You saved for years, made sacrifices and finally achieved your goal of retiring. Nothing can get in the way of your dreams now, right? Hopefully. But life isn't always that simple. Here's how to get ahead of some risks you might face in retirement.
Risk: Outliving your money
Prepare by:
• Not taking too much from your investments – We typically recommend an initial annual withdrawal rate of 4%, with a 3% increase each year for inflation. However, the longer you expect to live, the lower that rate should be.
• Considering annuities with lifetime income benefits –Depending on your spending flexibility and how much you rely on your portfolio for income, you may want to consider annuities that guarantee an income payment for as long as you live.
Risk: Unexpected health care costs or a need for long-term care
Prepare by:
• Considering supplemental coverage – Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) may help fill in the gaps for items that Medicare doesn't cover.
• Budgeting for long-term care costs – Even if you don’t anticipate needing nursing home care, you should still consider planning for some type of assisted living or home health care costs.
• Protecting against long-term care expenses – Several options are available to help pay for long-term health care costs, including traditional long-term care insurance or combining life insurance with a long-term care benefits rider.
• Putting your wishes in writing – Powers of attorney, health care directives and living wills can help you outline your wishes for future care. Work with your tax and legal professionals to create these legal documents.
Risk: Market declines and inflation
Prepare by:
• Staying diversified – No one can predict the financial markets, but knowing how much risk you are willing – and able – to take as well as having a properly constructed portfolio can help you prepare. This includes:
• Diversifying your investments among stocks (which can help combat inflation), bonds and cash so success isn’t tied to one company or one type of investment.
• Sticking with quality investments with proven track records and rebalancing as appropriate.
• Keeping your focus on your long-term goals, not on short-term fluctuations.
• Assessing your risk tolerance – Determine how much risk you are willing and able to take, so you can be better prepared to stay on track during the inevitable short-term declines.
• Being flexible with your spending – You should regularly review your spending strategy and withdrawal rate – especially during years when the market doesn't perform well.
• Considering a CD/short-term fixed-income ladder – Laddering involves owning a variety of quality fixed-income investments with staggered maturity dates. By doing this, you don't have to try to guess how interest rates will act in the future. Owning a variety of quality fixed-income investments with maturities 5 years and less can help you navigate a down market.
Risk: Personal liability
Prepare with:
• Umbrella liability insurance – This protection is designed to kick in when coverage on other policies, such as home or auto, has been exhausted.
• Asset ownership structures – Specific ownership structures designed to hold certain assets, such as a small business or rental property, could potentially reduce your personal liability in the case of an accident or lawsuit.
How we can help
There are other risks to consider when it comes to your retirement. But your Edward Jones financial advisor can walk through different scenarios with you to stress-test your strategy and make sure you stay on track – even if one of these risks becomes a reality.
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
A move, a change in care needs, or the loss of a spouse can turn a familiar retirement budget into a list of new decisions. Before meeting with a financial professional, identify the question you want answered. You might need to understand what a move would do to your monthly expenses or how much flexibility you have if care costs rise.What Financial Services CoverFinancial services can include financial planning, investment advice, insurance, or help with other money decisions. The scope depends on the professional and the firm. If your immediate question is about paying an overdue bill or applying for a public benefit, a local assistance program may be the better first call. If youre weighing how to use savings or investment accounts over time, ask whether an adviser can address that specific question. Jetty Financial - Rich GaldieriPhone: 303-710-5015Richard Galdieris public professional profile identifies Jetty Financial. The SECs Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database identifies him under CRD number 8206153 with Global View Capital Management LLC in Lafayette, Colorado. Ask which firm would provide the service and appear on your written agreement. The firms name gives you the information you need to review the right disclosures and direct follow-up questions. Ask What the Engagement IncludesDescribe the decision youre facing and ask what the professional can provide in writing. That may mean a one-time review, a planning engagement, or ongoing investment management, depending on the firms services. Ask which fees apply, how they are calculated, and whether any products or third parties carry separate costs. Investor.gov offers a tool to check registration and review relationship disclosures. Why This Matters in BoulderIf youre deciding whether to stay in your Boulder home or move closer to family, use actual costs for both options. For your current home, pull recent bills for taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any paid help. For a move, gather quotes for housing and services you expect to use. Put one-time expenses, such as moving or preparing the house for sale, on their own list so you can compare recurring costs clearly.How to Get Started1. Put Your Main Question on One PageList income sources, regular expenses, and the change you expect in the next year. Bring rough figures to an introductory conversation and ask how the firm handles confidential documents before sending account statements.2. Confirm Fees and ResponsibilitiesAsk who will work with you, what you will receive, and how much the engagement is expected to cost. If you are considering ongoing services, ask how often you would meet and what happens if you end the relationship.3. Take Time to Review the AgreementRead the written scope and fee terms before deciding. If your question also involves taxes or legal documents, identify which parts you should take to a tax professional or an attorney. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Financial Services Elder Law Estate Planning
A utility bill can be manageable one month and hard to cover the next. If youre living on a fixed income or helping an older family member sort through overdue notices, start with the bill or expense that has the closest deadline. The City of Boulders Older Adult Services case managers can help eligible residents understand what assistance may be available and where to apply.What Financial Assistance Can Help WithFinancial assistance programs help eligible households cover essential expenses or connect with resources that reduce those costs. Programs may address a one-time problem, such as a bill that came due unexpectedly, or an ongoing need, such as difficulty paying for groceries. Each program sets its own rules and deadlines. A case manager can help you identify which applications are worth pursuing.City of Boulder Older Adult ServicesPhone: 303-441-4388 The citys Older Adult Services team works with Boulder residents age 60 and older and their caregivers. Case managers provide information and referrals, help people understand available options, and offer short-term case management. The city also provides financial assistance for eligible clients. Its published screening criteria include age, residency, income, and the type and circumstances of the request. What to Bring Up on the First CallDescribe the immediate problem in plain terms. I received a shutoff notice with a date next week gives a case manager a clearer starting point than I need help with bills. If the same expense has become hard to cover every month, say so. That gives the case manager a chance to discuss ongoing resources as well as any immediate options.Why This Matters in BoulderA Boulder mailing address and residence within Boulder city limits can mean different things for eligibility. If youre unsure whether your address qualifies, give the case manager your street address before gathering paperwork. Older adults who live elsewhere in Boulder County can start with the countys Area Agency on Aging for help identifying resources that serve their address. How to Get Started1. Find the DeadlineHave the most recent bill or notice handy. Write down the amount due, the due date, and any shutoff date or other deadline shown. Tell the case manager about the deadline at the beginning of your call.2. Ask What Documents You NeedCall 303-441-4388 and ask which documents the city needs for your particular request and how to submit them. Keep copies of any application and the name of the person you spoke with.3. Confirm the Next StepBefore you hang up, ask who will follow up, how to check the status, and whether there is another program to contact in the meantime. If you are calling for someone else, ask whether they need to join the call or give permission for staff to discuss their application. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Area Agencies on Aging Care Management Care Coordination