Faith Based Investing

All too often, family wealth fails to last. One generation builds a business – or even a fortune – and it is lost in ensuing decades. Why does it happen, again and again?

It is because families fall prey to serious money blunders – old and new. Classic mistakes are made, and changing times aren’t recognized.

Here are five major blunders that destroy wealth:

1. Procrastination. This isn’t simply a matter of failing to plan, but also of failing to respond to acknowledged financial weaknesses.

For example, let’s say we have a multimillionaire named Alan. Alan gets a call one afternoon from his bank, which considers him a VIP. It turns out that his six-figure savings account lacks a designated beneficiary. He thanks the caller, and says he will come in soon to take care of that – but he never does. His schedule is busy, and the detour is always inconvenient.

While Alan knows about this financial flaw, knowledge is one thing and action is another. Sadly, procrastination wins out in the end and those assets end up subject to probate. Then his heirs find out about other lingering financial matters that should have been taken care of regarding his IRA, his real estate holdings, and more.

2. Minimal or absent estate planning. Forbes notes that 55% of Americans lack wills, and every year multimillionaires die without them – not just rock stars and actors, but also small business owners and entrepreneurs. Others opt for a living trust and a pour-over will, or just a basic will created online.

This may not be enough. Anyone reliant on a will risks handing the destiny of their wealth over to a probate judge. The multimillionaire who has a child with special needs, a family history of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, or a former spouse or estranged children may need more rigorous estate planning. The same is true if he or she wants to endow charities or give grandkids a nice start in life. Is this person a business owner? That factor alone calls for coordinated estate and succession planning.

A finely crafted estate plan has the potential to perpetuate and enhance family wealth for decades, perhaps generations. Without it, heirs may have to deal with probate and a painful opportunity cost: the lost potential for tax-advantaged growth and compounding of those assets.

3. Technological flaws. Hackers can hijack email accounts and send phony messages to banks, brokerages and financial advisors greenlighting asset transfers. Social media can help you build your business, but it can also lend personal information to identity thieves who want access to digital and tangible assets.

Sometimes a business or family installs a security system that proves problematic – so much so that it is turned off half the time. Unscrupulous people have ways of learning about that. Maybe they are only one or two degrees separated from you.

4. No long-term strategy in place. When a family wants to sustain wealth for decades to come, heirs have to understand the how and why. All family members have to be on the same page, or at least read that page. If family communication about wealth tends to be more opaque than transparent, the mechanics and purpose of the strategy may never be adequately conveyed to heirs.

5. No decision-making process. In the typical high net worth family, financial decision-making is vertical and top-down. Parents or grandparents may make a decision in private, and it may be years before heirs learn about it or fully understand it. When the heirs do become decision makers, it is usually upon the death of the elders – only now the heirs are in their forties or fifties, with current and former spouses and perhaps children of their own to make family wealth decisions more trying.

Horizontal decision-making can help multiple generations understand and participate in the guidance of family wealth. Estate and succession planning professionals can help a family make these decisions with an awareness of different communication styles. In-depth conversations are essential; good estate planners recognize that silence does not necessarily mean agreement.

You may plan to reduce these risks (and others) in collaboration with financial and legal professionals who focus on estate planning and wealth transfer issues. It is never too early to begin.

Give us a call at 866-594-9919 for a FREE 30 minute financial review.

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Much has been written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations and charities. Aside from these blunders, there are also some classic financial missteps that plague retirees.

Calling them “mistakes” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Yet whether they result from ignorance or fate, we need to be aware of them as we plan for and enter retirement.

Mistake #1: Leaving work too early. The full retirement age for many baby boomers is 66. As Social Security benefits rise about 8% for every year you delay receiving them, waiting a few years to apply for benefits can position you for greater retirement income.

Some of us are forced to make this “mistake”. Roughly 40% of us retire earlier than we want to; about half of us apply for Social Security before full retirement age. Still, any way that you can postpone applying for benefits will leave you with more SSI.

Mistake 2: Underestimating medical expenses. Fidelity Investments says that the typical couple retiring at 65 today will need $240,000 to pay for their future health care costs (assuming one spouse lives to 82 and the other to 85). The Employee Benefit Research Institute says $231,000 might suffice for 75% of retirements, $287,000 for 90% of retirements. Prudent retirees explore ways to cover these costs – they do exist.

Mistake 3: Taking the potential for longevity too lightly. Are you 65? If you are a man, you have a 40% chance of living to age 85; if you are a woman, a 53% chance. Those numbers are from the Social Security Administration. Planning for a 20- or 30-year retirement isn’t absurd; it may be wise. The Society of Actuaries recently published a report in which about half of the 1,600 respondents (aged 45-60) underestimated their projected life expectancy. We still have a lingering cultural assumption that our retirements might duplicate the relatively brief ones of our parents.

Mistake 4: Withdrawing too much each year. You may have heard of the “4% rule”, a popular guideline stating that you should withdraw only about 4% of your retirement savings annually. The “4% rule” isn’t a rule, but many cautious retirees do try to abide by it.

So why do some retirees withdraw 7% or 8% a year? In the first phase of retirement, people tend to live it up; more free time naturally promotes new ventures and adventures, and an inclination to live a bit more lavishly.

Mistake 5: Ignoring tax efficiency & fees. It can be a good idea to have both taxable and tax-advantaged accounts in retirement. Assuming that your retirement will be long, you may want to assign that or that investment to it “preferred domain” – that is, the taxable or tax-advantaged account that may be most appropriate for that investment in pursuit of the entire portfolio’s optimal after-tax return.

Many younger investors chase the return. Some retirees, however, find a shortfall when they try to live on portfolio income. In response, they move money into stocks offering significant dividends or high-yield bonds – which may be bad moves in the long run. Taking retirement income off both the principal and interest of a portfolio may give you a way to reduce ordinary income and income taxes.

Account fees must also be watched. The Department of Labor notes that a 401(k) plan with a 1.5% annual account fee would leave a plan participant with 28% less money than a 401(k) with a 0.5% annual fee.⁴

Mistake 6: Avoiding market risk. The return on many fixed-rate investments might seem pitiful in comparison to other options these days. Equity investment does invite risk, but the reward may be worth it.

Mistake 7: Retiring with big debts. It is pretty hard to preserve (or accumulate) wealth when you are handing chunks of it to assorted creditors.

Mistake 8: Putting college costs before retirement costs. There is no “financial aid” program for retirement. There are no “retirement loans”. Your children have their whole financial lives ahead of them. Try to refrain from touching your home equity or your IRA to pay for their education expenses.

Mistake 9: Retiring with no plan or investment strategy. Many people do this – too many. An unplanned retirement may bring terrible financial surprises; retiring without an investment strategy leaves some people prone to market timing and day trading.

Mistake 10: N0t hiring a financial planner. Many try to go it alone and fail to plan.  As a result their plans often fail.  Don’t let this be you.  Call our offices today at 866-594-9919 for a FREE 30 minute consultation.

These are some of the classic retirement planning mistakes. Why not plan to avoid them? Take a little time to review and refine your retirement strategy in the company of the financial professional you know and trust.

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

REVERSE MORTGAGES RECONSIDERED

Often criticized, these loans are getting another look.

Is a reverse mortgage worth it? Before this last recession, couples who asked their retirement advisors if they should get a reverse mortgage were often given a quick answer: “No.”

Today, the answer to that question might be “yes”. In an environment with minimal interest rates, these loans can offer retired homeowners a source of tax-free cash, either in periodic payments or a lump sum. (A HELOC is also possible.)

How does it work? A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow against your home equity while retaining ownership of your residence. Many of these loans have variable rates, consequently permitting different payment options.

Reverse mortgage balances increase with time, as there are no monthly payments to reduce principal as in a “forward” mortgage. The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until you move out of the home or pass away. At the time of repayment, the amount owed will not exceed the home’s value – but when the loan becomes due it must typically be paid in full, including interest and closing costs.

What are the qualifications? You must be 62 or older to get a reverse mortgage. You also have to own your home free and clear, or have a mortgage balance that can easily be paid off using funds from the loan. In addition, you must keep paying property taxes and homeowners insurance and maintain your residence with needed repairs to avoid defaulting on the loan.

Why not get a reverse mortgage? These products have gotten a bad rap for many reasons. At first, they were seen as loans of last resort. If you were up in age and close to outliving your money, they could give you needed income.

Then the perception of reverse mortgages began to change, thanks to marketing. Commercials for these loans appeared everywhere, with celebrities hawking them as a cure for retirement income woes. Sixty-something homeowners liked the pitch and signed up – but today, some wish they had studied the fine print.

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WHAT TO BRING TO A MEETING WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Crucial questions & essential documents.

The financial planning process is not merely a matter of numbers. When you meet with a financial advisor to map out a strategy for wealth accumulation or wealth preservation, you may find yourself intellectually and emotionally engaged on a level you hadn’t anticipated. It may actually give you a better understanding of what you want from life.

A solid, multi-aspect financial plan takes many things into account. It may include a tax minimization strategy, an estate plan, an investment policy statement, defined steps toward business continuation or a business exit, and more. Now, what is at the root of all of this? What might make you adopt a particular investment style, establish a particular trust, or set certain financial and lifestyle goals for retirement? Your values, your attitudes, your lifestyle circumstances, your needs and your wants.

It all revolves around you.

The discovery meeting & beyond. Financial advisors commonly have a discovery meeting with a new client. Beforehand, you will likely be asked to share some pertinent information in a questionnaire, such as:

* Your age.

* Your present income level and projected future income;

* Your current and future needs;

* Any projected expenses;

* Your assets and liabilities;

* The number of dependents you are responsible for;

* Any possible health or external issues that may impact your finances

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FINANCIAL QUESTIONS FOR THE RETIRING HOMEOWNER

Six questions to contemplate before the transition.

Do you see yourself retiring in the near future? In planning for that transition, you might want to consider the state of your mortgage, the state of your property taxes, and the state of your living quarters.

1. Could you pay off your mortgage in the next few years? If your home is paid off, great. If you are close to paying it off, think about putting whatever extra cash you can spare toward your home loan. (Not money from your retirement accounts, of course – funds from other sources.) If your mortgage balance is just too big to pay down, you can always attempt to refinance. If you can, structure your loan so that you can pay it off in what will presumably be the first part of your retirement.

2. Are you paying too much in property taxes? Did you know that many cities and counties make an effort to lower property tax rates for homeowners older than 65? Call or visit the office of the assessor or recorder where you live. Ask about this, and see if you qualify. Even if you don’t, by doing some online research (or gently asking a neighbor or two) you might discern that your property tax rate is too high. You can officially appeal it on your own (there are commonly forms available at city halls and county offices) or with the assistance of a real estate professional.

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Challenges for singles who are retiring

Most retirement planning literature portrays a retirement transition in the context of a couple or a family – but what about those who retire alone? What particular challenges do they face, and how must their preparation for retirement differ?

Retiring alone presents unique challenges. Singles who retire may lack a spousal and familial support network other retirees count on. If a lone retiree faces sizable medical bills, he or she can’t draw on the financial resources of a spouse. Unmarried, childless retirees also lack adult sons and daughters who might be able to offer them financial help or serve as executors of their estates one day.

Singles must plan ahead for them. The earlier, the better: if you anticipate a solo retirement, it might be very wise to plan for it decades in advance.

A basic financial truth can’t be dismissed: single retirees will need to amass savings comparable to those of a retired couple.

Why? It is because many retirement costs are fixed. Hospitals, universities, banks, pharmacies, mechanics and home improvement specialists do not offer discounts to single parents or lone retirees. Usually, a couple can absorb these costs more effectively than an individual.

Some steps to consider. Those looking at the possibility of a solo retirement may want to think about these factors…

The need to save early & consistently. Sometimes young singles are bad with credit, or spend whole paychecks without regard to putting anything away. You are different, right? Think about increasing your savings rate. It is possible: look at how much parents save for their kids’ tuition, food, clothing and child care, in the face of economic pressures that may exceed your own.

The possibility of building wealth through real estate. Astute real estate investment may provide a single individual with a place to live, a steady income stream and the equity to pad retirement savings.

The possible need for long-term care coverage. According to NPR, only about 8 million of 313 million Americans have any long-term care insurance. The average private room accommodation in a nursing home is currently $87,000 a year. The 2012 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) estimates that a single 55-year-old would pay an average of $1,720 a year for LTCI with an immediate value of $170,000 and a value of $354,000 at age 80 – a purchase that may very well be worth it given trends in American longevity. Many people investigate buying LTCI as they turn 50; you may want to take a look at it in your forties.¹

The value of a social circle. “Family” has many different definitions today – and increasingly, single retirees are creating family-like bonds by moving in with one another, and saving household expenses as well. This can be good for the soul, and some solo retirees with few or no living relatives go so far as to assign power of attorney to a close friend in case of emergency.

What if you are divorcing without kids? A divorce earlier in life is often more bearable financially than a divorce later in life. In the financial aftermath of divorce, the key is whether the settlement reached is truly equitable. Not equal – equitable. While assets may be divided equally, the lesser-earning spouse may be left with less income and less potential to accumulate wealth in the future. (This is often the case if one spouse has helped the other build a business or a professional practice.) An equitable settlement considers and addresses these factors, especially in view of retirement savings needs.

These are all crucial factors to think about if you find yourself thinking that you may retire alone. Contemplate them, and consider planning accordingly.  Give us a call at 866-594-9919 if you’d like to take a look at your planning options or have a question about retirement!

How much salary should you defer into a retirement plan?

Ultimately, the answer is “however much your budget allows you to contribute”. The big-picture question, however, is whether you need to contribute more to your retirement savings in order to maintain your lifestyle after your career is done.

An Aon Hewitt analysis (The Real Deal: 2012 Retirement Income Adequacy at Large Companies) finds that the average corporate employee makes a pre-tax contribution equal to 7.2% of his or her pay to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Aon Hewett has found this level of contribution to be pretty consistent across the past few years. The Employee Benefit Research Institute puts the number at 7.5%.

Hopefully, these employees are basing their contributions on math. Retirement savings calculators are everywhere online, and while often criticized for their simplicity, they can bring you a useful ballpark figure. If you try them out, you may decide to boost your retirement savings rate as a result.

As an example, using CNNMoney’s What You Need to Save calculator, a 34-year-old with $20,000 in retirement savings who makes $78,000 annually would need to save $11,544 a year to hope to retire at age 65 at 80% of pre-retirement income. That $11,544 represents 14.8% of his or her yearly salary.

Our hypothetical 34-year-old is quite affluent and has gotten a decent start on retirement savings compared to many of his peers – yet according to this calculation, a 7.2% retirement savings rate won’t cut it. Of course, the calculator is ignorant of such factors as home equity, inherited wealth, profit from business enterprises and so forth – but even so, many people are not saving enough for their retirement target.

More to the point, many people are saving for retirement without a savings target.

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