Financial industry insiders use so much jargon that at least two websites — TheStreet.com and Investopedia.com — have posted their own glossaries for investors seeking clarity.
Which is why you can’t procrastinate.
When I give a seminar, I’ll often ask the participants to raise a hand if life has never kicked them in the teeth. Not a single hand goes up. And yet, so many people enter retirement without a thought beyond GROWTH. They’re so set in their ways after years in the accumulation phase, they can’t switch their brains over to the strategies needed to survive and thrive in the distribution and preservation phase. Or, on the flipside, they haven’t thought nearly enough about saving. If you’re waiting until you’re in your 50s or 60s, that’s a lot of catching up to do.
A few years ago, Prudential coined the term “retirement red zone” to describe the critical years immediately before and after retirement, when finances are most vulnerable to adverse market movements. Of course, Prudential was selling its financial products — but the term resonated because it touched on something real. If the market turns and you’re in the red zone, you may not be able to retire when you hoped or, if you’re already retired, you might have to go back to work.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
We saw it in 2000 and 2008, and it likely will happen again. But it doesn’t have to happen to you.
The secret? Stop procrastinating, and pursue a plan with purpose. Make that your mantra, and get moving.
*Guarantees provided by insurance products are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance carrier.
Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.
-
Take It From a Tax Attorney: This Is a Magic Multimillion-Dollar Tax-Saving StrategyThe qualified small business 1202 stock exemption is a $10 million exclusion that seems too good to be true and is often overlooked.
-
What Would You Like to Leave Behind? A Financial Planner's Guide to Family Wealth DiscussionsCommunicating about your assets and plans for passing them on increases clarity while preventing surprises and family disputes.
-
Seven Financial Considerations When Downsizing for RetirementWith prices going up on everything, you may be looking for a cheaper place to live. To truly evaluate costs, take a hard look at taxes and intangibles.
-
I Have Plenty of Money: Why Do I Need a Long-Term Care Plan?Long-term care planning, whether through insurance or self-funding, is crucial not only for financial protection but also to preserve family relationships and reduce the emotional and logistical burdens on loved ones.
-
Three Steps for Evaluating a Downsize in Retirement: A Financial Planner's GuideUnless you think things through, you could end up with major (and costly) regrets. To make the right choice, base it on the three keys to retirement happiness.
-
Worried About Your Retirement Income? Four Questions to Ask Yourself, From a Financial PlannerIf you're nearing or in retirement and stressing about your retirement income (so many of us are), consider taking some time to think about these four issues.
-
Do You Need Flood Insurance? I'm an Insurance Expert, and Here's Where You Can Get ItStandard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so you might need separate flood insurance, which you can get either through FEMA or private companies. Here are the details.
-
I'm an Investment Professional: These Are the Three Money Tips I'm Giving My College GradCollege grads can help set themselves up for financial independence by focusing on emergency savings, opting into a 401(k) at work (if it's offered) and disciplined, long-term investing.
