We all have financial goals, but few have the tools necessary to effectively realize them. Understanding how to create a realistic plan to meet financial goals requires a detailed understanding of the broad spectrum of financial planning and investment options that are available. Getting the assistance of a knowledgeable professional can help you clarify your goals and put a plan in motion that places them within your reach.
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Financial planning involves more than simply understanding how to invest your money to balance risk and return. To be truly effective, it must include a tax strategy as well. Virtually every financial move you make has tax implications, which affect your return on investment. For that reason, it pays to work with financial professionals who specialize in both tax and financial planning.
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.
Like an immediate annuity, the purpose of a deferred annuity is to provide an income stream in retirement. It can have either fixed or variable returns, and it can offer a variety of term options, including life, joint life, a predetermined period of years, or a hybrid of these. Deferred annuities can be part of a sound investment strategy, but one should invest in them only after understanding the precise costs and benefits of doing so. An independent, qualified investment planning professional can help you understand how these annuities might fit into your overall strategy.
Many people at or near retirement age are advised to invest in annuities in order to guarantee an income stream in retirement. It is important for anyone considering purchasing an annuity to understand all of the costs and benefits involved. Before investing in an annuity, understand how it fits into your overall investment strategy, and compare it to other financial products that can serve the same goals. Seeking the advice of an independent financial advisor who is knowledgeable about investment planning is the best way to get clear, honest answers to your questions.
As a small business owner, you may believe that your company can’t afford a 401(k) plan. You are not alone. According to Forbes, although 99% of businesses with over 500 employees offer a 401(k) or comparable plan, only 24% of businesses with fewer than 50 employees do so. The truth is, however, that even the smallest business, including a sole proprietorship with no employees, can implement a cost-effective 401(k). For a business with employees, offering a 401(k) can help to attract and retain quality hires. According to a study by ADP, 80% of employees view retirement benefits as a key factor for accepting a position. Below is some basic information about two of the most popular options available to meet the retirement plan needs of small business owners. Others options are also available. Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning can help you select the right 401(k) to suit the needs of your Des Moines small business.
If you have recently graduated from college, you are probably finding that there is much to learn that was not included in your coursework. Financial planning is one of those skill sets that most people have to acquire on their own. If you already have your first post-college job, you are probably earning more than you have ever earned before. In order to get the most out of that new paycheck, Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning in Des Moines offers the following tips to guide you as you’re just starting out in your career.
Money is a leading source of household stress. Feeling a lack of control over one’s finances can make the present seem chaotic and the future uncertain. The first step in taking control of your financial situation is to create a household budget. It clarifies what resources you have coming in, where they are going, and how you can better manage them. The financial planning professionals at Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning in Des Moines share the following tips to help you start the new year right by taking this first essential step toward a sound financial future.
Smart business owners know the value of a retirement plan. It’s a strategic tool to help you and your employees put more money toward your future. It can help you attract and retain top-quality employees who can help make your business successful. Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning has the 401(k) offerings and experience to design a retirement plan that best suits you and your business.
Once you have evaluated your goals and developed a strategy to reach them, it is vitally important that you exercise the discipline to adhere to the strategy that you’ve put in place. Investing can be an emotional business, and the temptation to deviate from your plan can be strong. When emotion creeps into your investment decision-making, remember that you have arrived at your plan through sound reasoning and that sticking to it is the best way to ensure that you meet your investment goals.