Maybe you are aware of a lifestyle called FIRE - financial independence retire early. Their goal is to retire at 40.
I recently learned about this movement and have spent some time reading what it espouses. You might find FIRE worthy to explore as it will help you review your spending and ultimately give you more money to invest.
From the blog of Mr. Money Moustache:
FIRE is simply about making smart decisions with your spending so that you waste less money. This means that you have way more money available to work with.
Living with less may test your definition of happiness.
Happiness is your goal in life, and it comes from meeting certain core Human needs. The thing is, that there are many ways to meet each of these needs – some of them free and some of them shockingly expensive.
For example, improving your physical health is one proven way to be happier. But you can accomplish this with a $2500 per month personal trainer or a $100 set of barbells from Craigslist. Same happiness, vastly different cost.
And as it turns out, there is a similar hack for every single one of life’s major expenses. You can meet all your needs at little or zero cost – it just takes a bit of skill. At this level, you would be able to save almost all of your income.
Or, you can substitute a bit more money and a bit less skill to meet those needs in an (only slightly) more efficient lifestyle, like the one I try to lead. This might allow you to save half or two thirds of your income.
Or, you can spray money in every direction randomly, trying to meet an unfiltered list of wants and needs, and end up with a random but very expensive life, while remaining almost broke throughout the entire thing. This is what most people do, and it leads to saving almost none of your income.
Reading the blog could bring you insight and reinforce some of your financial goals. Leading a meaningful life, caring about yourself and others tends to bring satisfaction. I believe in balance in all things.
When a client asks "do I have enough money to retire?" I respond: "please tell me when you plan to die." Not knowing when you will die, how long your good health will last, puts us all on notice to live every moment; to be present.
Be $ Smart - Learn new skills as what FIRE offers. Toss old habits that haven't worked. Find fulfilling work through your job or as a volunteer. Follow the three S's - spend, share, save. Retirement will come, eventually.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Take Steps to Protect Yourself Financially
So many of us have heard stories of financial scams. It's not just the elderly who are targeted. We all can feel the pinch, the anger and the shame when we fail to recognize a deal gone wrong. Please read the suggestions below and take action to protect yourself. Pass it along so friends and family also might benefit.
To help adults protect themselves, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia published seven actions to take. They are:
1. Assign trusted contacts to all financial accounts. This is a person whom a financial institution can contact when exploitation or unusual behavior is suspected.
2. Prepare a durable financial power of attorney. A financial power of attorney allows a trusted person (an “agent”) to act on behalf of someone who can no longer make decisions independently (a “principal”). This is a powerful privilege and should only be given to someone who is trustworthy.
3. Prepare a will. Having a will prepared is important no matter what age you are. For the elderly it will help avoid future problems, because changing the will requires a person to have the legal capacity to do so.
4. Keep up on the latest scams. The Philadelphia Fed says the Federal Trade Commission (www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts), the National Consumers League (www.fraud.org) and AARP (www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-watch-network) are good sources for information.
5. Monitor your credit and your identity. This is an issue for everyone. Older adults tend to apply for new credit less often, they are also less likely to monitor their credit on a regular basis. AnnualCreditReport.com (www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action) allows reports from all three credit bureaus to be accessed for free each year.
6. Consider hiring a money manager. In our extra-busy lifestyle a daily money manager (DMM) can perform many essential financial services, often at a far lower cost than an accountant or a financial planner. The Philadelphia Fed suggests contacting the American Association of Daily Money Managers (https://secure.aadmm.com) for local DMMs.
7. Consider purchasing financial account monitoring services. These are third-party account monitoring services that help to spot suspicious financial transactions. One company mentioned, but not explicitly recommended, is EverSafe (www.eversafe.com).
Be $ Smart - Act now by implementing at least three of the suggested measures within the next month.
To help adults protect themselves, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia published seven actions to take. They are:
1. Assign trusted contacts to all financial accounts. This is a person whom a financial institution can contact when exploitation or unusual behavior is suspected.
2. Prepare a durable financial power of attorney. A financial power of attorney allows a trusted person (an “agent”) to act on behalf of someone who can no longer make decisions independently (a “principal”). This is a powerful privilege and should only be given to someone who is trustworthy.
3. Prepare a will. Having a will prepared is important no matter what age you are. For the elderly it will help avoid future problems, because changing the will requires a person to have the legal capacity to do so.
4. Keep up on the latest scams. The Philadelphia Fed says the Federal Trade Commission (www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts), the National Consumers League (www.fraud.org) and AARP (www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-watch-network) are good sources for information.
5. Monitor your credit and your identity. This is an issue for everyone. Older adults tend to apply for new credit less often, they are also less likely to monitor their credit on a regular basis. AnnualCreditReport.com (www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action) allows reports from all three credit bureaus to be accessed for free each year.
6. Consider hiring a money manager. In our extra-busy lifestyle a daily money manager (DMM) can perform many essential financial services, often at a far lower cost than an accountant or a financial planner. The Philadelphia Fed suggests contacting the American Association of Daily Money Managers (https://secure.aadmm.com) for local DMMs.
7. Consider purchasing financial account monitoring services. These are third-party account monitoring services that help to spot suspicious financial transactions. One company mentioned, but not explicitly recommended, is EverSafe (www.eversafe.com).
Be $ Smart - Act now by implementing at least three of the suggested measures within the next month.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Finally, Some Protection for Seniors
A major concern of financial advisors is senior financial abuse. Until recently our hands have been tied for fear of liability breaking privacy laws by contacting family members or halting suspicious transactions. Many advisors are aware their elderly clients are being scammed or taken advantage of by unscrupulous relatives. Client conversations curtail some activities but most advisers hands were tied as they watched assets be drained away.
Finally some protective measures have been put into place effective February 2018:
1. when a new account is opened by someone over 65 the broker or advisor must request the name of a trusted contact person who may be called about questionable transactions. This trusted individual may also share current contact and health concerns as well as guardian, trustee or POA (power of attorney) holder.
The brokerage firm may also request the name of a trusted contact person when it annually or biannually updates records and pertinent account information.
2. brokers are now allowed to place a temporary hold on disbursements they deem suspicious. The rule not only covers investors over 65 but also account holders with mental or physical impairments who may show difficulty protecting their own financial interests. Before making disbursements the broker or money manager may put a temporary hold on the money while he/she investigates and reaches out to the investor, trusted contact or appropriate agency including the police.
This is a big step in the right direction. Now firms may use the trusted contact as a resource to protect assets of the elderly and help reduce financial exploitation. It also allows for proactive measures to stop the crime as once the assets are gone, there is little chance of recovery from fraudsters and scam artists.
Be $ Smart - Encourage your elderly friends and relatives to register a trusted contact with their financial institutions as protection against fraud.
Finally some protective measures have been put into place effective February 2018:
1. when a new account is opened by someone over 65 the broker or advisor must request the name of a trusted contact person who may be called about questionable transactions. This trusted individual may also share current contact and health concerns as well as guardian, trustee or POA (power of attorney) holder.
The brokerage firm may also request the name of a trusted contact person when it annually or biannually updates records and pertinent account information.
2. brokers are now allowed to place a temporary hold on disbursements they deem suspicious. The rule not only covers investors over 65 but also account holders with mental or physical impairments who may show difficulty protecting their own financial interests. Before making disbursements the broker or money manager may put a temporary hold on the money while he/she investigates and reaches out to the investor, trusted contact or appropriate agency including the police.
This is a big step in the right direction. Now firms may use the trusted contact as a resource to protect assets of the elderly and help reduce financial exploitation. It also allows for proactive measures to stop the crime as once the assets are gone, there is little chance of recovery from fraudsters and scam artists.
Be $ Smart - Encourage your elderly friends and relatives to register a trusted contact with their financial institutions as protection against fraud.
Pro's of a Roth IRA Conversion
The Roth IRA is possibly one of the best savings vehicles Congress has given to the American taxpayer. You get to save after-tax dollars, allow them to grow tax-free and take distribution in retirement tax-free.
In 2010 Congress allowed owners of traditional IRA's to make a full or partial conversion to a Roth IRA. Yes, the tax is still due on the money held in your Traditional IRA but once the tax has been paid and the money transferred into the Roth, you are done.
Roth IRA's have many benefits. Today we will address the reasons for converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth. Next week we will cover the reasons when and why you might not/should not convert to a Roth. Note that most reasons are not hard and fast rules. As conditions change, e.g. tax bracket, employment, etc. your decision needs to be reviewed, maybe annually.
Benefits of converting are numerous:
- retirement assets taxable on distribution now move into an account that will grow free of taxes and be distributed free of taxes as well.
- Roth IRA's have no required minimum distribution at age 70 1/2. You may hold a Roth as long as you like and take distributions whenever you like (once you are over 59 1/2 and the account has been opened for 5 years.)
- Distributions, also know as income, pass through as non-events in the federal tax system so payouts do not count as increased income to raise your income tax bracket, Medicare premiums or impose the 3.8% tax on investment income.
- Roth IRA's prove beneficial during the in-between years of retirement before Social Security kicks in.
- Distributions provide necessary income boost without increasing taxes as in filing FAFSA for college aid.
- A Roth conversion helps you better control your tax strategy as once you have paid the tax you no longer worry about tax increases or changing tax policy. Your income/distributions will be tax free.
Be $ Smart - consider the benefits of converting all or part of your Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Be sure to consult your tax preparer before making the move.
In 2010 Congress allowed owners of traditional IRA's to make a full or partial conversion to a Roth IRA. Yes, the tax is still due on the money held in your Traditional IRA but once the tax has been paid and the money transferred into the Roth, you are done.
Roth IRA's have many benefits. Today we will address the reasons for converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth. Next week we will cover the reasons when and why you might not/should not convert to a Roth. Note that most reasons are not hard and fast rules. As conditions change, e.g. tax bracket, employment, etc. your decision needs to be reviewed, maybe annually.
Benefits of converting are numerous:
- retirement assets taxable on distribution now move into an account that will grow free of taxes and be distributed free of taxes as well.
- Roth IRA's have no required minimum distribution at age 70 1/2. You may hold a Roth as long as you like and take distributions whenever you like (once you are over 59 1/2 and the account has been opened for 5 years.)
- Distributions, also know as income, pass through as non-events in the federal tax system so payouts do not count as increased income to raise your income tax bracket, Medicare premiums or impose the 3.8% tax on investment income.
- Roth IRA's prove beneficial during the in-between years of retirement before Social Security kicks in.
- Distributions provide necessary income boost without increasing taxes as in filing FAFSA for college aid.
- A Roth conversion helps you better control your tax strategy as once you have paid the tax you no longer worry about tax increases or changing tax policy. Your income/distributions will be tax free.
Be $ Smart - consider the benefits of converting all or part of your Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Be sure to consult your tax preparer before making the move.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Summer $ Reading
Many newspapers and magazines offer book lists for light, summer reading.
As you know, if you want to learn something, read.
Read books. Read magazines. Read websites.
Perhaps reading about money and investing is not considered light reading but when you are determined to care for your money and make it work for you, it is essential reading.
Here are a few books to consider:
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
by John Bogle, the father of index investing.
Mr. Bogle, also the founder of Vanguard, offers timeless and sensible advice.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
by Burton Malkiel, helps you understand the workings of Wall Street.
The Investment Answer
by Daniel Goldie and Gordon Murray, give easy to understand investment knowledge.
The Little Book of Main Street Money
by Jonathan Clements (often seen on PBS) provides good, basic financial advice.
One book I suggest for widows or newly divorced is
On Your Own: A Widow's Passage to Emotional and Financial Well-Being
by Alexandra Armstrong and Mary Donahue, offers easy-to-follow advice with step-by-step guidance.
If tackling a book is too heavy for your summer schedule pick-up a financial magazine like MONEY, Kiplingers or FORBES. Read it all - read the ads, the comments, the table of contents, the articles, cover to cover. The more you read the more familiar you become with the terms and the language of finance. The better you understand the language, the less intimidated you feel.
Be $ Smart - Build your confidence. Grow your assets. Learn about investing. Your future is yours to create.
As you know, if you want to learn something, read.
Read books. Read magazines. Read websites.
Perhaps reading about money and investing is not considered light reading but when you are determined to care for your money and make it work for you, it is essential reading.
Here are a few books to consider:
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
by John Bogle, the father of index investing.
Mr. Bogle, also the founder of Vanguard, offers timeless and sensible advice.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
by Burton Malkiel, helps you understand the workings of Wall Street.
The Investment Answer
by Daniel Goldie and Gordon Murray, give easy to understand investment knowledge.
The Little Book of Main Street Money
by Jonathan Clements (often seen on PBS) provides good, basic financial advice.
One book I suggest for widows or newly divorced is
On Your Own: A Widow's Passage to Emotional and Financial Well-Being
by Alexandra Armstrong and Mary Donahue, offers easy-to-follow advice with step-by-step guidance.
If tackling a book is too heavy for your summer schedule pick-up a financial magazine like MONEY, Kiplingers or FORBES. Read it all - read the ads, the comments, the table of contents, the articles, cover to cover. The more you read the more familiar you become with the terms and the language of finance. The better you understand the language, the less intimidated you feel.
Be $ Smart - Build your confidence. Grow your assets. Learn about investing. Your future is yours to create.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
The Magic Of Compound Interest
Here's a topic we've addressed before. It is a topic worth repeating. I took the simple explanation directly from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Compounding investment earnings is what can make even small investments become large investments given enough time.
How It Works – The money you save (either in a savings account, a mutual funds or in individual stocks) earns interest. Then you earn interest on the money you originally save, plus on the interest you've accumulated. As your savings grow, you earn interest on a bigger and bigger pool of money.
Start Saving Early - For every 10 years you delay before starting to save for retirement, you will need to save three times as much each month to catch up.
Starting at 20 - If you put $1,000 a year into an IRA every year from age 20 through age 30 (for 11 years) and stop - and the account earns seven percent annually - your savings will equal $168,514 at age 65.
Starting at age 30 - If you don't start until age 30, but save the same $1,000 amount annually but for 35 years straight at the same seven percent rate, you will have saved three times as much money but your account will grow to only $147,913 at age 65.
Where you might obtain a steady 7% return puzzles me, especially in this low interest rate environment but the point is clear even on a lesser scale:
- Start early!
- Save regularly or automatically!
The difference is significant if you wait. Even small amounts saved early have many more years to grow.
Be $ Smart - Start saving now! Any amount is better than none. Your future depends on it.
Compounding investment earnings is what can make even small investments become large investments given enough time.
How It Works – The money you save (either in a savings account, a mutual funds or in individual stocks) earns interest. Then you earn interest on the money you originally save, plus on the interest you've accumulated. As your savings grow, you earn interest on a bigger and bigger pool of money.
Start Saving Early - For every 10 years you delay before starting to save for retirement, you will need to save three times as much each month to catch up.
Starting at 20 - If you put $1,000 a year into an IRA every year from age 20 through age 30 (for 11 years) and stop - and the account earns seven percent annually - your savings will equal $168,514 at age 65.
Starting at age 30 - If you don't start until age 30, but save the same $1,000 amount annually but for 35 years straight at the same seven percent rate, you will have saved three times as much money but your account will grow to only $147,913 at age 65.
Where you might obtain a steady 7% return puzzles me, especially in this low interest rate environment but the point is clear even on a lesser scale:
- Start early!
- Save regularly or automatically!
The difference is significant if you wait. Even small amounts saved early have many more years to grow.
Be $ Smart - Start saving now! Any amount is better than none. Your future depends on it.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Measuring Risk
Risk comes in many forms. The numerous types of insurance available help us mitigate some risk. Often folks take elaborate measures to avoid any kind of risk. But risk abounds. Life is a risk.
To avoid risk it may make sense to keep your money in cash, money markets, CD's or stable value funds. You watch as the stock market completes daily gyrations. After a huge downturn you express relief that your pile of cash is safe. But then you groan during an upturn, lamenting all the profits "you could have made"!
Running water, over time, wears away stone or carves a riverbed.
So too does inflation and taxes which wear away at your purchasing power when you keep your money "too safe". Little by little, year by year your pile of cash shows the same amount, or maybe a tiny gain. But below the surface, inflation has dramatically reduced the goods and services you are able to buy.
Over time, your cash will suffer the same fate as the stone - it will be worn away.
Bite the bullet. Put your money to work for you.
Yes, keep your emergency fund in cash or money markets.
Yes, keep the money you'll need for purchases in the near future (12-18 months) safe. Invest the rest. The stock market goes up and down. If you draw a trend line on a stock market chart you will see that the trend, over time, has been up.
Be $ Smart - Work hard. Save. Make your money work hard too.
To avoid risk it may make sense to keep your money in cash, money markets, CD's or stable value funds. You watch as the stock market completes daily gyrations. After a huge downturn you express relief that your pile of cash is safe. But then you groan during an upturn, lamenting all the profits "you could have made"!
Running water, over time, wears away stone or carves a riverbed.
So too does inflation and taxes which wear away at your purchasing power when you keep your money "too safe". Little by little, year by year your pile of cash shows the same amount, or maybe a tiny gain. But below the surface, inflation has dramatically reduced the goods and services you are able to buy.
Over time, your cash will suffer the same fate as the stone - it will be worn away.
Bite the bullet. Put your money to work for you.
Yes, keep your emergency fund in cash or money markets.
Yes, keep the money you'll need for purchases in the near future (12-18 months) safe. Invest the rest. The stock market goes up and down. If you draw a trend line on a stock market chart you will see that the trend, over time, has been up.
Be $ Smart - Work hard. Save. Make your money work hard too.
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