In an ideal world, you could save money and prepare for retirement without any risks or threats. Unfortunately, risk is a natural part of any financial strategy. There are a wide range of risks that could potentially derail your plan. Medical emergencies, disability, job loss, and more could cut into your savings and limit your ability to retire comfortably.
 
Your savings and investments also face market risk. Volatility is a component in nearly every financial market. Assets rise in value, but they can also fall. Depending on your allocation, those declines could put your investments at risk.
 
Risk and return also tend to go hand-in-hand. Many of the assets that have the highest long-term historical returns also have the high levels of volatility. Assets that tend to have little risk exposure also may have limited return potential.
 
How do you grow your assets without taking on too much risk exposure? One effective strategy is to align your allocation with your risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance is your own personal threshold for downside movement. Everyone’s risk tolerance is different. It should be based on your specific needs and goals, as well as other factors.
 
Is your allocation aligned with your risk tolerance? Do you know your risk tolerance level? If not, now may be the time to review your plan. A financial professional can help you determine how much risk is right for you. Below are a few factors to consider as you get started:

Goals 

Any risk tolerance analysis should start with a review of your goals. Why are you saving money? The size of your goal will influence your strategy.
 
For example, assume you’re saving for retirement, which is a sizable goal. You’ll likely need to grow your money over a long period of time to reach your objective, so you may need to take some risk to get your desired level of return.
 
However, assume you’re saving for a down payment for a home purchase. In this case, growing your money may not be as important as simply protecting it. An account or asset with little or no risk could be more appropriate for a goal of that size.

Time Horizon 

When will you actually need to use your savings? The amount of time you have until you need to use your assets is known as your time horizon. The longer your time horizon, the more tolerance you may have for risk.
 
Assume you intend to retire in five years. You may not have much tolerance for market loss. If the market declines, you may not have time to participate in the recovery. On the other hand, assume you aren’t retiring for 30 years. If the market declines, you have plenty of time to recover, so it may make sense to take on greater risk exposure in the pursuit of higher returns.

Personal Preference 

Every person is different, so there’s no universal correct answer on how much risk is appropriate. Your personal preferences should be an important consideration. Some people are naturally more comfortable with risk than others.
 
How do you feel when your investments decline in value? Does it cause stress and anxiety? Or does it barely register on your radar? If your risk level keeps you up at night or causes you to question your strategy, that could be a sign that you are allocated too aggressively.
 
Ready for an allocation that is right for your risk tolerance? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
19014 - 2019/7/1

​Fireworks, parades, and pool parties. That’s what comes to mind for most people when they think about the Fourth of July. The holiday is a great midpoint in the summer to enjoy a couple days off work and celebrate with friends and family.
 
Amid the festivities, it’s easy to forget what we’re celebrating. The Fourth marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The signing of that document declared that the 13 American colonies were free, independent states and were no longer subject to British rule.
 
Retirement is your time to declare your own independence from the constraints of a busy career. You get to take control of your schedule, and spend your time doing what makes you happy. Whether you want to travel, pursue a favorite hobby or simply relax with family, retirement is your time to truly live independently.
 
Financial independence is a key element in an enjoyable retirement. You’ll need enough assets and income to support your lifestyle for several decades or more. It takes focus, discipline and a long-term strategy. Below are a few tips to help you declare your financial independence.

Save more. 

Saving is always important, but it’s even more so as you approach retirement. The final years of your career represent your last opportunity to contribute to your 401(k), IRA, or other savings vehicles. This is the time to scale back your spending and boost your savings rate.
 
Use a budget to cut your spending as much as possible. Then allocate savings contributions to both long-term and short-term vehicles. Your 401(k) plan and IRA can be effective long-term accounts because of tax deferral, though you can’t access those funds until age 59½. You also may want to save money in nonqualified accounts, which won’t offer tax deferral, but which you can use to generate income earlier in life.

Minimize risk. 

Nothing can derail your journey to financial independence like risk. There are a variety of risks that could threaten your retirement. One is market risk. Volatility is a natural element in the financial markets. However, you can take steps to minimize your exposure. If you haven’t reviewed your strategy lately, now may be the time to do so. As you get closer to retirement, it may make sense to shift to a more conservative allocation.
 
Also consider vehicles that reduce your risk exposure. For example, annuities offer features that minimize risk. In a fixed indexed annuity, you receive interest based on the performance of a market index, like the S&P 500. If the index performs well, you may receive more interest, up to a limit. However, if the index performs poorly, your annuity value doesn’t go down. An annuity could be an effective way to get growth potential without downside risk.

Create guaranteed income. 

Annuities aren’t just for risk protection. They can also be used to create guaranteed lifetime income. Guaranteed income is important to establishing financial independence. When your retirement income is guaranteed, you can make confident, informed spending decisions. You can also be sure that you won’t outlive your income, no matter how long you live.
 
Many annuities offer guaranteed withdrawal benefits. With this feature, you’re allowed to withdraw a certain percentage of the contract value each year. As long as you stay within the allowed amount, your withdrawal is guaranteed for life, even if your annuity value goes down.
 
Ready to chart your path for financial independence in retirement? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
Annuities contain limitations including withdrawal charges, fees, and a market value adjustment which may affect contract values.
​
Annuities are products of the insurance industry; guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Guaranteed lifetime income available through annuitization or the purchase of an optional lifetime income rider, a benefit for which an annual premium is charged.
 
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
19012 - 2019/7/1

​Summer has finally arrived. It’s time for sunshine, barbeques and maybe even vacations to the beach. If you’re still working, you may only get one or two weeks a year to escape from the office and enjoy the great weather. However, once you’re retired, you’ll have the time and flexibility to enjoy a beach and a tropical climate as much as you want.
 
In fact, many retirees choose to not only vacation frequently, but to actually relocate to a warm, tropical location. Many do it for lifestyle reasons. They want to be able to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Others may do it for health reasons. They may have illnesses or conditions that are less severe in warmer weather.
 
Some people also move to tropical locations for financial reasons. There are many places, especially in other countries, where your retirement dollars might stretch further than they do in the United States.
 
In fact, every year International Living magazine rates the best tropical retirement destinations in its Global Retirement Index. Below are a few of the top locations in 2019’s index. If you’re looking for a warm tropical climate and want to make your retirement assets last, you may want to consider either a part-time or full-time relocation to one of these countries.

Panama 

Panama claimed the top spot in 2019’s Global Retirement Index. It’s a modern, sophisticated country in Central America that’s popular with American ex-pats and retirees for a few reasons. One is the climate. It’s a tropical country with year-round great weather, but it also isn’t a frequent target of hurricanes or tropical storms. Whether you love the beach, golf, or other outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of options in Panama.
 
Panama is also a great location for your wallet. The country actively courts retirees from other countries with its Pensionado program. This program offers substantial discounts on everything from airline tickets to hotel rooms and even energy costs. Also, you don’t pay taxes in Panama on income that originates in your home country.
 
Medical costs are also affordable in Panama. According to the study, office visits for minor issues have minimal costs and most patients can enjoy a direct relationship with their physician or specialist.
 
Malaysia

Want to relocate to somewhere tropical, but also with a completely different culture? You could try Malaysia, which ranks fifth in the Global Retirement Index. The country is home to pristine beaches, but also rainforests and mountains if you’re in the mood to explore. You can live in the city or a small countryside village.
 
The cost of living is also appealing. According to the report, Malaysia offers a cost-of-living at a fraction of the expenses here in the United States. In fact, a couple may be able to live comfortably in a beachside town for less than $2,000 per month. Health care is also affordable in Malaysia. Retirees in the country report low costs and high-quality care with access to skilled physicians and specialists.

Portugal 

Want an inexpensive location with plenty of travel opportunities? Portugal could be the right option for you. According to the Global Retirement Index, Portugal is the second most affordable country in Europe, just behind Bulgaria. Retirees interviewed as part of the study say they can live comfortably in Portugal for less than $2,500 per month.
 
While Portugal is a foreign country, it could be an easy transition for an American retiree. English is widely used, and even basic knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese is sufficient. Also, Portugal is rated as the fourth-safest country in the world according to the 2018 Global Peace Index.
 
The biggest benefit to living in Portugal may be the lifestyle. You have access to beach towns or a relaxed lifestyle in the country. It’s also easy to travel throughout Europe. You can quickly travel to Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, or more via train or air.

Steps to Take Before Retiring Overseas 

Is an overseas retirement right for you? If so, it’s important to have a solid plan in place before you make the leap. One important piece of your plan is your income strategy. How will you generate income in retirement? And how much income can you expect?
 
A financial professional can help you map out your income sources, such as Social Security, defined benefit pensions, retirement account distributions and more. He or she can also help you estimate your spending in your new home country and determine how much income you will need. You may also want to take advantage of vehicles like annuities, which can be used to create guaranteed income for life.
 
You also may want to take this time to assess your investment strategy and allocation. In particular, consider how your investments and potential gains may be taxed in your new home country.
 
Also review whether your allocation is appropriate for your needs and goals. If you don’t need as much income in your new country, that could impact your strategy. Perhaps you should reduce your risk exposure. Or maybe you can pursue growth strategies. Your financial professional can help you find the right strategy for your objectives.
 
Ready to retire overseas? It all starts with a sound financial plan. Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your goals and develop a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
https://internationalliving.com/the-best-places-to-retire/
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
18977 - 2019/6/18

​The year is flying by. It may be hard to believe, but we’re already halfway through 2019. Did you set financial goals at the beginning of the year? If so, how are those goals looking at the halfway point?
 
The good news is you have six more months to hit your objectives. Whether your goal was to save more money, pay down debt, or simply organize your financial strategy, you still have time to make it happen before the end of the year.
 
This also may be a good time to review your retirement plan. Generally, the financial markets have had a good year. The S&P 500 is up more than 13 percent year-to-date. However, that hasn’t come without turbulence. The index lost nearly 5 percent in May.1
 
If you’re approaching retirement, it’s important to periodically review your retirement strategy to make sure it aligns with your risk tolerance and time horizon. If you suffer a loss, you may not have time before retirement to recover. Below are a few tips to help you reduce the risk exposure in your strategy.
 
Rebalance your allocation. 

It’s possible that your target allocation is perfect for your risk tolerance and time horizon. However, it’s also possible that your actual allocation doesn’t match your target.
 
Investment portfolios naturally become unbalanced over time. Some assets classes perform better than others. Some increase in value while others decline. This happens all the time with investments and financial markets.

However, as asset classes increase and decrease in value, they also become unaligned with your target allocations. For instance, an asset that was supposed to account for only 5 percent of your allocation, may account for much more if it increases in value. Similarly, an asset that declines in value may account for much less than its target percentage. The result is that you get a portfolio that doesn’t match your desired allocation and may even have more risk than you want.
 
Fortunately, you can correct this issue by rebalancing your allocation back to the desired target. In fact, it’s good to do this regularly, even on a quarterly basis. Many financial professionals can set up your account to automatically rebalance so you know you’re always aligned with the right strategy.

Shift to more conservative assets. 

When was the last time you reviewed your allocation? If it’s been a while, you may need to do more than rebalance. It could be time to change your allocation altogether.
 
As people get older and approach retirement, they tend to become more conservative. This is because your time horizon has shortened. You have fewer years until you retire and actually need to use your money. A more conservative allocation reduces the odds of a sizable loss. It helps you protect what you have while still potentially growing your assets.

Review your strategy and discuss it with your financial professional. Is it time to move to a more conservative allocation? If so, consult with your financial professional to determine what types of strategies are right for you.

Consider an annuity. 

Finally, you may want to consider additional risk protection tools. One possible tool is an annuity. Some annuities, like fixed indexed annuities, offer upside potential without the downside risk that exists in the financial markets.
 
With a fixed indexed annuity (FIA), you receive interest that is tied to the performance of an external index, like the S&P 500. If the index performs well, you receive a portion of the upside performance as an interest payment. If the index performs poorly and loses value, you don’t receive interest, but you also don’t lose any money.
 
An FIA can be an effective tool to minimize risk in your portfolio. There are a number of different FIAs available, so it’s important to explore your options. Your financial professional can help you determine if an FIA is right for your strategy.
 
Ready to reset your strategy for the second half of 2019? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
Annuities contain limitations including withdrawal charges, fees, and a market value adjustment which may affect contract values.
Annuities are products of the insurance industry; guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Guaranteed lifetime income available through annuitization or the purchase of an optional lifetime income rider, a benefit for which an annual premium is charged.
 
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
1https://money.cnn.com/data/markets/sandp/
 
18924 - 2019/5/29

It’s graduation season. Do you have a graduate who finishing up on college? If so, this is a time to celebrate your child’s accomplishment and their entrance into adulthood.
 
It also may be a time to celebrate your new freedom. You have one less dependent in the house and one less tuition bill to pay. You might see a healthy boost in your bank account and budget in the near future, especially if you’re now an empty-nester.
 
Before you start spending all that extra cash, this could be a good time to review your retirement strategy. If you’re behind on your savings, you’re not alone. Many people wait until after their kids graduate and leave the home before they get serious about saving for retirement.
 
The good news is there’s still time to get back on track. Below are three steps you can take today to boost your savings and take back control of your retirement strategy. If you’ve waited until your kids were grown to get serious about retirement, now is the time to take action.

Use a budget. 

Do you use a budget? If the answer is no, you have company. According to a recent survey, 60% of Americans don’t use one. ¹ That’s an unfortunate statistic because a budget is one of the most powerful financial tools at your disposal.
 
A budget is especially important if you now have a boost in cash flow because you’re no longer supporting a child or making tuition payments. You can use your budget to plan and analyze your spending so that additional cash flow goes toward retirement instead of unnecessary purchases.
 
There are a variety of online tools you can use to create your budget. A spreadsheet can also be effective. The key is to set spending goals for each type of purchase and then regularly review your budget to make sure you hit your targets.

Boost your contributions. 

The most effective way to boost your retirement assets is to simply contribute more money to your retirement accounts each year. Once you turn 50, you have an opportunity to increase your savings rate through something called “catch-up contributions.” A catch-up contribution is simply an extra allowable contribution amount for those approaching retirement.
 
In 2019, you can make a regular contribution of up to $19,000 to a 401(k). However, if you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $6,000, giving you a total allowable amount of $25,000. You can contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA, plus an additional $1,000 if you are 50 or older. ² Catch-up contributions can help you boost your savings and get your retirement back on track.

Guarantee* your assets and income. 

As you approach retirement, you may find that you have less tolerance for risk. That’s natural. After all, you don’t have as much time as you once did to recover from a substantial market loss.  Of course, you also need to keep growing your assets, so you can’t avoid risk completely.
 
How do you balance your need for growth with your aversion to risk? One way to do it is with an annuity. Many annuities offer growth opportunities with downside guarantees*. For instance, a fixed indexed annuity allows you to earn interest that is linked to a market index. If the index performs well, you may earn more interest. If it performs poorly, your principal is protected.
 
Fixed annuities also offer ways to create guaranteed* lifetime income streams. You can convert a portion of your assets into a cash flow that will last for live, no matter how long you live. That could provide some certainty and predictability as you head into retirement.
 
Ready to get your retirement on track? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and goals and implement a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1 https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/24/pf/financial-mistake-budget/index.html
 
2 https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-contribution-limit-increases-to-19000-for-2019-ira-limit-increases-to-6000
 
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
18775 - 2019/4/16

​Another school year is nearly over. If you have kids, you know how fast time flies. One day you’re dropping them off at daycare or sending them to kindergarten. The next thing you know, they’re preparing for college. Blink and you might miss it.
 
If your child is in middle school or even college, you may feel like you’re behind on their college savings. Of course, at the same time, you may also feel like you’re behind on your retirement savings. Both are big financial goals, and both are important, but there’s also only so much money available to contribute to savings. How do you balance the two goals?
 
Savings for college is much different than saving for retirement. There are different variables and factors involved. Below are a few things to consider.

Time Horizon 

Time horizon is the amount of time you have before you actually need to use your savings. The longer your time horizon, the more risk you can afford to take. If you suffer a loss, you have time to recover, but as your time horizon shortens, you may want to become more conservative since you don’t have as much time to recover losses.
 
Depending on your age, your time horizon for college may be much shorter than your time horizon for retirement. You could have decades until retirement. On the other hand, if you have a child already in elementary or middle school, you may have 10 years or less until they’re ready for college.
 
Your time horizon should influence your saving strategy for both retirement and college savings. Don’t apply the same allocation to both goals. Rather, look at your time horizon and determine how much risk you can afford. Unless your kids are very young, you likely don’t have time in your college strategy to recover from a sizable loss, so you may want to take a more risk-averse position.

Amount 

According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees in the 2017-18 school year at an in-state public college was $9,970. For an out-of-state public school, the cost was $25,620 and a private school was $34,740.¹ [JR1] If your child attends college for four or five years, it’s possible the cost could be over six figures.
 
That’s a sizable amount, but it’s still not close to what you’ll need for retirement. Consider that you may live in retirement for several decades. You’ll need enough assets to cover your bills, your discretionary spending and more. Consider that Fidelity estimates the average retired couple will need $285,000 just to cover medical expenses. ²
 
While college is big financial goal, it’s usually not as sizable as your retirement need. Don’t delay saving for retirement. It’s too big of a goal to fund at the last minute. Even if you have to start small, it pays to start saving early.

Alternative Funding 

It’s also important to remember that your child has other funding options available for college. They could earn a scholarship or a grant. They may qualify for financial aid. Student loans aren’t popular, but they are an effective funding tool.
 
You may not have similar options available for retirement. You’ll likely receive Social Security benefits, but those payments usually aren’t enough to fund a full retirement. You’ll likely need to rely on your savings to make up the difference. While saving for college is important, don’t let it interfere with your retirement savings.
 
Ready to plan your college and retirement strategies? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at  BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
 
1 https://www.collegedata.com/en/pay-your-way/college-sticker-shock/how-much-does-college-cost/whats-the-price-tag-for-a-college-education/
2 https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/plan-for-rising-health-care-costs
 
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
18786 - 2019/4/18

​Remember hunting for Easter eggs as a child? There were few thrills more exciting than racing around the yard or a park to find as many eggs as possible. Your eggs may have contained candy, money or other prizes.
 
As an adult, you may be too old to participate in a traditional Easter egg hunt. However, there may be another egg hunt that could be far more lucrative. It’s a hunt for hidden retirement assets. Many people fail to inventory their available retirement assets. In doing so, they fail to identify assets that could play an important role in their retirement strategy.
 
Below are four often-overlooked retirement assets. Some of these eggs may be hiding in plain sight. If you haven’t created an inventory of your retirement assets, now may be the time to do so. You could have some valuable eggs waiting to be found.

Old 401(k) Plans 

There was a time when workers stayed with one company for most of their career. Those days are long gone. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wage and salaried workers have been with their current employer for a median of only 4.6 years. In fact, the average worker changes jobs 11 times from age 18 to 48.1
 
When you leave a job, you also may leave behind a 401(k) balance. It’s possible that you still have balances held in former employers’ plans. Make a list of old employers and identify the ones where you may have participated in a 401(k) plan, profit-sharing plan or other qualified retirement plan. If you have an old balance, you could roll it over into an IRA and invest it according to your strategy.

Life Insurance Cash Value 

Do you own permanent life insurance policies? If so, those policies may have a cash value that you can use in retirement. Permanent life insurance policies have a death benefit, but they also have what’s called a cash value account. When you make a premium payment, a portion of that payment is allocated toward the cash value.
 
Your cash value account grows on a tax-deferred basis. The method of potential growth depends on the type of policy. Whole life insurance pays dividends, while universal life policies pay interest. Variable universal life policies allow you to invest in the financial markets. Depending on your type of policy and how long you’ve owned the insurance, you could have a significant amount of cash value.
 
You can use that cash value to provide supplemental income in retirement. For instance, you can withdraw your premiums tax-free. You can also take tax-free loans from the policy, though the loans do have to be repaid. Review your life insurance policies and see whether you’ve accumulated cash value that you can use in retirement.

Home Equity 

Thinking of downsizing in retirement? That could be a smart move. When you downsize to a smaller home, you may be able to reduce your costs for housing, taxes, maintenance, insurance and more.
 
If you have substantial equity in your home, you could also give your retirement savings a nice boost. For example, you could pocket the equity from the sale of your home and add it to your retirement assets.

Delaying Social Security 

Technically, this strategy doesn’t represent an asset, but it is a simple way to increase your retirement income. You can file for full Social Security benefits once you reach full retirement age (FRA). Most people’s FRA lands between their 66th and 67th birthdays.2
 
However, you don’t have to file at your FRA. If you choose to delay your filing, Social Security will increase your benefit by 8 percent for each year that you wait up to age 70. That 8 percent increase is a permanent credit, so it could represent a significant pay raise, especially if you delay your benefit filing for several years.3
 
Ready to find the hidden eggs in your retirement strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/leaving-401k-behind-job-change-costly/
2https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html
3https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/delayret.html
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
18692 - 2019/3/26

​Everyone is familiar with the popular saying “April showers bring May flowers.” The arrival of spring also means the arrival of rainy weather. While rainy days are never fun, they signal the end of winter and the coming arrival of blossoming flowers and warmer weather. In retirement you might be able to avoid rainy weather by moving to a tropical climate.
 
Of course, you may not be able to avoid rainy days with regard to your financial strategy. Emergencies happen at all stages of life, including after you retire. Taxes could be a challenge and may stretch your budget. Medical expenses and long-term care costs could pose a financial threat. Market risk is always a concern.
 
One way to protect yourself from emergencies and unexpected costs is to boost your guaranteed* income in retirement. The more predictable, guaranteed* income you have, the less vulnerable you’ll be to unplanned costs.
 
Not sure whether you have enough guaranteed* income in retirement? Below is a three-step process you can use to evaluate your income and take action. If you haven’t projected your retirement income, now may be the time to do so.

Step 1: Establish your income floor. 

Your income floor is the minimum amount of income you need to cover your most important expenses. The best way to determine your income floor is to develop a retirement budget. Granted, you can’t predict every cost you’ll face in retirement. However, you can probably make a reasonable projection based on your current expenses and your desired standard of living.
 
Highlight the expenses that are most important. These will include all your fixed expenses, which are the bills that have to be paid every month no matter what. You also may include a few discretionary costs, which are expenses that could fluctuate from month to month. For example, your most important expenses may include:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Insurance premiums
• Debt and credit card payments
• Car payments
• Medical costs
• Food
• Clothing
• Cellphone bill
• And more

 
Total up your most important expenses and see how much they will cost on a monthly basis. Also, don’t forget inflation. It’s likely that prices will rise slightly between now and your retirement date. The sum of your most important expenses is your income floor. That’s the minimum amount of income you need each month to live in retirement.

Step 2: Project your guaranteed* income. 

The next step is to project your guaranteed* income in retirement. Guaranteed* income is cash flow that will last no matter how long you live and that isn’t affected by market performance or other economic factors.
 
Social Security and pension benefits are good examples of guaranteed* lifetime income. The amounts don’t fluctuate from month to month, and the income lasts for life. Distributions from 401(k) plans, IRAs or other investment vehicles may not be guaranteed*, so you don’t want to include them in this calculation.
 
Add up your projected guaranteed* income. Does it exceed your income floor? If so, you have enough to meet your bare minimum expenses. If it doesn’t, you may want to increase your guaranteed* retirement income.

Steps 3: Fill in the gaps. 

Ideally, you don’t just want your guaranteed* income to match your income floor. You want it to exceed your income floor by a substantial amount. That way you can build a rainy day fund to cover life’s unexpected costs. Extra guaranteed* income could help you pay for medical bills, home repairs or other emergency costs.
 
One of the most effective ways to boost your guaranteed* income is to include an annuity in your retirement strategy. Many indexed annuities offer optional riders known as guaranteed* minimum withdrawal benefits. These benefits allow you to withdraw up to a certain amount each year. As long as your withdrawal stays within the limits, the distribution is guaranteed* for life. It doesn’t matter how long you live or how the market performs. Your income remains consistent and predictable.
 
Talk to a financial professional about how to use an annuity to boost your guaranteed* retirement income. They can help you determine your income floor, project your retirement income and take action to protect yourself from financial rainy days.
 
Ready to boost your retirement strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
18686 - 2019/3/25

​If you’re a college basketball fan, this is your favorite time of year. March Madness is in full swing. That means a full schedule of games every weekend, buzzer-beating finishes and unbelievable upsets. If you’re like many fans, your bracket is already a mess.
 
It’s nearly impossible to predict the outcome of the NCAA Tournament. According to a Duke University professor, the odds of predicting a perfect bracket are 1 in 2.4 trillion.1 Even getting the Final Four correct can be difficult: In last year’s Capital One Bracket Challenge, only 54 entries had the Final Four teams correct.2
 
It may also feel like it’s impossible to predict the movement of the financial markets. The major indexes can swing in any direction on any given day, influenced by an infinite number of events and updates from around the world. In the short term, it’s virtually impossible to predict where the markets are headed.
 
But can you use the winner of the NCAA Tournament to make a market prediction? Researchers from Schaeffer’s Investment Research recently studied S&P 500 index returns from April to December along with past NCAA Tournament champions to see if there’s any correlation between the two.
 
The research found that the market has consistently had positive annual returns when the NCAA Tournament champion has come from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). That’s happened 11 times. The S&P 500 has gone on to have a positive return the rest of the year in each of those instances. The median return from April to December when the champion is an SEC team is 9.56 percent.3
 
The market has also had positive returns at least 75 percent of the time when the champion has come from the ACC, Pac-12 or Big East. The ACC and Pac-12 have produced the most champions, with each conference winning 16 times. During years in which the ACC has won, the market had a positive return 75 percent of the time, with a median return of 9.59 percent. When the Pac-12 wins, the market has been positive 88 percent of the time, with a median return of 8.91 percent.3
 
When does the S&P 500 have a negative return from April to December? When the NCAA Tournament winner comes from the Big Ten Conference. In those years, the market has been positive only 36 percent of the time, with a median return of -4.76 percent.3

Coincidence Isn’t the Same Thing as Correlation 

Of course, just because these patterns exist doesn’t mean there’s an actual correlation between the tournament winner and the returns of the market. There’s no factor tying the championship outcome to the S&P 500, so these patterns are entirely coincidental. They shouldn’t be used to try to make any kind of market predictions.
 
If you want to stabilize your investment performance and reduce volatility, there are other steps you can take besides relying on the outcome of a basketball tournament. Below are a few steps to consider:
 
Review your allocation. As you get older and approach retirement, it’s natural to become less tolerant of risk. You may not be able to stomach the ups and downs of the market like you used to. That’s understandable. After all, you’ll need to rely on those savings for income in the near future.
 
Now could be a good time to review your allocation with your financial professional. It’s possible that your current allocation isn’t right for your goals, needs and risk tolerance.
 
Rebalance. The market moves up and down, but not all asset classes move in the same direction at the same time. As some asset classes increase in value, others decline. That means your actual allocation is always in a state of flux. Over time, it may become far different than your desired allocation.
 
It’s helpful to regularly rebalance your portfolio so it always adjusts back to your target allocation. When you rebalance, you sell some of the assets that have increased in value and buy those that have declined. That can help you lock in gains and stay aligned with your desired strategy.
 
Use an annuity. An annuity can be an effective tool to potentially increase your assets but also limit downside risk. For example, a fixed indexed annuity pays an interest rate based on the performance of an index, like the S&P 500. The better the index performs over a defined period, the higher your rate. If it performs poorly, you may get little or no interest.
 
In a fixed indexed annuity, however, your principal is guaranteed*. There’s no risk of loss due to market performance. That means you get upside potential without the volatility.
 
Want to take steps to make your portfolio less volatile? Don’t look toward coincidental trends. Instead, implement a thoughtful strategy. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you review your portfolio and find areas for improvement. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/duke-math-professor-says-odds-of-a-perfect-bracket-are-one-in-2-4-trillion
2https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/bracketiq/2018-03-26/54-ncaa-brackets-correctly-predicted-final-four
3https://www.schaeffersresearch.com/content/analysis/2017/03/23/march-madness-indicator-why-the-stock-market-should-root-for-kentucky
 
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
18583 - 2019/2/27

The deadline for filing your 2018 tax return is right around the corner. Have you filed your return yet? If so, were you satisfied with the outcome? Or were you surprised by how much you paid in taxes last year?
 
The recent tax law dramatically changed the tax code. For many Americans, the law means reduced taxes. If you don’t plan accordingly, however, it’s possible that you could owe money to the IRS after your filing. It’s also possible that you could pay more in taxes than necessary.

Now is a great time to review your strategy and identify action steps that could reduce your tax exposure. If you haven’t reviewed your financial plan recently, you may be missing out on a number of tax-efficient tools and products. Below are a few tips to consider as you review your taxes:

Review your deductions. 
​
One of the biggest changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the elimination and reduction of a wide range of deductions. Most itemized deductions were eliminated, including those for alimony payments and interest on many types of home equity loans. Caps were also implemented for state, local and property tax deductions. The law also eliminated personal exemptions.1
 
To make up for these changes, the law more than doubled the standard deduction.1 For many people, that means it will be more advantageous to take the standard deduction than to itemize deductions. If you’ve planned your spending based on the ability to itemize and deduct certain expenses, you may want to reconsider your strategy. Those deductions may no longer be allowed under the new law.

Check your withholding amount. 

The law also reduced tax rates across the board and changed the income brackets for each rate level. As a result, many employers adjusted their withholding amounts. Not all did, however. And some may have adjusted their withholdings incorrectly.
 
In fact, according to a study from the Government Accountability Office, 30 million people, or just over 20 percent of taxpayers, are not withholding enough money from their paychecks to cover taxes.2 Are you part of that group? If you’re not sure, talk to your financial professional about whether you should increase your withholdings.

Maximize your tax-deferred savings. 

Tax deferral is a great way to reduce current taxes and save for the future. In a tax-deferred account, you don’t pay taxes on growth in the current year as long as your money stays in the account. You may face taxes in the future when you take a distribution.
 
Many qualified retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans and IRAs, offer tax-deferred growth. In 2019 you can contribute up to $19,000 to your 401(k), plus an additional $6,000 if you are age 50 or older. You can put as much as $6,000 into an IRA, or up to $7,000 if you’re 50 or older.3
 
Want more tax deferral beyond your 401(k) and IRA? Consider a deferred annuity. Annuities offer tax-deferred growth. They also offer a variety of ways to increase your assets. Some pay a fixed interest rate and have no downside risk. Others let you participate in the financial markets according to your risk tolerance and goals. A financial professional can help you find the right annuity for your strategy.

Develop sources of tax-efficient retirement income. 

Taxes don’t stop when you quit working. If you’re approaching retirement, now may be the time to plan ahead and minimize your future tax exposure. You can take steps today to create tax-efficient income for your retirement.

For example, distributions from a Roth IRA are tax-free assuming you’re over age 59½. You may want to start contributing to a Roth or even consider converting your traditional IRA into a Roth.
 
You can also use a permanent life insurance policy as a source of tax-efficient income. You can withdraw your premiums from your life insurance cash value tax-free. Also, loans from life insurance policies are tax-free distributions. You may want to discuss with your financial professional how life insurance could reduce your future taxes in retirement.

Ready to take control of your tax strategy in 2019? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at BAM Advisory Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.thebalance.com/trump-s-tax-plan-how-it-affects-you-4113968
2https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/01/30-million-americans-are-not-withholding-enough-pay-for-taxes.html
3https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/01/heres-how-much-you-can-sock-away-toward-retirement-in-2019.html
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
18582 - 2019/2/27