Making Retirement a Reality Even in this Economy

An interesting article by Bill Losey, a CFP and CSA, offers some pointers for
those who may be retiring in the next few years. According to the AICPA, more
than half of the profession is likely to do so within the next 12-15 years,
so not only is this information potential good advice for your clients, but
it might also hit a little closer to home. Even for those of us with 20 or more
years of work ahead of us, there are some good longer-range thoughts.
According to a recent report from The Hartford Financial Services Group, nearly
75% of American’s don’t fully understand their retirement plan and as many as
a third have almost no understanding of it. Well, the Retirement Fairy isn’t
magically managing your savings, investments, 401(k), IRAs and other plans-
it takes some some strategic planning, especially in the current economy. Of
course, most people aren’t Certified Financial Planners and even a tax professional
or CPA could benefit from some advice.
Here’s some of Bill Losey’s pointers:

Control your emotions – take a deep breath. During this
volatile period and every volatile period there is always a cycle of greed
and fear. Greed and fear are the two things that move the market. We have
periods where the markets get ahead of themselves and investors become too
optimistic – and other periods where investors begin to panic, throw
the baby out with the bath water, and become overly pessimistic. We are obviously
in the throes, or very close to the latter scenario. This volatile period
will pass like all the others have.

Consider increasing your annual savings and retirement contributions.
This is one area you have direct control over. It may require that
you reduce your current spending or earmark your raise for savings, but putting
more away now will allow you to buy more shares at cheaper prices (since the
market is lower). The younger you are and the earlier you start saving, the
more years your money can grow tax deferred inside your 401k or IRA. This
tax deferred compounding can mean thousands or tens of thousands of extra
dollars for you to spend come retirement time. Also, every dollar you invest
in your 401k/403b plan today is one less dollar included in your income this
year so you can lower your tax bite. Employee’s elective contributions
are limited to $16,500 per year in 2009 ($22,500 for those people age 50 and
over). How much are you saving? Can you save more?

Consider reallocating your 401k/403b to higher yielding investments.
I realize that this may be counterintuitive to what you’re
feeling given the recent market slide but perhaps you should invest more aggressively.
Over time, stocks have historically outpaced bonds and inflation. Certainly,
the greater the potential return on your money, the more risk you’ll
be taking. However, if you have 10 years or more until your retirement date
(and have at least 20 years or more of life ahead), you may well be rewarded
for taking this additional risk. Certainly, past performance is no guarantee
of future results and I’m not saying you should get more aggressive;
but you should take a few minutes and review your asset allocation. Most people
have no idea what they’re invested in, what they can expect to earn,
and how much risk they’re taking with their portfolio. This can all
be quantified. What percentage do you hold in stocks versus bonds? If you’re
not sure, talk with a professional or trusted advisor and gets his or her
guidance. Recognize that every extra 1% you can earn on your money over time
will go along way to helping you enjoy the retirement you envision sooner.

Consider retiring later. Don’t retire when what
you really need is a break. All too often I see people in their fifties and
sixties who retire or take an early incentive offer because they think they’re
ready to stop working. After a few months or a few years the find themselves
bored and restless and wanting to go back to work. Before you decide to fully
retire, discuss a phased retirement or flexible work schedule with your employer.
Explore all of your options before retiring. Gaining an extra day or two a
week of free time may be just what the doctor ordered. Realize that every
year you earn an income is another year you defer money into your 401k/403b,
lower your tax bill and allow your savings to grow tax deferred. The longer
you work the less you would need to accumulate to afford your desired lifestyle.
If you love what you do, why would you ever completely retire? If you don’t
love what you’re doing, why are you still doing it? What’s holding
you back (time, money, confidence, knowledge, connections)? Research indicates
that there is a direct correlation between our happiness, our health, and
our financial wellness. When was the last time you examined your situation?

Consider lowering your investment costs. Do you have any
idea what you’re paying in dollars and cents for your investments and/or
investment management? If you’re like most people I see, you don’t
have a clue. Recognize that each investment has its own internal cost structure.
Usually this information is contained in small print in the back of the prospectus,
which most people never take the time to read. Additionally, these fees usually
get skimmed off the top and you don’t even realize it. You get my point!
Take some time and review your investments. Quantify what you’re paying.
Determine if you’re getting good value for what you’re paying.
Understand that every dollar you lower your investment costs by is another
dollar in your pocket. Can you say ca-ching?

Consider reducing your retirement income needs. At the
end of the day (or work week), you can only control what you can control.
If you can make astute lifestyle choices, control your spending, eliminate
your debts and live on less, you may feel more in control of your future.
FYI – my happiest private clients are those that have downsized, organized
and simplified their lives.

Bill Losey, CFP®, CSA, America’s Retirement Strategist®, is a highly
sought-after advisor, retirement authority, thought-leader, author and TV personality
because he makes the complicated and mundane topics of investing and retirement
fun! Bill has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry and
is a Certified Financial Planner£ practitioner, a Certified Senior Advisor
and Certified Retirement Coach. He is the author of Retire in a Weekend! The
Baby Boomer’s Guide to Making Work Optional (a 2008 Finalist at The Indie Excellence
Book Awards), Founder of National Retirement Planning Month, and he publishes
Retirement Intelligence®, an award-winning weekly newsletter that reaches
thousands of subscribers worldwide. For a complete bio, please visit, www.myretirementsuccess.com.