Category: Smart Money Tips

Buy or Rent in Austin? 5 Reasons Why Renting Wins For Tech Professionals

Posted on December 15, 2020 by - Smart Money Tips

It’s hard to deny it: Austin is an awesome place to call Home, Sweet Home. 🏠 But if you’re contemplating whether to buy or rent in Austin, is it the smartest move to buy a House, Sweet House?

Maybe you’ve just come from selling a house in Cali. It only makes sense to use that money to buy a new house in Austin, right? After all, costs seem low in comparison. The Austin housing market is booming, and real estate here is looking mighty nice right now.

I’m here to advise you to slow your roll. For many people—tech professionals in particular—renting in Austin may be the way to go.

Buy or rent in Austin? Why? Most of the reasons on this list relate to one simple equation:

More Cash = More Freedom

We’ll dig into that in more detail. First, let’s look at some pitfalls to homeownership that sometimes get neglected…

Surprise! House Costs Will Surprise You

Buying a house saddles you with much more than a monthly mortgage. There’s property taxes and insurance premiums, and either could go up at any time. There’s furnishing, maintenance and upkeep.And then… there’s the unpredictable.                                                                                                                                                                                              

No matter how ready you think you are, when you face something like tree roots bursting into your sewer line… That literally stinks. And it’s a drain—the financial, physical, and mental kind—you don’t need.

Here are some other eye-opening numbers for you: Research by Zillow and Thumbtack found the average U.S. house faced about $9,400 in hidden costs per year. 

                                                                      For houses in Austin, that number is $12,457.

$9,727 in “necessary” costs (taxes, insurance, and utility bills) plus $2,730 in maintenance costs. That’s the 9th highest of all cities in the study. (1)  

Buy or rent in Austin? Meanwhile, monthly rents in Austin haven’t risen as sharply as real estate prices have. You can get a lot more house for your money by renting, and you know how much you’ll be paying throughout the year.

Plus, being able to call a landlord to take care of that plumbing disaster? Priceless.

Renting Leaves You More Cash for More Flexibility

Now let’s talk cash. 💸 Namely, how much more of it you’ll have if you don’t throw it into a down payment for real estate. If you’re considering whether to buy or rent in Austin, this could be a key factor.

In the tech world, some of the most exciting jobs are in startups. Maybe that’s what brought you to Austin. A hot new business that’s primed to explode, but you have to take a major salary cut now to get in on it. If you’re counting on that cash for buying a house, you might not be able to afford to take a hit now for the prospect of a big payout down the line.

But if you rent and save that cash, you’ll not only be in a better position to take the equity. You’ll also have the flexibility to be more strategic and profitable with what you do with it.

Here’s one example: If you’ve received stock grants, a Section 83(b) election lets you pay taxes on them now, when the stock is granted to you, rather than years later when the stock is vested—and potentially worth a lot more. Renting can provide you the liquidity needed to take advantage of such opportunities, adding to the reasons to rent rather than buy in Austin.

(For details, read my post going into all the nitty-gritty of a Section 83(b) election.)

Houses Have Gravity

One thing I’ve learned about tech professionals is they love a challenge. New problems to solve, new mountains to climb. Bring it on.

But that also means you might be drawn to what seems like a dream job at first, only to start feeling bored when things get stale or easy or repetitive. That can mean more job changes—and location changes—than other professions.

And that’s fine! I won’t be offended if you have to leave this great city. I support you in your next challenge. 🙌

But if your new dream job calls out to you from San Fran or Seattle or New York or wherever and you already have a house here in Austin, you may find that house holding you back. It becomes an albatross around your neck, one so big it has its own gravitational pull, keeping you from launching off to the job you really want.

And let’s keep it real: the tech industry can be brutal. Big company-wide layoffs can send you into an escape pod whether you’re ready to leave or not. Having a cash cushion available by not putting it into a house can make a huge difference in easing the stress. This is another reason why many tech professionals consider the buy or rent in Austin question and often lean towards renting.

More Freedom for Journeying and Learning

The sky’s the limit on what you can do with the extra cash and extra freedom that comes with renting. That’s the best part about freedom!

But here are a couple ways that renting may offer an extra-enticing advantage. One is if you want to literally take to the skies! ✈️

Whether it’s to visit family or just explore the wild world out there, many of the tech professionals I work with love to have a large travel budget! Instead of putting a whole bunch of cash into one very stationary house, you can spend it on roaming the world as you wish.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about what might be happening to your house or yard or plumbing while you’re away.

You Don’t Know How Your Kid Will Grow Up Yet

Not being tied down by a house also gives you valuable freedom in terms of education for your kids. If you’re new to Austin, you might not know where you to settle based on your family’s educational priorities. You might not know what schools offer or where their district boundaries are.

And you probably can’t predict what your kids will be like in the future, either. Will they show a knack for certain subjects, interest in certain careers, or talent in certain lucrative sports?

You may end up wanting to move to a different school system that has the programs and opportunities to best help your future superstars thrive. 📚 If your family is renting, both the decision and the move itself will be much easier on you. This flexibility is a major factor when deciding to buy or rent in Austin, especially for families.

So… What’s Your Next Move?

Has this helped open your mind to renting instead of buying a house in Austin? That’s just the start. There are a lot of factors to consider, a lot of specific financial strategies that may help in your situation.

Or maybe you’re a tech professional that these reasons don’t apply to. Or maybe you’re not in the tech industry at all, but still find yourself thinking, “I need to start getting my financial life in order and have a second opinion on important decisions like this!”

That’s what we’re here for. Whether you rent or buy, we’re here to help you make the best call for you and your family in all of your financial choices. Schedule a call.

Need a Financial Planner?

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than twenty years of industry experience. He specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning and investment guidance and personalized care and attention to professionals with complex compensation and families pursuing financial freedom. Along with holding a Wharton Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Texas MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or visit www.archerim.com.

Buying A House In Austin? Here’s How Much You Can Afford

Posted on December 15, 2020 by - Smart Money Tips

buying a house in Austin

Austin is the cool place to be these days, but the housing market in “the music capital of the world” is triple digits H-O-T!

But stay tuned… because we are going to share some smart ways to calculate “‘how much house can I afford in an in-demand city like Austin?” 🤔

BUT FIRST… A FEW FACTS ABOUT OUR IN-DEMAND MARKET 🔥

Home prices in Austin have spiked nearly 10% in the last year. It’s getting expensive for those who want to put down roots and get their own piece of Austin real estate.

The average home value right now in Austin is just over $360,000, and the median listing price is $379,000. (1)

With our market as hot as it is, it is more important than ever to have a solid grasp of how much house you can really afford before you sign on the dotted line.

Ten years ago we saw what happens when too many people get caught up in the rush and end up in over their heads. 👎🏻

WHY ONLINE CALCULATORS DON’T SHOW THE WHOLE PICTURE 🙈

So, how do you know how much you can really afford in our incredible city? Some people think using an online calculator is a great way to crunch the numbers.

However, a calculator in and of itself is not sufficient. A calculator’s purpose is to determine “how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.” But just because a lender is willing to give you a mortgage doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford it or you should get it.

There are a few other critical goals and lifestyle items to consider first…

WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT BESIDES A HOUSE?

Just because you can technically “afford” a mortgage payment doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you right now. It’s important to take long-term goals into consideration. Taking on too hefty of a mortgage will limit funds for your other goals, making them harder to achieve.

Do you want your children in a private school? That will reduce how much money you have to put toward a house payment on a monthly basis.

Do you want to retire early or travel often? An online calculator doesn’t know that. Using an online calculator to determine the mortgage size to take on could make it challenging for you to fulfill your dream of becoming financially independent or seeing the world.

While the online calculator is a good starting point, it is an oversimplification. It’s important to look at the big picture of your life to see how owning a home fits into your other goals and priorities.

ARE YOU REALLY SURE YOU WANT TO BUY? 🏠

Owning a home is an important milestone in our American culture. How important is it to you personally, though?

Many young people purchase homes because that’s what’s supposed to come next after starting a real job and getting married, and before the kids start coming. Too many people purchase a home on autopilot and don’t take the time to even consider if it’s what they really want in life.

FINANCIAL COSTS

Contrary to popular belief, owning a home isn’t right for everyone. It isn’t always a good financial move. There are so many expenses that come up when owning a home it’s impossible to list them all.

It goes all the way from big-ticket items like HVAC and a new roof to little things like backflow testing, shower curtains, and tree trimming. Do you know how much it costs to replace outdated brass faucets?

If you look at Zillow’s website, it will tell you that the mortgage for a $375,000 house would be about $1,463 a month. (2) You look at that number, see the picture of the pretty house with all of its curb appeal, and think, “That’s cheaper than my rent. I’m in!”

But that number doesn’t include taxes. And it doesn’t include insurance. It doesn’t include the HOA. Or any of the myriad of expenses mentioned above. Once all of the expenses are laid bare, many people decide that it just makes more financial sense to rent rather than buy.  

LIFESTYLE COSTS

Even if you have the money, owning a home might not fit your lifestyle. Are you sure you want to stay in Austin long term? If you change your mind, it’s much easier (and cheaper!) to pick up and leave if you rent instead of own a home. Homeownership serves as an anchor that many people appreciate while others loathe.

Even if the nomadic lifestyle holds no appeal for you, you may not want to be anchored quite yet. If you’re still building your career, being anchored to a house could keep you from pursuing a promising job opportunity elsewhere.

What happens when you have kids? Will you want to be closer to the grandparents (and free babysitting)? Are you satisfied with the schools in your neighborhood, or will you want to move to a better district? If that’s too far in the future, you may not be ready to make a commitment yet.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE THIS OUT ALONE  🙌🏻

When you own a home or are thinking about purchasing one, it’s challenging to anticipate all of the different expenses that will crop up or the different factors that need to be taken into consideration.

You simply don’t know what you don’t know.

I love to come alongside people who are right in your position and give them a leg up. I understand the stress and anxiety that you are facing as you approach making the biggest purchase of your life. It can be daunting.

But, it doesn’t have to be. Partnering with an experienced financial professional can help lift the burden from your shoulders and help lower your stress knowing you are making the right choices for YOUR life and values.

If you’re considering buying a house in Austin, give me a call first.

We can review your goals and priorities, see how home ownership may fit in, and find a price point that will make ALL your dreams possible, not just home ownership!

Schedule a 45-Minute Introductory Call with Me

Need a Financial Planner?

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than twenty years of industry experience. He specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning and investment guidance and personalized care and attention to executives with complex compensation and families pursuing financial freedom. Along with holding a Wharton Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Texas MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com.

5 Questions To Ask Your Financial Planner (And You’re Not Asking Them)

Posted on December 15, 2020 by - Smart Money Tips

piggy bank

In this age of information overload, there’s no lack of answers to our burning financial questions. But finding the answers that will optimize our financial lives isn’t just about muddling through articles and news reports; it’s about asking the right questions of the right person. Knowing which questions to ask your financial planner can make all the difference.

Here are 5 questions you should be asking your financial planner:

How do I plan for my children’s college education without breaking the bank?

Have you looked at college costs lately?

You’re looking at $187,800 for four years at a private college. But with college costs estimated to rise 5% per year, in five years, that amount increases to $239,685—almost $60,000 a year! (1)

You have a better choice if you act now.

Start using the power of compound interest to your advantage… now!

Think of it this way…

You have the choice of saving NOW and earning interest or borrowing LATER and paying interest.

Here’s a sneak peek at the power of compound interest in action:

If you invest $4,000 in a market earning an average return of 7%, it would be worth $7,869 in 10 years.

If you saved $4,000 annually for 10 years at this return, your college fund would have $59,134!

There are multiple ways you can save for this significant investment, with 529 tax-advantaged college plans being the most popular. They offer a unique combination of features that no other college savings vehicle can match.

If your kids are heading to college within the next few years, don’t panic about the amount in your savings accounts. There are tried-and-true ways to maximize your financial aid potential and minimize your child’s student debt load. Check those out here and here!

Bottom line: College planning should be a part of your overall financial plan. Cover your bases by talking to your financial planner and getting advice tailored to your situation. Asking about this is one of the critical questions to ask your financial planner.

I want to buy a house. How much can I afford?

We often rely on our financial planners to help us get to retirement, but they also offer valuable advice and experience that can help us with everyday decisions, like buying a house!

If you are not asking a financial planner about how much house you can afford when buying, YOU SHOULD BE! (We can help!)

You could use an online calculator to get an idea of how much you may be able to spend, however an online calculator does not take into account what your other goals are outside of owning a house!

Goals like:

  • Do you want to travel?
  • Retire early?
  • Be financially independent?
  • Fully fund your children’s education?

All of these factors impact how much of your monthly income you can spend on housing costs. A financial planner will be able to look at your big picture and goals and give you a realistic number that will make sure you have money left over for the other dreams you want to finance in your life.

Also, here’s something a smart financial planner may help you see…

Maybe buying a home isn’t the best idea for you.

Renting sometimes gets a bad rap, but it helps you avoid a lot of extra expenses that could affect how much money you can put toward achieving other goals. As home prices rise in many U.S. markets, renting gives you  predictable expenses and allows more flexibility if you decide to move or if an enticing job offer comes your way.

Should I combine accounts with my spouse?

If you Google this question, you’re going to get a lot of divided answers. There are some people who are happier having separate accounts, and others who prefer the simplicity of joint accounts.

Joint accounts offer convenience and help both parties stay on top of their finances while also preventing legal headaches in the case of a death.

On the other hand, separate accounts give each spouse freedom over how they spend their money. If one or both spouses entered the relationship with debt or unequal accounts, staying separate can avoid resentment in the spouse who has to take on this extra responsibility. And, of course, if the relationship ends, separate accounts are just easier to deal with.

Hiring a quality financial planner can help you answer complicated questions like this.

Your financial planner will know YOU and your life circumstances enough to be able to give you objective guidance that is in your best interest. Unfortunately, most internet searches cannot take your unique circumstances into account.

Financial planners are here to help you with the big and the little, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions to ask your financial planner, even if they seem mundane and simple.

How much do I need to retire?

This is a big one, and probably at the top of your mind.

There’s a lot of conventional wisdom out there, like saving $1 million or building a nest egg that equals 10 times your current income, but the ideal retirement number is going to be different for everyone.

Here are some factors to consider when determining how much savings is right for you.

First, you’ll need to examine your living expenses and think about what you want your retirement lifestyle to look like.

You will also need to consider your longevity risk—how long you will live and how much your health and long-term care expenses may be affected by your life expectancy.

Even though the current life expectancy for men is 84.3 and 86.7 for women, (2) there is a 43% chance that individuals who are 65 today could live till 95. (3) Your savings needs to last as long as you do.

If you ask a financial planner this particular question, they will look into every area of your life, factor in all the details, and project multiple scenarios to prepare you for this milestone.

You don’t need to crunch numbers alone. Having a financial expert by your side can help make the process less stressful and more reassuring.

What could happen to my investments if the market crashes?

Everyone was happy in 2017 when their portfolios were drastically rising and the markets were hitting record highs on the regular.

But when the markets decline… we find out if our investments are allocated properly.

Everyone has their own unique risk number, based on their tolerance for risk and their time horizon. At Archer Investment Management, we walk our clients through an exercise that helps us identify their risk number and create a portfolio that aligns with their risk tolerance.

Based on your risk number, we can project your expected annual return on your investments and explore how much your portfolio might fall in different market scenarios.

You don’t have to wonder or worry about what could happen if the market crashes. We can’t predict perfectly, but we can give you a ballpark idea based on what’s happened in the past.

Setting clear expectations before investing is crucial to staying the course when challenges arise.

Still have questions?

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed, it’s that you will have plenty of financial questions and concerns as you move through life.

At Archer Investment Management, we want to be an objective resource for you as you seek to make the best financial decisions possible.

We invite you to find out how we can help by scheduling a quick call with us to see if we are the right fit!

Need a Financial Planner?

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than twenty years of industry experience. He specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning and investment guidance and personalized care and attention to executives with complex compensation and families pursuing financial freedom. Along with holding a Wharton Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Texas MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com.

___________

(1) https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/how-much-college-will-cost-in-5-10-and-15-years/

(2) https://www.ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html

(3) https://www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/info-2015/nest-egg-retirement-amount.html#quest1

Six Financial Planning Rules That Everyone With Stock Options Needs To Know

Posted on May 1, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

If you work for a company that offers Employee Stock Options (ESOs), you may be wondering how you should take advantage of them and whether they can help you reach your financial goals. In a previous article, we walked you through an overview of Employee Stock Options, but even if you understand how they work, you might not know how to maximize their value and how they fit into your financial plan. Here are six financial planning principles that may help you make the best decisions for your financial situation.

RULE #1: SET REALISTIC GOALS

Before you dig into the investments in your portfolio, take the time to set realistic goals for your overall financial plan. If you don’t have goals to aim for, it’s like you’re shooting at a target blindfolded. Without clear and personal goals, you could be easily swayed by unexpected circumstances and the market ups and downs. When it comes to ESOs, they are just one means to achieving your goals.

One ESO detail to keep in mind is that you will eventually want to sell the stock after exercising your options. If you have a clear financial plan and work to minimize taxes, you may be able to move significantly closer to your goals with the proceeds received from the sale of your stock.

RULE #2: CREATE A PLAN

Once you have your goals in place, your next step is to create a strategy for how you will handle your stock options over time. Map out a plan for when to sell your options, making sure you that your actions are not only tax efficient, but they also line up with your goals. For example, selling a significant portion of your stock all at once could dramatically increase your tax burden.

Along those same lines, it’s important that you accurately value your stock options. The last thing you want to do is sell, thinking that you will receive a certain amount, only to learn that your net earnings are much lower. If you were trying to reach a goal with the sale, overvaluing your stock options could hurt your long-term plans.

RULE #3: BUY AND HOLD, BUT CONSIDER DIVERSIFICATION

Because stocks historically increase in value over time, it may be wise to hold your options for a a long time. This is especially the case if you believe that your company is doing well and will continue to do so for a long time. Of course, if part of your financial plan involves selling some of your options for short-term to intermediate-term goals, that is also fine.

However, if a majority of your net worth comes from your ESOs, it may be a better idea to consider diversification. This is akin to putting all your eggs in one basket. Do you really want so much of your financial well-being tied up in one company? The general rule of thumb is to hold

no more than 10% of your portfolio in your company’s stocks and options. Your income is already tied to your company, and now a majority of your net worth could also locked in to your employer. If the company performs poorly, it will depress the stock price and you may be laid off at the same time. There goes your portfolio, your income, and your health insurance all at once. Consider selling some of your ESOs and diversifying the proceeds in something else.

RULE # 4: KNOW THE RULES OF YOUR ESOS

Depending on the type of ESO that your company offers you and the overall company option plan policies, there will be specific rules that you should be aware of. These rules may cover the rights that you have if you are fired, quit, work for a competitor, retire, become disabled, or die. In addition, the rules will explain any vesting policies, which will help you plan ahead and maximize your stock option benefits.

RULE # 5: ALWAYS CONSIDER TAXATION

It is critical that you look at your current income tax bracket and calculate how a sale of stocks will affect your current taxable income. If the sale puts you into a new bracket, you may have to pay more on the proceeds than if you had smoothed your income over time.

In addition, if you have Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), you must familiarize yourself with the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Read more here for a brief description on the different tax treatment of ISOs and Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs). If you ignore the Alternative Minimum Tax, you may have to pay tax on your gains before you even have the money in hand. (1) This could be an unfortunate situation to find yourself in, so make sure to do your homework on the AMT as it relates to your options.

RULE #6: SEEK SOLID, PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Stock options are a complicated asset and it can be overwhelming to determine how they fit within your overall financial plan. Because of that, it is important to seek professional advice when making ESO decisions. Make sure the professional you rely on has experience with employee stock options and can help you strategize your best moves.

At Archer Investment Management, we understand employee stock options and have experience helping clients maximize this benefit, minimize taxes, and diversify their portfolios. We’d love to help you with your employee stock options. Book an appointment online today

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than twenty years of industry experience. He specializes in providing comprehensive Financial planning and investment guidance and personalized care and attention to executives with complex compensation and families pursuing financial freedom. Along with holding a Wharton Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Texas MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

___________

(1) https://www.mystockoptions.com/articles/index.cfm/objectID/26A61894-283B-11D4-B9070008C79F9E62/print/1/printformat/pdf

How Might Tax Reform Affect Your Estate Plan?

Posted on April 1, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

Whenever a financial change occurs at the government level, there is a domino effect in your personal finances. For example, the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affects more than just your net pay. On the surface, we know that Trump’s tax reform bill lowers tax rates for individuals and corporations, increases the child tax credit, doubles the standard deduction, and caps or eliminates several deductions. But does it have any cascading effects on your estate plan?

As the act and tax bill are still new, it’s difficult to predict with certainty what will happen, but the changes shed light on how estate planning may be affected going forward. Let’s take a look at current law, the notable changes, and what they could mean for you.

ESTATE PLANNING LAW THEN

If you’ve done any amount of estate planning, you know that taxes are an extremely important factor to take into consideration when creating a strategy. Here’s an overview of the estate tax rules prior to the new tax bill:

Estate Tax: The property in your estate is taxed before being passed on to your beneficiaries. There are various tax rates for this, extending up to 40%.

Gift Tax: When you give some of your assets as a gift while you are still alive, that is also subject to tax, up to 40%. However, you don’t have to pay any taxes on the first $15,000 you give each year. That exclusion applies individually to each person you give to.

Generation-Skipping Tax: Property transferred beyond one generation by bequest or gift is also taxed. There is an additional generation-skipping tax with, again, a top rate of 40%.

Basic Exclusion Amount: Any of these three taxes, or any combination of the three, does not apply to the first $5 million of transferred property. This exemption, called the basic exclusion amount, is indexed for inflation, so it is actually $5.6 million for 2018.

These taxes do not apply to transfers between spouses. Also, if you die without using up the entire exclusion amount, your spouse can increase their exclusion amount by whatever you had left of your exclusion. That makes the maximum exclusion possible for 2018 $11.2 million.

Tax Basis: If you give someone an asset while you are still alive, they will take on your tax basis in that property, called a carryover basis. However, if you wait until your death to transfer the asset, their tax basis will be the fair market value of the property at the time of your death, called a step-up in basis.

ESTATE PLANNING LAW NOW

And now for a look at what the tax bill has changed:

Basic Exclusion Amount: The legislation doubles the basic exclusion amount. Depending on how inflation is calculated, this would amount to around $11 million per individual or $22 million per couple. This basic exclusion amount would apply to tax years after 2017.

Estate, Gift, And Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes: The bill will double the estate and gift tax exemption for estates of decedents dying and gifts made after Dec. 31, 2017. The basic exclusion amount would increase from $5 million to $10 million and would be indexed for inflation. After 2023, both of these taxes would be repealed. Beneficiaries would still enjoy a step-up in basis for their inherited property.

Gift Tax: The gift tax would remain, but with a top rate of 35%. There would still be an overall lifetime basic exclusion amount as mentioned above, twice the current amount. The annual exclusion would remain the same at $15,000, though it would increase with inflation.

ARE THE CHANGES PERMANENT?

Under the current law, only 0.02% of taxpayers pay federal estate taxes, so these changes do not affect a broad section of the population, but rather a few of the wealthiest Americans. (1)

Because of this, there is a chance that a future administration could repeal it or the taxes could be re-adopted at a later date. This is important to keep in mind when making plans based on these changes in the law.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR ESTATE PLAN

How will these changes affect you? What does this mean for your estate planning?

First of all, the doubling of the exemption amount means that you can increase your giving. It gives you more freedom to be generous and also the opportunity to remove more from your estate in case the taxes are reenacted later on.

This might also be a good opportunity for you to transfer assets from a non-exempt trust to a generation-skipping trust to take advantage of the increased generation-skipping amount. It may also affect how you handle distributions from qualified domestic trusts, as they wouldn’t be taxable after 2024.

NEXT STEPS TO TAKE

If your head is spinning from the details, remember that the changes to the tax law will likely affect different kinds of trusts and estate plans in different ways. As always, tax law is complicated and you should always work with an experienced financial professional for your estate planning needs.

Since this could only be a temporary reprieve, it is important to take advantage of the benefits quickly. At Archer Investment Management, we act as the quarterback of your financial team and coordinate with estate and tax professionals. If you want to review your current estate plan or would like us to point you to specialists at reputable firms, schedule a phone call online today!

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than eighteen years of industry experience. Largely working with successful individuals and couples, he specializes in providing comprehensive investment guidance and personalized care and attention to each client. Along with holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

__________

(1) http://www.wealthmanagement.com/estate-planning/estate-planning-implications-gop-tax-plan?NL=WM-17a&Issue=WM-17a_20171108_WM-17a_749&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1&utm_rid=CPG09000004413403&utm_campaign=11440&utm_medium=email&elq2=4ad333b7e81d4ce

The Three Things Women Need In Retirement To Be Happy

Posted on March 10, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

Would you rather plan a vacation or strategize your retirement? A Charles Schwab retirement survey found that Americans spend considerably more time and energy researching vacation possibilities and car purchases than planning for retirement. (1) And even if you are one of the few who has their financial ducks in a row, have you given any thought to the psychological transition that occurs when you reach this milestone? We know that money can only buy happiness if used intentionally, so let’s take a look at the three things women need to experience a fulfilling retirement.

1. THRIVING RELATIONSHIPS

Women tend to struggle with the social changes retirement brings more than men do. In fact, one study shows that 62% of women say they miss the daily social interaction they had at work, and retirement happiness for many women depends on the quality of their social life. (2) You may think that when you retire you will have all the time in the world to spend with family and friends, but the loss of your work community and routine make it difficult to maintain friendships.

To set yourself up for a happy retirement, create goals to get together with friends frequently and find ways to make new friends who are in the same season of life as you. You may meet people through volunteering, taking classes, or joining local retirement groups. It’s never too early to start investing in friendships and social ties that will help you ease into retirement.

2. OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE

When researching the effects of giving in retirement, Merrill Lynch found that women find great happiness from helping others and giving back to their community and are more likely to define success in retirement by generosity than their financial situation. (3) Approximately 68% of women also feel that retirement is the ideal time to give back. When your working years suddenly end, and you are left wondering what your purpose is, committing yourself to volunteer work gives your days meaning. Any kind of volunteering is beneficial to your psychological wellness, whether it’s shelving books at the library, walking dogs for the local animal shelter, or even giving your time to a cause related to your career.

3. A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PURSUE PASSIONS

While retirement may conjure up images of a slow-paced life with plenty of white space on the calendar, staying busy is the key to a happy retirement. (4) A recent retirement satisfaction survey found that 76% of retirees who were involved in more than ten activities, such as volunteering, creative pursuits, caring for others, socializing, and participating in sports, were more fulfilled in retirement than those who were involved in less than four activities.

In other words, having lots of time on your hands isn’t always a good thing. Enjoy the fact that you aren’t spending the majority of your waking hours at work, but purposefully plan your time so that you aren’t left twiddling your thumbs. Before retiring, make a list of things you want to do and places you want to go. Then, map out a strategy to make them happen. It’s easy to lose your identity when you say goodbye to your career, but setting goals and venturing out into new territory will help you build a new identity and prevent feelings of depression and anxiety.

LET US HELP YOU

At Archer Investment Management, we want to see women feel optimistic about their future. We also believe in taking steps today to plan for a thriving retirement. Let us help empower you by making sure you are on the right track and are considering every aspect of your life in preparation for retirement. Click here to schedule a phone call and take the first step towards a happy retirement.

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than eighteen years of industry experience. Largely working with successful individuals and couples, he specializes in providing comprehensive investment guidance and personalized care and attention to each client. Along with holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

____________

(1) Debt Regret Fuels Financial Stress

(2) Why Women Struggle More Than Men in Retirement

(3) America’s Longevity Bonus – Giving in Retirement

Social Security: What You Don’t Know Could Cost You

Posted on March 1, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

Do you remember the game of telephone you played as a kid? The game where someone whispered a message into someone else’s ear and everyone repeated it until the final result was completely different? Well, the commonly held assumptions about Social Security are kind of like that. The true details of the system are complicated and difficult to muddle through, and the messages that are received are often skewed.

How important is it to truly understand Social Security? Think of it this way: you’ve been contributing to Social Security your whole life, right back to your first official paycheck. Between you and your employers, you’ve doled out 12.4% of your annual income. That’s a substantial amount and one that could make your 401(k) look like chump change down the road. Don’t you want to maximize your benefits so you get every penny that’s rightfully yours? In order to do so, you need to properly understand how your benefits work. Let’s look at some common Social Security assumptions and set the record straight so you don’t leave money on the table.

1. SOCIAL SECURITY WON’T BE AROUND FOREVER

Many of us, especially those who won’t be retiring for decades, are worried that Social Security will run out of money by the time we retire. Here are the facts: Social Security trust funds have been running a surplus since 1982. Right now, the surpluses are predicted to end in 2019 and the system will rely on incoming contributions to make up the deficit until 2034. At that point, if no changes are made, benefit payments may shrink to 75% of what many Americans are expecting. (1)

Since you can’t control the success or failure of the Social Security program, educate yourself and plan ahead. Create an account on the Social Security website so you understand your current benefits and know where you stand. There is plenty that could happen between now and 2034 that could impact the program, so don’t believe the myth that there will be no money left for you by the time you retire.

2. WHAT YOU GIVE IS WHAT YOU GET

Social Security is not a savings account per se. The taxes that everyone pays from their paychecks are pooled and then paid out. Your contributions are supporting others and, when you retire, the money others pay into the system will support you.  

In 1960, the amount of contributing workers-to-beneficiaries was 5:1. In 2013, it was 2.8:1. So, while the number of workers paying into Social Security is decreasing, there are still more paying in than receiving benefits. As time passes and the average life expectancy of our population increases, you may need to mentally prepare for your benefits to be less than you think they will be.

3. EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES EQUALLY TO SOCIAL SECURITY

Everyone pays 6.2% out of their paychecks to fund Social Security (with their employer paying another 6.2%), to an earnings cap of $128,400. (2) So, if you earn that amount, and your neighbor earns $5 million, you will both pay the same amount into Social Security. (3) If the earnings cap were eliminated, it’s estimated that 71% of the coming Social Security shortfall would be wiped out.

4. YOU CAN ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS AT AGE 65

Social Security benefits can be claimed anytime between the ages of 62 and 70. However, the timing of when you choose to collect these benefits will impact the total amount of benefits you receive.  

Full retirement age (FRA) changes based on the year you were born. For those born in 1937 and earlier, FRA is 65. After 1937, two months are added each year until FRA becomes 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954. Starting in 1955, two months a year is added again until the FRA becomes 67 for those born in 1960 or later.

If you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin collecting your Social Security benefits, you will receive your full Primary Insurance Amount, which is the full benefit that you have earned.

5. YOUR BENEFIT AMOUNT DOESN’T CHANGE

For every year beyond your FRA that you delay taking benefits, the value increases by 8% until you reach age 70. There is nowhere else you can get an 8% return guaranteed by the U.S. government! If you retire early, benefits may be about 30% less, which means you could be leaving a significant amount of money on the table.

6. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AREN’T TAXABLE

While Social Security benefits are not normally taxed, they could be taxable if you are working or have other sources of income while you are collecting benefits. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, any income you earn before the year in which you reach FRA reduces your Social Security benefit once it surpasses a set yearly earnings limit. For 2018, the limit is $17,040. Once you begin earning more than the limit, your Social Security benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn.

The income restrictions change in the year in which you reach FRA. That year there is a higher limit: $45,360 for 2018. Once your income exceeds that limit, your Social Security benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $3 you earn. After the year you reach FRA, though, there are no more limits. You can earn as much as you want and it has no effect on your Social Security retirement benefits.

7. YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND

A shocking 38% of people incorrectly believe they can switch their claiming strategy after they’ve made their official choice. (4) This just isn’t true. According to the Social Security website, you can withdraw your claim once within 12 months after applying, but you must repay all the benefits you received during that time. (5)

8. YOUR CLAIMING STRATEGY AFFECTS YOUR EX-SPOUSE

Many people don’t realize that their ex-spouse’s claiming strategy has no bearing on their own benefits. If you are married for 10 consecutive years and haven’t remarried after your divorce, you are entitled to either your full benefit or half of your former spouse’s benefit, whichever is greater.

9. YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR BENEFITS WHEN YOU WANT THEM

If you want your first Social Security check next week but haven’t yet applied for benefits, you are out of luck. You must file for benefits 3 to 4 months before you get your hands on your money.

AVOID A SOCIAL SECURITY HEADACHE

Social Security is a major piece of your retirement game plan. It was designed to replace 40% of an average worker’s wages, (6) and that’s money you don’t want to miss out on. There is no one-size-fits-all claiming strategy, so it’s critical to work with an experienced professional.

At Archer Investment Management, our goal is to provide comprehensive financial strategies for a secure future, including a customized Social Security plan. We work hard to educate you on your opportunities, answer your questions, and offer objective guidance. If you want to maximize your Social Security benefits and plan for a comfortable and secure retirement, schedule a 45-minute phone call to learn how we can help you.

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than eighteen years of industry experience. Largely working with successful individuals and couples, he specializes in providing comprehensive investment guidance and personalized care and attention to each client. Along with holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and an MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFA® charterholder. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

_________

(1) Social Security Myths Debunked

(2) https://www.ssa.gov/planners/maxtax.html

(3) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/cbb.html

(4) http://time.com/money/4762608/social-security-strategy-retirement/

(5) https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/withdrawal.html

(6) https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/28/how-much-of-my-income-will-social-security-replace.aspx

Women and Disability: How To Protect Your Income

Posted on February 5, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

We already know that women face more financial hurdles than men, especially when it comes to retirement. They earn less, (1) save less, (2) live longer, (3)  and spend more time out of the workforce to care for children or other family members. (4) Unfortunately, the obstacles don’t end there. Women are more likely to face disability than their male counterparts, but only 20% of American women are aware of this looming threat. (5)

Now that we’ve got the doom and gloom out of the way, let’s look at the silver lining. If we know the facts, we can do something about them. If we prepare ahead of time, we can protect our finances from being destroyed by the hard-hitting impact of a disability.

THE REALITY OF DISABILITY

The majority of disabilities aren’t caused by risky undertakings like skydiving or accidents that occur at work. Currently, the leading cause is arthritis (which women are twice as likely to get than men), followed by back and spine problems. Together these conditions are responsible for more than one-third of all disabilities. (6)

Less than half of Americans own disability income insurance, and 61% of women have never done any research on disability coverage. (7) As a result, this lack of protection has become a significant gap in women’s financial plans. Is there a solution to this financial dilemma?

KNOW YOUR SOURCES

Income sources, that is. Now that you’re convinced you need to take disability seriously, let’s look at the steps you can take to prepare.

Disability Insurance

Employer-sponsored plans are the most common sources of disability insurance, but only about 45% of working women are covered under this benefit. (8) If your employer offers both short and long-term disability coverage, take it, but be sure you understand the ins and outs of the plan. Group coverage generally includes only a percentage of base salary (usually 50 – 60%) and excludes income from bonuses or the value of employer-paid benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plan matching or life insurance.

The majority of group plans also have other important limitations to be aware of, such as no provisions for inflation, broad definitions of disability, and integration with Social Security. Finally, it is essential to know if your company’s benefit will be subject to income taxes. If the employer pays all or part of the premium, chances are the benefit is taxable. These limits can potentially erode the value of benefits.

If you don’t have access to disability insurance through your employer, or you are self-employed (as 7.5% of working women are (9)),  you may need to look into purchasing outside disability insurance for a premium. Whatever form of insurance you have may not cover your wages completely, but it’s better than being left with nothing but your savings account.

Emergency Fund

Women are twice as likely as men to think their cash reserves would last less than one month if they experienced a disability. (10) Creating an emergency fund equal to six months of wages would establish a solid buffer that can be used, along with disability insurance, to prevent financial ruin.  

Social Security

The Social Security Administration offers two programs to assist those with disabilities. If you have a condition that falls under their definition of a disability, have worked long enough, paid into Social Security, and have not been able to work for a year or more, you might qualify for government income. Since they only offer income assistance to people with long-term, or total disabilities, you’ll need at least a year’s worth of income from other sources before you can tap into this benefit.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Money makes the world go ‘round, whether you can work or not. Plan ahead, assess your risk, and have a strategy in place for a potential disability. Remember, what you don’t know can hurt you. Start the conversation with a financial professional to today to start planning for tomorrow. If you’d like to discuss how disability income may play a role in your financial plan, click here to schedule a phone call.

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than eighteen years of industry experience. Largely working with successful individuals and couples, he specializes in providing comprehensive investment guidance and personalized care and attention to each client. Along with holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

______

(1) https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat37.htm

(2) Women’s Retirement Outlook Report

(3) Social Security Actuarial Life Table, 2016.

(4) Women’s Retirement Outlook Report

(5) https://womenscenter.theamericancollege.edu/sites/womenscenter/files/Disability_Fact_Sheet.pdf

(6) https://womenscenter.theamericancollege.edu/sites/womenscenter/files/Disability_Fact_Sheet.pdf

(7) https://womenscenter.theamericancollege.edu/sites/womenscenter/files/Disability_Fact_Sheet.pdf

(8) Women More Likely to Develop a Disability

(9) Self-Employment in the United States

(10) Women More Likely to Develop a Disability

Financial Tips for Women: 10 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor

Posted on February 1, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

Different groups of people have different financial needs. Business owners need assets that are more liquid and products to lower their liability. High earners need tax-minimization strategies. In the same way, women need specific products and services that fit their circumstances and goals. Understanding the financial tips for women can empower them to make informed decisions.

While women are more likely to be the financial decision-makers in their families, they tend to have lower financial confidence across the board, particularly in the areas of investing and financial education. A Women and Wealth Initiative study found that 56% of women increase their confidence by working with a financial advisor. (1) With so much at stake, choosing a financial advisor is not a decision to take lightly. The financial advisor you choose to handle your family’s wealth will have a significant impact on your investment strategy, the fees you pay, and your confidence in your financial future.

When embarking on your advisor search, ask potential candidates these 10 questions to help you follow these essential financial tips for women.

How Much Experience Do You Have?

Experience is essential when you’re working with a professional of any kind, especially someone handling your finances. Don’t be shy about asking an advisor about their industry experience. It will give you peace of mind to know what market conditions they’ve experienced and how many years they’ve been working in the industry.

Currently, 73% of women say they are unhappy with the financial services industry because advisors do not attempt to understand them and their needs. (2) No matter how much experience an advisor has, if they don’t have a track record of working with women, they might not be best suited to help you. Search for an advisor who wants to do more than just manage your investments but who will listen to you, take the time to understand your goals and priorities, and educate you on essential financial concepts without using jargon or sales techniques. These are critical financial tips for women seeking financial empowerment.

Do You Hold Any Credentials?

Credentials and education play a critical role in your advisor’s competence. There are hundreds of designations in the financial services field, and some are more applicable to your needs than others. (3) Some of the most important and useful designations include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Checking credentials is a key financial tip for women to ensure they are working with a qualified professional.

What Financial Planning Services Do You Offer?

Not all financial advisors can provide comprehensive financial planning. Be sure to ask a financial advisor what services they provide and whether or not they have a specialty. For example, if you have children and know that you will need help with college and financial aid planning, find an advisor who specializes in that. Or, if you are curious about socially responsible investing, don’t choose an advisor who has little experience or knowledge in that arena. These financial tips for women can help tailor the advice to specific life circumstances.

What Is Your Planning Philosophy?

It’s important to work with an advisor who shares a similar planning and investing philosophy as you. Multiple studies show that women take less risk with their money. (4) They seek stability over chasing returns and tend to stay the course when the markets go wild. Their goal isn’t to accumulate wealth as much as it is to achieve financial peace of mind. (5) Talk with an advisor about how he or she guides clients’ investing and financial decisions so you can have confidence that your needs and investment personality align with their philosophy. Adopting the right planning philosophy is one of the most critical financial tips for women.

Do You Have Many Clients Like Me?

Some financial advisors specialize in serving a specific demographic or level of investable assets, so you’ll want to find this out before choosing an advisor. Women approach money differently than men, and women in different circumstances have different financial needs. Whether married, divorced, widowed, old, young, a mother, a professional, or a housewife, you should work with someone who understands you and strives to serve you the way you deserve. Finding an advisor experienced with women clients is a valuable financial tip for women.

You face more risks to your financial future and need someone who can create a plan that addresses those threats.

Who Will Be Working With Me?

At some firms, you may work with different financial advisors depending on your appointment time or you may initially meet with a firm partner and end up working with a junior advisor.  Other firms may pair you up with one financial advisor with whom you’ll work consistently one-on-one. This is important to know ahead of time so you can make sure you’re going to get the personal service you’re expecting.

How Much Do You Charge?

Financial planning and investment costs can be confusing. Too often, financial advisors don’t readily disclose their fees. Fee-only financial planners are compensated directly by their clients for the services they provide and may be paid hourly, as a retainer, a flat fee, or a percentage of assets (AUM). For more information on the differences in compensation, click here.

Many women feel underserved by the financial planning industry. As such, they are more likely to want to know how much they are paying and whether the services are worth the price. (6) Understanding costs and fees is a fundamental financial tip for women to ensure transparency.

Do You Receive a Commission?

Some financial advisors (many are with big Walls Street firms) earn their income from sales commissions. The problem is that advisors working on commission may be inclined to sell you expensive products that you may not need or understand.

Are You a Fiduciary?

An advisor who serves as a fiduciary accepts responsibility to put his clients’ interests first and foremost in all decisions. A fiduciary is supposed to avoid conflicts of interest and remain unbiased in her recommendations and advice. There are many financial advisers now who accept fiduciary responsibility, so there is no need these days to settle for less.

Only 30% of women are financially literate, according to a 2015 Standard & Poor study on global financial literacy. (7) This lack of financial understanding leads to only 10% of women expressing a high level of confidence that they will be able to retire comfortably (8) and 40% of women are uncomfortable even talking about money. (9) These factors put women in a vulnerable position. They desperately want to learn more about money and investing but are worried they will be taken advantage of. Working with a fiduciary can ease some of these concerns. Understanding the importance of fiduciary duty is a key financial tip for women.

Have You Ever Violated Any Standards or Laws?

It’s a good idea to research an advisor’s credentials and run a background check with regulatory agencies. Some advisors may have been subjected to disciplinary action if they violated any laws or if a client took action against them. You can look up an advisor’s professional history by visiting FINRA’s BrokerCheck. This database will also show you the years of experience an advisor has and the licenses and credentials he or she has.

Take your time and trust your intuition when selecting your advisor. The relationship should feel right, and you should never feel pressured to make a decision quickly. An advisor should be happy to answer these questions and any others you may have about how they operate. Following these financial tips for women can help you find the right financial advisor.

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than eighteen years of industry experience. Largely working with successful individuals and couples, he specializes in providing comprehensive investment guidance and personalized care and attention to each client. Along with holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

________

(1) https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151015005452/en/Women-Men-Solely-Responsible-Financial-Decisions-New

(2) http://www.etfcm.com/womenmoney/include/wadvisors-failing-woman.pdf

(3) Credentials Explained

(4) https://investors-corner.bnpparibas-am.com/investment-themes/retirement/why-women-typically-take-less-investment-risk/

(5) http://blog.amcpros.com/wp-content/LPL_Financial_Whitepaper.pdf

(6) http://www.etfcm.com/womenmoney/include/wadvisors-failing-woman.pdf

(7) Financial Literacy Gender Gap

(8) Women and Retirement

(9) http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmoney/sc-cons-0312-marksjarvis-20150310-column.html

Why Women Face More Retirement Hurdles Than Men (and What To Do About It)

Posted on January 6, 2017 by - Smart Money Tips

While many Americans are facing their retirement years completely unprepared, women face even more risk of outliving their savings than their male counterparts and are twice as likely to live under the poverty line in retirement. (1) As a result of this reality, only 10% of women are very confident they will be able to retire comfortably. (2) Why is there such a disparity? What are some unique retirement hurdles women face and how can they conquer them?

1. GREATER LONGEVITY

At birth, women are expected to live until 81, and men 76. (3) When saving for retirement, those five extra years could make or break your standard of living. But even with the average life expectancy being 81, one in three females could live until 90, while only one in five males will reach that milestone. (4) In the past 10 years alone, the U.S. centenarian population has grown 44%. What these numbers tell us is that women need even more resources to carry them through retirement. Women must also plan ahead for the likelihood of outliving their spouse.

How can we plan ahead to mitigate longevity risk when we don’t know how long we will live? The first step is to estimate your life expectancy, either by utilizing online calculators or by consulting with a financial professional. You may not be able to predict your exact lifespan, but you can determine an approximate range and plan accordingly. Once you calculate a few financial projections with an appropriate planning horizon, stress-test each projection for a longer lifespan. How do these estimations hold up if you live an additional two, five, or ten years? Evaluate the strength of your current strategies and decide whether or not you need to save more aggressively.

2. HIGHER HEALTH CARE & LONG-TERM CARE COSTS

Health care represents one of the largest expenses in retirement, but even more so for females. According to a study conducted by HealthView Services, women can expect to pay over $300,000 in health care costs, compared to the $260,000 average men pay. (5) These numbers are for healthy 65-year-olds, so if there are any known health concerns, that number will increase.

On top of standard healthcare expenses, an average 63% of people turning age 65 will require some form of long-term care during their lifetimes. (6) Furthermore, because of their longer life estimations, women pay significantly more for long-term care —$82,000, compared to just $29,000 for men. (7) These additional costs can eat away at your hard-earned savings very quickly.

There are two aspects to mitigating the risk of healthcare and long-term care costs. The first is to take care of your health now. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep every night. Getting regular health checkups and physicals help you detect problems early and improve your chances of living a healthier life.

Financially, you can review your options for long-term care insurance. Although policies can be expensive, they pale in comparison to long-term care costs. In 2007, the average long-term care insurance policy cost around $2,207 per year, (8) whereas long-term care can cost between $3,628 and $7,698 per month. (9) Instead of, or along with, long-term care insurance, consider starting a savings plan specifically for future healthcare needs. One option is to create a separate, high-yield savings account and contribute a specific amount every month.

By combining proactive physical care and dedicated financial preparation, you may be able to lessen the impact of healthcare expenses in your retirement years.

3. INCOME & WORKFORCE LIMITATIONS

Even in 2018, there is an income disparity between men and women. For every dollar earned by men, women earn $0.81 (10) and average annual Social Security payments are about $4,000 less for women. (11) Since women 80 and older receive an income that is 44% lower than that of men, it’s not surprising that three-quarters of the people in poverty are female. (12)

Women also spend more time out of the workforce to care for children or other family members. Not only does this impact earning power and Social Security payments, but also participation in employer-sponsored retirement plans. Females tend to contribute 7% of their income while men contribute 10%. (13) Over time, that 3% makes a considerable difference in savings.

Lower lifetime earnings often result in women claiming for Social Security benefits early, reducing the amount they receive by as much as 30%. (14) Before making Social Security claiming decisions, work with a professional who can walk you through different scenarios and help you choose the best strategy for your situation.

Finally, save early and often. Even though your income opportunities may not be as high as those of men, small amounts can add up over time. If your employer offers a retirement plan, be sure to participate and maximize your contribution rate to take advantage of any employer matching. Women tend to invest more conservatively than their male counterparts, so work with a professional to allocate your assets appropriately and determine your risk tolerance.

4. HIGHER DEBT LOADS

Women may make up 56% of higher-education students, but they hold 65% of the debt. Additionally, research shows that women pay more for the debt that they carry than men, even though they’re less likely to default. (15) As women try to pay off their debt, it limits their available assets they could be investing and putting away for retirement.

To mitigate the burden of debt, look for loan forgiveness programs that might be applicable to you and do your best to consolidate your loans. If possible, pay off the ones with the highest interest rate first and then throw all your extra cash towards the rest. Once your debt is paid off, all that money you were allocating to your payments will be available to put towards retirement savings.

5. LACK OF PLANNING

The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies tells us that only 50% of women have some sort of retirement strategy, but 78% of American workers say they would feel more confident if they had a guaranteed income investment option. (16) As women generally take less risk than men, they may struggle more to feel confident in their planning options and, as a result, avoid planning altogether.

The key is to find the best financial advisor for you – one you trust and work well with. It’s never too late to create a plan, as long as you start today.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Women may have more work cut out for them to obtain their ideal retirement, but it is not out of reach. The earlier you plan and the more aware you are of the common problems or threats women face, the greater the chance you can achieve your goals.

At Archer Investment Management, we specialize in serving the financial and planning needs of women. We understand the unique challenges they face that can make financial planning more critical than ever for them. If you are nearing retirement and are worried about your financial situation, or if you want a second look at your current plan, click here to schedule a phone call.

About Richard

Richard Archer is a financial advisor and the President of Archer Investment Management with more than eighteen years of industry experience. Largely working with successful individuals and couples, he specializes in providing comprehensive investment guidance and personalized care and attention to each client. Along with holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a MBA, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and a Chartered Financial Analyst®. He combines his advanced industry education and knowledge with his genuine care for people to provide clients with an exceptional experience. To learn more about Richard, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.archerim.com. 

__________

(1) http://etf.wi.gov/news/WRS_news_012015/WRS_012015_art4.htm

(2) http://www.transamericacenter.org/retirement-research/women-and-retirement

(3) Social Security Actuarial Life Table, 2016.

(4) Key Findings and Issues. Longevity. Society of Actuaries, June 2012

(5) https://www.hvsfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Women_Retirement_Health_Care.pdf

(6) https://longtermcare.acl.gov/the-basics/

(7) Society of Actuaries, “The Impact of Retirement Risk on Women,” 2010

(8) https://longtermcare.acl.gov/costs-how-to-pay/what-is-long-term-care-insurance/long-term-care-insurance-costs.html

(9) https://longtermcare.acl.gov/costs-how-to-pay/costs-of-care.html

(10) https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat37.htm

(11)https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senator%20Murray%20Report%20on%20Women%20and%20the%20Retirement%20Gap1.pdf

(12) Elayne Clift.  “USA Women Moving Millions”, News Blaze, September 16, 2008.

(13) https://www.transamericacenter.org/docs/default-source/resources/women-and-retirement/tcrs2015_sr_womens_retirement_outlook.pdf

(14) https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/11/the-biggest-social-security-mistake-women-make.html

(15) Gender Gap in Investing and Finance

(16) https://www.transamericacenter.org/retirement-research/16th-annual-retirement-survey