The investing universe is a continuously changing place, and before the ink on this note dries, it will likely look different. What happens next is uncertain, but in the past few months we’ve learned the lessons of another cycle, and those lessons seem to repeat themselves regardless of the market’s trajectory: (1) investing is emotional, (2) risk never goes away, and (3) investment returns require patience in the face of adversity.
Regardless of your politics, many retirees (and non-retirees) will benefit from lower taxes due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act put into effect in January of 2018. With the increase in the standard deduction and lower tax rates, taking income from your retirement accounts could cost you less in taxes than in previous years. This gives retirees an opportunity to do some strategic income and tax planning in the early years of retirement.
Losing a family member is one of most challenging life events many of us will ever experience. In many instances, the grieving process is coupled with tremendous responsibility – managing final arrangements, supervising assets and affairs, and settling the estate. We’ve helped a number of investors navigate this difficult process.
Rather than asking, “Can I retire at 67?”, work with your advisor to understand what retirement at various ages would look like, and what resources are necessary to maintain a suitable lifestyle at each of those ages. Preparing for many outcomes in your early fifties will make the unexpected less painful, and provide more peace of mind throughout your last working years.
Homes are often the most expensive purchases in a person’s life, and a second home – bought just at a time when earnings may be peaking and the sense of wealth is highest – can feel more attainable at an even higher cost. A second opinion to hold against the psychological inertia in this situation is extremely valuable, and can significantly impact retirement options.
Pensions are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and Social Security won’t cover the bills for most retirees. Most of us are relying more and more on investment savings - often held within retirement accounts - to fund the golden years. It is not uncommon for investors to have six and seven-figure nest eggs within these accounts, making it more important than ever to properly manage the assets and plan appropriately for the future.
