. There are, however, other types of retirement plans.


Employers do not typically provide GIAs, but individuals can purchase them to create their own pension. Some people prefer immediate annuities, which pay out monthly for the rest of their lives. Others prefer to pay into deferred income annuities over time. Premium payments for deferred income annuities begin at the age of 50 and continue until the age of 65. Each payment increases your payment for the rest of your life.


Ana Fajardo pointed out that, one of the best retirement plans available is the traditional IRA. Employees can invest as much as they want in this tax-deferred plan. It's important to remember that you can transfer funds from your employer-sponsored retirement plan to your IRA. You can make it even more beneficial if your employer provides a matching contribution. Furthermore, it is tax deductible at higher income levels. You'll be happy you did.


In contrast, Roth IRAs are tax-free. Your employer will match your contribution up to a certain amount, which is usually between 50% and 100%. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. You can withdraw up to 5% of your total salary tax-free if your employer matches your contributions. A Roth 401(k) is even better because it can be converted into a tax-free IRA.

How to Begin with Wealth Management


Published on: 05-31-2022


 


In Ana Fajardo’s opinion, depending on your demands, a big bank or brokerage house, an individual financial consultant, or a multi-licensed portfolio manager may offer wealth management services. Large banks and brokerages often utilize segmentation-based marketing tactics to promote to various customer groups. Independent wealth managers use their expertise in estate planning, risk management, and connections with tax and legal experts to assist high-net-worth clients in managing their diversified assets. These businesses often depend on talent advice pools.

To enter this industry, you need obtain a bachelor's degree or another degree program in finance. Experience in financial management and certification in a finance-related sector are also advantageous. Whether you are a novice or have decades of expertise in the sector, it is essential to surround yourself with the most intelligent and talented financial professionals. Working with a wealth manager or financial adviser may assist you in keeping up with market changes and properly managing your money.

In addition to determining the greatest investment solutions for your objectives, wealth managers must also be familiar with tax rules. This is especially significant if you make a substantial amount of money. In order to make the proper decisions about inheritance, company, and personal taxes, a wealth manager is generally required to have a thorough understanding of tax law. Numerous inheritors of real estate assets lack awareness of the complexities of the real estate business. The appropriate wealth manager can help you navigate these complex financial issues by reviewing investment possibilities and advising you on the best ways to invest your cash while reducing risk and increasing return.

Ana Fajardo pointed out that annual flat fees may be charged by fee-only wealth management businesses for their services. However, costs might vary based on the intricacy of your financial circumstances and the degree of help you need. A fee-only business, for instance, may charge a fixed yearly fee depending on the amount of assets under management, whilst other firms may charge a commission-based fee. If you are seeking a fee-only wealth manager, be careful to review their qualifications. Consider a fee-only fiduciary who does not collect commissions for recommendations if the fee-only alternative is not appropriate for you.

numerous individuals with considerable assets are nearing retirement and must begin retirement planning. A wealth manager may assist with retirement planning and give investing advice. Additionally, they may deal with estate planning, trusts, and estate planning. Many financial managers may need a minimum investment amount before beginning their services. Those with significant wealth can benefit from wealth management services. While the primary prerequisite for becoming a client of wealth management organizations is a desire to amass money, establish objectives, and prepare for the future, wealth-building aspirations are also necessary.

The investment techniques of wealth managers vary. Warren Buffett favors growth-oriented investing, while value-based investing and other conventional investment techniques are more cautious. But Warren Buffett and other wealth management specialists take a comprehensive approach to meeting the financial demands of their customers. Typically, these experts use many investing methods and manage huge accounts, including hedge funds and private equity offers. Their fee arrangements vary according on the quantity of managed assets. A person may, for instance, pay a charge for investing advice, while another individual may pay a fee for estate planning.

According to Ana Fajardo, there are certain wealth managers who provide more services than financial counselors. A wealth manager could focus on trust and estate planning, charity giving planning, legal preparation, or concierge health care. The qualifications of a wealth manager are not stipulated by the phrase, but you should verify their qualifications before employing them. You may also verify whether they are registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which includes a service called BrokerCheck. If you are uncertain, search the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's website for a certified wealth manager.