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Should I Roll My Retirement Account into a Roth IRA?

May 22, 2014 10:44:23 AM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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Choosing the right way to invest retirement funds is a complex task.  To make matters more difficult, what was the right investment at one time may no longer be the best choice as time passes and your circumstances change.  For this reason and more, it is always best to undertake investment planning with the advice of a knowledgeable professional.

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IRA, 401(k), or Both? Which Retirement Accounts Are Right for Me?

Apr 24, 2014 10:25:14 AM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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Choosing a retirement account is no simple matter.  Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, and how those affect you depends upon your individual financial situation.  A qualified financial services professional is best able to help you make the most advantageous choice based on your unique circumstances.  It is helpful, however, to understand the basic differences among the most common types of retirement accounts and which are the best fit for your savings.  Having this foundational knowledge before you meet with a financial planning professional will help you to work with your advisor to develop a strategy that you fully understand and in which you have confidence.

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Take Steps Today to Save for Retirement

Mar 13, 2014 1:47:58 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Financial Planning, Retirement

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The world of retirement has changed.  With the decline of company pensions and the uncertain future of Social Security, Americans must exercise greater control over their own financial futures with careful planning.  Despite this fact, the terrain of retirement remains murky and unexplored for many of us.  According to the Department of Labor, fewer than half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement, and 30% of private sector employees with access to a defined contribution plan do not participate in it.  If you have put off planning for your retirement longer than you should, you are far from alone.  Taking steps now will allow you to make the most of the working years still ahead and help you to develop a vision of how you will live when they have passed.

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It’s Not Too Late for Professional Retirement Services!

Oct 22, 2013 12:05:44 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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If you are nearing retirement, you have a lot to think about. Maybe you have put off retirement planning until now. Perhaps you have put some money away and are unsure that it will be enough. Or maybe you have saved considerable funds and want to ensure that you make the most of them after you retire. Wherever you are in your retirement planning process, the retirement services professionals at Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning in Des Moines can help.

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Should I Consolidate Retirement Accounts?

Sep 17, 2013 4:47:22 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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At first glance, combining your retirement accounts makes perfect sense.  You would reduce associated fees by paying them only on one account rather than several.  It is also simpler and more practicable to manage a single account.  Consolidating your accounts may be the best choice for you, but there are a number of factors you will need to consider before you can be sure.  Before you move your retirement funds, speak with a retirement planning professional to make sure you are making the most informed decisions possible.  Here are some of the topics you should cover:

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Borrowing From Retirement to Fund Your Child's Education

Sep 12, 2013 4:46:08 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Financial Planning, Retirement

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With the soaring costs of higher education, many people struggle with the question of whether to borrow from their retirement accounts to help pay for their children’s college costs.  Although we all want to help our children as much as possible, we have to take care of our future selves as well.  Consider carefully before you decide to tap into your nest egg to help your child pay for college.

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The 5 Stages of Retirement Planning

Aug 6, 2013 4:28:51 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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Retirement is not a single event; it's a journey.  Each stage of it requires a different way of thinking about how you manage your resources.  Consider where you are in your journey, and talk with a qualified professional about what you can do now to get the best mileage possible out of your resources.

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Thinking about Retiring? Know the Potential Challenges

Jul 25, 2013 4:26:03 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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Are you thinking about retiring? Even with careful planning, the road to a successful retirement is fraught with challenges.  You may create a retirement plan that provides what seems like a comfortable income for several years, but it still may fall far short of your actual financial needs.  To give yourself the best possible chance at a comfortable retirement, be sure to plan for these obstacles that can put your retirement at risk.

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How Do I Know When I Can Retire?

Jun 20, 2013 3:20:43 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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Thinking about retiring?  Careful planning is essential to living comfortably after leaving your career.  These are the key factors you will need to consider when deciding when you can retire with confidence and security.

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I Haven’t Saved Enough for Retirement. Now What?

Jun 18, 2013 3:22:36 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Financial Planning, Retirement

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It’s a common problem. You wake up one morning and suddenly realize, I haven’t saved enough for retirement! Des Moines' cost of living is 14% less than the national average but with increased life expectancy and the unexpected costs that come our way, many of us find ourselves nearing retirement age with less saved than we will need to maintain the standard of living we desire. According to a recent survey by the financial services firm Principal, 49% of workers are not too confident or not at all confident that they will have enough money for a comfortable retirement. 50% of workers said that they weren't sure how much to save for retirement. So now that retirement is on your horizon, and you’re waking up to the realization that you have not saved enough, what can you do?

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