A New Look at the American Dream
Whenever the conversation turns to financial goals and a secure future, certain ideas at the core of The American Dream pop up - save for retirement and own your own home are two of those. However, times have changed economically.
The Retirement Spending Smile
Most people assume that once you retire, your spending pattern will be the same year-to-year. Research has shown that this, in fact, is not the case. Two studies came to the same conclusion. We spend more at the beginning of retirement and again towards the end. The graph of a retiree is spending pattern looks like a big smile.
Why the 4 Percent Rule No Longer Works
For decades Americans have calculated their retirement saving needs on the 4% Rule - if you can withdraw 4% of your retirement fund per year, there is every chance you will have enough money for your golden years. That rule was calculated on interest rates much higher than we are seeing now, and it is proving to be not so reliable for people who will retire in the future.
5 Ways to Fix Your Retirement Fund Shortfall
When you hit your 40s or 50s the idea of retirement (which seemed so far off in your 20s) is suddenly right around the corner. If you have reached this age and have not been diligently socking away money for retirement, there are some things you can do to fix the problem.
Americans Regret Not Having a Rainy Day Fund
The recent Bankrate Financial Security survey showed that most Americans have regrets about the financial decisions they have made. At the top of the list is not saving enough for retirement, but a close second is not saving for emergencies.
3 Reasons Not to Fear Retirement
If you are nearing retirement age, you are not alone. Roughly 10,000 Baby Boomers retire every day in America, and that number is set to stay true for the next 19 years. Many people face uncertainties and fears about their own retirement. When it should be a well-deserved rest after a lifetime of hard work, a lack of planning may result in apprehension and stress.
Millennials Can Create a Lifelong Wealth Plan
For a highly educated generation, Millennials show a surprising ineptitude in certain areas of money management. And a generation that lacks secure pensions will certainly need to prepare for their twilight years.
Retirement, Communication, and Marriage
Planning for a blissful retirement can be work sometimes. There are a lot of details to consider, and even more so as a married couple. And even more if there are children involved. It is not the most comfortable conversation to have with your spouse, but it certainly is important.
Generation X and Their Retirement
People in Generation X (those in their 30s and 40s) have solid reasons to be stressed out about their financial futures. Many are saddled with debt, have not saved as much as they should have for retirement, and perhaps were underemployed during recent economic downturns.
David Lerner Associates: Ending Financial Stress with Planning
Bank of America / Merrill Lynch is 2016 Workplace Benefits Report was an interesting study in the financial confidence of today is workers. 75% of employees polled indicated they are not financially secure, and 60% say they are somewhat or very stressed by their financial situation, according to the report.