New Study Shows What Is Most Likely to Impact a Positive Retirement

A new study has found that contributing to society and having a purpose are key to enjoying life in retirement. This study completed by Age Wave and Edwin Jones shows that the pandemic has influenced the funding and timing of many people’s retirement, often shifting plans they might have had in place for decades.

The study also shows what Americans entering retirement feel are the most important aspects of all elements of comprehensive retirement planning, including those that are not financial. The study indicates that there are four pillars of the new retirement. Family is, of course, at the top of the list. The second pillar is purpose which many respondents derived from their friends and family.

Doing social good is another pillar of the retirement since 86% of all adults and nearly 90% of retirees say that retirees should have more opportunities to put their knowledge and talents to use to benefit society in general and their direct communities.

Retirees said they wanted to volunteer at least three hours per week, which is over 4 times higher than the actual retiree volunteer rate over recent years. The final pillar is about seeing planning for retirement as being more than saving for a retirement. Many of the retirees who were involved in the study said they wish they had done a better job in planning for financial and non-financial aspects of their retirement.

 

Is a Roth IRA the “Cadillac” of Assets to Leave for Heirs?

If you’re looking down the road to retirement, you may be wondering which of your accounts you should tap into first, and which you should leave possibly set aside to pass on to beneficiaries. Those individuals with traditional retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, Roth IRAs, and a 401k may feel overwhelmed by the options, but it all depends on your estate planning goals.

Is a Roth IRA the Cadillac of Assets to Leave for Heirs
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For the most part, Roth IRAs seem to be good accounts to leave behind for others. Since the distributions can be taken out tax-free and can be stretched over the course of a lifetime, the majority of the original investment can continue growing tax free during that same period. Since the federal estate tax exemption for a married couple is more than $10 million, Roth IRAs may be more likely to be free of estate taxes and income taxes. For that reason, it could be worth your time to convert other traditional retirement accounts into a Roth for the ultimate benefit or heirs.

Doing so, however, requires understanding that you’re probably going to have to leave that money alone for at least ten years, so don’t make a decision without careful consideration of your own cash flow situation. If you convert and begin taking income out, the potential growth for that IRA is halted. To learn more about estate planning strategies that leave a legacy behind for family, call us at 732-521-9455.

Are You a Sitting Duck? Four Asset Protection Strategies to Consider

Many investors are so focused on their return on investment that they fail to consider or implement asset protection strategies. As a recent article explains, an investor who has not protected his investments is a mere sitting duck. If you haven’t considered asset protection for your investments, below are four strategies you should consider:

Duck
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    1. Insurance: This is an important part of any asset protection plan because it shifts the risk of loss to somebody else. Insurance can be purchased for almost any asset or activity.

    2. Wait for Social Security: Social security is an important safety net for an individual or couple as they age. By waiting as long as possible before withdrawing benefits, an individual or couple can increase their ultimate return.

    3. Execute and Update an Estate Plan: An estate plan accomplishes many tasks. Not only does it provide for your loved ones after your death, but it can also utilize various tools to reduce the tax liability on your estate and your heirs.

    4. Consider Business Ownership for a Favorable Tax Rate: Ownership of assets by a business entity rather than an individual often means a lower tax liability on the assets. If you have a home business or simply a large amount of assets, consider forming a corporate entity to lower your tax liability.

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