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If you’re planning to retire in a few years, are you looking forward to it?
Or are you somewhat apprehensive? Are you asking yourself: “What sort of
retirement can I afford?”
It’s a good question — because
the answer can make a big difference in your ability to enjoy life as a
retiree.
And retirement can indeed
be enjoyable, exciting and fun. Consider this from a recent survey by Edward
Jones and AgeWave: A majority of respondents said retirement should be looked
at as a whole new chapter of life, and not just a time for rest and relaxation.
In other words, people are viewing retirement as a chance for new experiences
and new opportunities, rather than a time to simply wind down. But if you’re
going to make the most of your retirement — which could last two or even three
decades — you need to be financially prepared.
This preparation can
involve many steps, but here are some of the key ones:
• Decide what your retirement lifestyle will
look like. How you choose to spend your retirement years can make a big
difference in the financial resources you’ll need. For example, if you plan on
traveling the world, you might need more income than if you were to stay close
to home and pursue your hobbies. If you can envision your retirement lifestyle
and estimate how much money you’ll need to support it, you can help reduce some
of the uncertainties you might face once you do retire.
• Review your
income sources. During retirement, you’ll likely need to draw on all your
income sources, so it’s a good idea to know what you’ll have available, such as
your IRA, 401(k) and other investment accounts. You’ll also need to decide when
to take Social Security — if you wait until your full retirement age (probably
between 66 and 67), you’ll get much larger monthly benefits than if you started
taking them at 62. And here’s another variable: earned income. Even if you’ve
retired from your career, you might, if you desire, use your acquired skills in
a consulting or part-time position. The more you can earn, the less you may
have to withdraw from your investment accounts and the better position you’ll
be in to delay taking Social Security.
• Consider
adjusting your investment portfolio. For most of your working years, you
may have invested mostly for growth — to increase your assets as much as
possible. But growth-oriented investments are also, by nature, riskier, so when
you retire, you should review your portfolio to determine whether you need to
move it toward a more conservative position. Also, more conservative
investments may provide more current income in the form of interest payments.
However, even in retirement, you may need some investments with growth
potential if you want to keep ahead of inflation.
Retirement is certainly a
major milestone in your life — and adjusting to it can take some time. But there will be much less to fear — and
much more to enjoy — if you’ve done what you can to prepare yourself financially.
Chad Choate III, AAMS
828 3rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
chad.chaote@edwardjones.com
This article was written by Edward Jones
for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Walk-In Showers: The Timeless and Practical Choice Walk-in showers not only provide a modern and open feel to any bathroom, but they also come in a variety of styles and designs to complement a wide range of aesthetic preferences. How to Maximize Space with a Walk-In Shower One of the main advantages of walk-in showers is their versatility, as they can be customized to your desired size and style. As you envision your dream bathroom, consider your bathing needs, preferred finishes, shower accessories and available shower unit space. If you have a smaller bathroom space, here are some tips to maximize the space inside your shower. Corner shelves or built-in wall shelving provide convenient storage for toiletries A sliding door can also be a space-saving solution, as it doesnt require extra clearance for the door to hinge open A wall-mounted bench or chair can offer seating without occupying valuable space, making it both functional and space-efficient Design Inspiration: Creative Shower Remodeling Ideas Incorporating unique wall patterns, tiles and colors can drastically transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Take inspiration from Pinterest or interior design magazines for ideas you may want to replicate in your home. The Importance of Durability in Design If you want your new bathroom to look and feel timeless for years to come, selecting a long-lasting material for your shower base and shower walls is essential. KOHLER LuxStone walls unique crushed stone construction provides durability and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, KOHLER LuxStone shower walls are stain-resistant and nonporous, making them highly resistant to mold and mildew and exceptionally low-maintenance compared to other shower wall options, like tile or fiberglass. Remodel with a LuxStone Walk-In Shower When you remodel your bathroom with a KOHLER LuxStone shower, you get to choose from a selection of: Seamless shower walls in various colors, patterns and textures Showerheads and fixtures in a variety of styles and finishes Glass shower doors in frameless barn door, sliding and pivot designs Seamless shelving and storage options Support and stability options, including grab bars, foot ledges and seating Low-threshold shower bases and bathtubs Our dedication to offering a truly customizable shower remodeling experience provides you with plenty of opportunities to make your vision a reality. And, with free design consultations always included, were here to help you every step of the way. The Safety Features of the KOHLER LuxStone Shower If safety and security are major factors in your bathroom remodel, we may have the solutions you have been searching for. KOHLER LuxStone showers offer various adaptable safety features, making a comfortable and secure showering experience more easily accessible. Low step-in threshold allows for easy entry and exit Moveable and built-in seating options ensure that individuals can shower comfortably Integrated grab bars offer extra stability Your New Walk-In Shower from Inspiration to Installation If youre considering updating your bathroom, choose KOHLER LuxStone for a high-quality, low-maintenance shower or bath with start-to-finish remodeling service always included. Call (800) 704-9847 to request your free design consultation today!
Lets face it: theres never a great time to renovate. Opening your space to construction crews, losing access to rooms mid-remodel and enduring the thin but persistent layer of sheetrock dust on every surface of your home make taking the renovation plunge less than appealing. But if youre ready to make a change to your bathroom and remodel your shower, consider scheduling your remodel for the winter months. Read on to learn about the benefits of a winter shower remodel!Construction Crews Are More AvailableDuring busier times of the year, like spring and summer, you may have to wait for construction company availability rather than remodel on your preferred schedule. Designers, plumbers and electricians are also seasonally busy, with much lighter loads during the winter months. Planning your shower renovation for the winter season increases the likelihood that all necessary crew members are available.Your Renovation May Be SpeedierDepending on your renovation plans and the size of your construction crew, you may require special permitting. Just as construction companies are more available during the winter, so too are government officials responsible for permits. Homeowners who plan for a winter shower remodel may acquire their permits more quickly, shortening the length of their renovation.The Cost Of Materials May Be LowerYear-end sales on lumber, tile and other building materials can significantly reduce your renovation expenditures. Its typical for manufacturers to lower costs on premium materials during the winter months to make room for spring supplies. Keep an eye out for discounted materials starting around Black Friday and continuing through the season.It Makes Sense To Prioritize Interior ProjectsWinter weather makes for harsh construction conditions under which to pursue exterior renovations. When the temperature drops, consider addressing your interior to-dos instead. Remodeling your shower during the winter monthswhen its best to minimize your showering anyway to avoid drying out your skin and hairmeans a brand new shower to enjoy when temperatures rise again.Enjoy A Stress-Free, Seamless Remodel With KOHLER LuxStoneWith our expert designers, top-tier features and speedy installation, you can receive a luxury shower without all the hassle of a typical bathroom renovation. Ready to learn more? Contact us today for a free consultation. Request A Free Design Consultationor call (800) 704-9847
If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully, with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs. Here are some of the key areas to look at: Retirement plan Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employers match, if one is offered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. Youll want your investment mix to reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Life insurance If your employer offers group life insurance at no cost as an employee benefit, you may want to take it but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death benefit, but theres really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors including your mortgage, your income, your spouses income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs to determine how much insurance you need. If your employers group policy seems insufficient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage. Disability insurance Your employer may offer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufficient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employer-sponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as five years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefits, so youll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies. Flexible spending account A flexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA, up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2 months or allow you to carry over up to $640. Health savings account Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a high-deductible health insurance plan. Make the most of your benefits package it can be a big part of your overall financial picture. Chad Choate III, AAMS 828 3rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-462-2445 chad.chaote@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Experience and BackgroundI am a financial advisor in Bradenton, FL, and began my career with Edward Jones in 2017. As a financial advisor, I want to find out what's important to you and help you build personalized strategies to achieve your goals.As a lifelong Manatee County resident, I graduated from the University of South Florida and was a teacher in Manatee County before joining Edward Jones. My driving force is to change people's lives in a positive way, and what better place than my home to do that.Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, we can work together to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. We will also monitor your progress to help make sure you stay on track or determine if any adjustments need to be made. Throughout it all, we're dedicated to providing you with top-notch client service.But we're not alone. Thousands of people and advanced technology support our office so that we can help ensure you receive the most current and comprehensive guidance. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone's expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.I currently volunteer with the Manatee Hurricane football Broadcast and Booster Club, serve on my church's trustees council and have previously served as a leader in Young Life. I am a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and an alumnus of their Leadership Manatee program.I have been married to my childhood sweetheart, Ashley, for 15 years and we have a son, Wesley, and daughter, Camryn. We enjoy watching our children play their sports and traveling as a family.
Hello, I'm Chad Choate a dedicated financial advisor in Bradenton, FL, I began my career with Edward Jones in 2017. As a financial advisor, I want to find out what's important to you and help you build personalized strategies to achieve your goals. As a lifelong Manatee County resident, I graduated from the University of South Florida and was a teacher in Manatee County before joining Edward Jones. My driving force is to change people's lives in a positive way, and what better place than my home to do that. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, we can work together to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. We will also monitor your progress to help make sure you stay on track or determine if any adjustments need to be made. Throughout it all, we're dedicated to providing you with top-notch client service. But we're not alone. Thousands of people and advanced technology support from our office can help ensure you receive the most current and comprehensive guidance. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone's expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals. I currently volunteer with the Manatee Hurricane football Broadcast and Booster Club, serve on my church's trustees council and have previously served as a leader in Young Life. I am a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and an alumnus of their Leadership Manatee program. I have been married to my childhood sweetheart, Ashley, for 15 years and we have a son, Wesley, and daughter, Camryn. We enjoy watching our children play their sports and traveling as a family.
Hello, I'm Chad Choate a dedicated financial advisor in Bradenton, FL, I began my career with Edward Jones in 2017. As a financial advisor, I want to find out what's important to you and help you build personalized strategies to achieve your goals. As a lifelong Manatee County resident, I graduated from the University of South Florida and was a teacher in Manatee County before joining Edward Jones. My driving force is to change people's lives in a positive way, and what better place than my home to do that. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, we can work together to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. We will also monitor your progress to help make sure you stay on track or determine if any adjustments need to be made. Throughout it all, we're dedicated to providing you with top-notch client service. But we're not alone. Thousands of people and advanced technology support from our office can help ensure you receive the most current and comprehensive guidance. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone's expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals. I currently volunteer with the Manatee Hurricane football Broadcast and Booster Club, serve on my church's trustees council and have previously served as a leader in Young Life. I am a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and an alumnus of their Leadership Manatee program. I have been married to my childhood sweetheart, Ashley, for 15 years and we have a son, Wesley, and daughter, Camryn. We enjoy watching our children play their sports and traveling as a family.