Even a well-developed investment plan can fail for reasons that have nothing to do with investments. It could fail because the family breadwinner dies prematurely and doesn't have enough life insurance to cover her loved ones. Or it could fail because of an auto accident that results in a large judgment, and there's insufficient liability insurance in the form of an umbrella policy. This is why it's critical to integrate an investment plan into an overall estate, tax, and risk management (insurance) plan. One area of concern that is all-too-often overlooked is the need for long-term care insurance (LTCI). According to a survey by Sun Life Financial (SLF), there's a major disconnect … [Read more...]
How Much You Need to Save for Retirement
how much to save for retirementHow much money does a typical worker need to save every month in order to have a reasonable chance of financing a secure retirement? New analysis from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) came up with a broad overview of the rates needed by different age groups and income levels. To estimate necessary savings rates, the researchers first sought to determine what level of retirement income would provide an equivalent standard of living to a retiree's final year of pre-retirement income. After they took account of changes in various tax burdens, commuting expenses, housing costs and other factors, they estimated that a single worker … [Read more...]
Investing Through Life’s Stages
investing through life's stages Investing is a lifelong process. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be in the long run. It's best to start saving and investing as soon as you start earning money, even if it's only $10 a paycheck. The discipline and skills you learn will benefit you for the rest of your life. But no matter how old you are when you start thinking seriously about saving and investing, it's never too late to begin. The first part of a successful lifelong investment strategy is disciplined savings habits. Regardless of whether you are saving for retirement, a new house, or just that extravagant dining room set, you will need to develop rigid savings habits. Regular … [Read more...]
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