Retirement in Sight

STEPS TO STAYING IN THE ZONE

Today, it can be hard to focus. How can you stay focused with all the distractions, anxiety, and uncertainty brought by the pandemic? Interestingly, the way to maintain your focus might be to unfocus your mind now and then.

NEED CASH? AVOID TAPPING YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

Imagine if your 35-year-old self magically appeared in front of you one day and asked for a percentage of your retirement savings or a bit of your retirement income.

EVALUATING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EARLY RETIREMENT

The pandemic has hastened the retirement of some baby boomers, and the linked furloughs and layoffs in many industries have led others to wonder if a retirement transition might come sooner than they think. Buyouts became common last year as businesses cut costs. What if you receive one this year? 

TO RETIRE, OR NOT TO RETIRE?

For some of us, the coronavirus pandemic has complicated the question. As Yahoo! Finance reports, a Harris Poll study conducted this past summer found that 25% of Gen Xers and 14% of baby boomers think they will retire later than they planned, because of the pandemic’s financial impact on their lives.  Will this perception be fleeting?

THIS YEAR THERE IS MORE INCENTIVE TO GIVE

When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law in March, it broadened charitable tax deduction opportunities. These special 2020 tax provisions are worth reviewing before they expire on December 31, 2020.

MOST AMERICANS THINK THEY WILL WORK IN RETIREMENT

A life of leisure? That may not be what retirement looks like for baby boomers and Gen Xers—and in fact, it may not be what they want their retirements to look like.

ARE CAR OR TRUCK COSTS BLOCKING THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT?

While a car or truck can possibly help you make money, autos almost always depreciate. Factor in financing, licensing, repairs, and fuel, and the costs can add up.

COULD YOU RETIRE AT 55?

Suppose you suddenly had to, or the opportunity presented itself. This prospect would not call for disregarding your carefully considered retirement strategy, but it would create some challenges.

COULD AN INCOME STREAM RUN RIGHT THROUGH YOUR HOME?

Millions of Americans are working from home these days, and you may be one of them. You also may be pleasantly surprised to learn just how much you might be able to earn working from home part time in retirement.

HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE RETIREMENT MINDSET?

Each year, the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies surveys baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials to gauge their perceptions about retiring. The 2020 survey, conducted in April, studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it may have affected their outlooks..

ARE YOU CONSIDERING THE COUNTRY LIFE?

A Harris Poll, conducted in May, of 2,030 U.S. adults found some interesting choices regarding where Americans would like to live at the moment, particularly seniors. The research firm discovered that the appeal of rural areas, or at least, exurban or suburban areas, may be growing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO DO WHEN WE HAVE THE CHANCE AGAIN?

As most of the nation contended with stay-at-home orders this spring, polling firm YouGov decided to survey 1,175 American adults to see what activities they might want to do once businesses fully reopen and social-distancing mandates end. 

USING YOUR QUARANTINE AS A TRIAL RUN FOR RETIREMENT

Most retired people don’t spend all of their time at home, but you might find that “sheltering-in-place” may give you a taste of how you will cope without a job to go to every day.