Author: Richard Archer

What do you think the future will look like?

thinking

Imagine printing out your next meal or wearing contact lenses that know your thoughts and feelings.

What if your house could learn about you … and then anticipate your needs?

Mind-blowing inventions like these could be just around the corner. And they’re not even the wildest things that we may see by 2050.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, and nanotechnology are putting the unbelievable on the horizon.

This could change life as we know it in the not-so-distant future.

In fact, everything from our mundane routines to our fanciest gadgets may soon be obsolete. If that happens, we could have new and totally different ways of experiencing life.

We could also have far better ways of improving it.

So, what’s the stuff of science fiction and what could really happen?

There’s no way to know for sure, but we do have some clues about what may lie ahead.

Let’s check them out and see how they could change our lives by 2050.

How much do you know about cryptocurrency?

cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency isn’t the black sheep it once was. It’s hit the mainstream, and it’s grabbing up more headlines and investors than ever before.

These days, about 1 in 7 Americans own some type of cryptocurrency. And a little more than half of them bought it for the first time in 2020.

Those numbers are likely to climb this year. That’s because more than a quarter of folks say they plan to buy cryptocurrency in the next 12 months.

With all the headlines, it’s hard to ignore all of the excitement.

And, yet, many also admit they still don’t know all that much about cryptocurrency.

Do you know the basics?

How much do you really know about cryptocurrency? To learn about tax loss harvesting for cryptocurrency read our blog.

Test your knowledge here and check out the facts to see if the cryptocraze lives up to all of the hype — and if it really makes sense for you to jump on the bandwagon.

How Far Could $1 Million Go In Retirement?

retire on  million?

A million dollars used to be the ultimate target for retirement portfolios. Retiring as a millionaire brought status and confidence that you could live comfortably during your golden years.

If you retired with $1 million in 1970, you probably didn’t have to worry about your nest egg running out, even with a lavish lifestyle. It would be like retiring with $6.9 million today.1

Retire with $1 million in the ’80s, and it would have been like retiring with $3.35 million in 2021.1

And in 1990?

A cool $1 million would have gone twice as far as it does these days.1

Clearly, $1 million doesn’t go as far as it used to.

Just how far could it go these days?

The answer depends on how and where you live.

In retirement, as in real estate, location is everything (or, at least, it’s a lot). The map below shows how long $1 million could last in each state. This state-by-state breakdown features a few different hypothetical growth scenarios and the results of our calculations.

Let’s see how long a $1 million nest egg could last where you want to retire — or wherever you’ve already retired.

If You’re Hoping To Retire Within The Next 5 Years…

retirement

The coronavirus-driven recession and uncertainty will make retiring in Austin within the next 5 years challenging. The record volatility, recent legislation, and economic disruption mean that the decisions you make next will define your retirement. Create confidence in your plan for a work-free life by downloading this free checklist. Worried about what’s going on and want advice now? I save a few appointments each week — grab one by calling 800-840-5946.

The Amazing Power of Gratitude

gratitude

How To Be Happy When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned

IN FINANCE AND IN LIFE, EXPECTATIONS OFTEN ECLIPSE REALITY.

They become anchors for how we evaluate opportunities (like companies and stocks) and our own sense of happiness.1

They also make us fixate on what could or should have been, not what’s right in front of us.1

When reality doesn’t line up with our expectations, unhappiness, resentment, and anxiety usually follow.2

These negative feelings can intensify when we sense uncertainty.3 We get anxious about our hopes, goals, and dreams for the future when we feel like everything’s unpredictable.4

Yet, it’s not impossible to be happy when life throws us a curveball and the future seems uncertain.

How can we find joy when things feel chaotic?

Gratitude.

When we’re grateful, we can let go of our expectations. That can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction, no matter how uncertain the present is—or the future may be.5

HOW TO BE MORE GRATEFUL & HAPPIER: 6 QUESTIONS

1. WHAT IS A MAGICAL MEMORY YOU HAVE FROM THE LAST FEW MONTHS?

We instinctively focus more on the negative than the positive. When times are tough, we expect the worst. To see things in a more positive light, we have to consciously set aside the negativity.6

Recalling happy memories is a quick way to do that. Even remembering a simple act of kindness can make you feel happier.7 

2. HOW HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE CHANGED OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS?

Consider the interactions, experiences, or people who have changed the way you think about something recently. Think about what you’ve learned.

Change and uncertainty can test our strength and character. How we stand up to the challenge may not just change our perspectives. It can also keep us grounded and spark personal growth.8

3. WHAT DO YOU TAKE FOR GRANTED?

It’s natural to take things for granted as we get used to them, even if they matter a lot to us. If we don’t take time to appreciate them while we have them, though, we may never get the chance.

Writer Robert Brault may have said it best with this: “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” 

4. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE?

“We do not remember days; we remember moments.” These words from Cesare Pavese ring true if you’re in your 20s, your 90s, or anywhere in between.

Whether you’re starting your career, raising kids, or enjoying retirement, recognize the good moments that are shaping this phase of your life. If you do, you’ll enjoy them far more as they’re happening.

5. WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE YOU HAD THAT YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR?

Some experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Family dinners, vacations, celebrations, major life milestones, and once-in-a-lifetime moments can shape us forever and for the better.9

They can also have positive impacts on the way we learn, see the world, and respond to unknown situations in the future.10 

6. WHAT DO YOU FEEL LUCKY TO HAVE THAT SOME OTHERS DO NOT?

This doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be simple, like some treasured part of your day or week.

It can also be unique and intangible, like a relationship you have with a friend, sibling, child, or spouse. In fact, these close relationships are the key to fulfillment and long-term happiness. Appreciating how special they are can help you make them stronger while bringing you more satisfaction.11

SOURCES & DISCLOSURES

1 –The Psychology of Expectations

2 –The Subconscious Mind of the Consumer

3 – https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/3153298

4 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276319/

5 – Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier

6 – Role of Emotion in Decision Making

7 – How Memories of Kindness Can Make You Happy

8 –Overcoming Obstacles to Personal Growth

9 – Life Experiences and Brain Structure

10 – Experience and Memory Formation

11 – Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier

12 – Thinking About the Future

13 – Why Gratitude Is Good

14 – Gratitude White Paper

Risk Disclosures: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged composite index considered to be representative of the U.S. stock market in general. All index returns exclude reinvested dividends and interest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. For illustrative purposes only.

Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. These are the views of Finance Insights and not necessarily those of the named representative or firm, and should not be construed as investment advice.

Mental Secrets To Make Better Financial Decisions

glass globe

In a perfect world, logic would always guide our financial decisions. Emotions wouldn’t come into play.

But we don’t live in a perfect world. Far from it.

That means our emotions impact our financial choices more than we realize.1

Shockingly as much as 95% of our purchase choices are made subconsciously, driven by our emotions—as little as 5% are based in logic (and that’s when we’re in a good headspace and feeling comfortable and secure).2

When we’re faced with uncertainty, fear and instinct can take over and push logic right out of the window.3

Your brain will make you want to react quickly to protect yourself and avoid the pain you anticipate from potential losses.4

Ironically, these instincts often make things worse. Emotional reactions can lead to poor choices and the losses you were trying to avoid in the first place.5

The best way to avoid letting your hardwired biases take over? Use these strategies. They can help you fare better in any crisis. They may even make you a savvier investor.

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Optimal 401k Withdrawal Strategy: What to Do With Your Old 401(k) or Employer Plan

401k

With many people in Austin facing job losses or furloughs, the CARES Act provides additional flexibility for accessing retirement accounts. However, it’s crucial to consider various factors before deciding how to handle an old 401(k) or employer plan.

This FREE guide is designed to assist investors in managing an uncertain situation by outlining the available options for an old employer plan. Feeling overwhelmed and need personal advice right away? Call 800-840-5946 for a complimentary 1-on-1 phone appointment to discuss your 401k withdrawal strategy and money management concerns.

This FREE Guide reveals the 5 options to revive your old zombie plans!