Showing posts with label how much does it cost to retire in ann arbor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how much does it cost to retire in ann arbor. Show all posts

Friday, May 28, 2021

Investment Consolidation Strategies


Throughout investment industry and financial media sources we constantly hear the message that our money should be diversified. By spreading assets throughout a number of different vehicles, we can take advantage of various market opportunities while helping protect them from some investment risks.

But how much diversification is too much? And what exactly should it cover?

For example, should you spread out your money across brokerages and custodians, or maintain a small number of accounts with one or two financial institutions? As young investors, we are often tempted to try out different investment opportunities in response to broker solicitations, direct mail advertisements, money managers we hear on television or radio, as well as a number of other mediums that seem promising.

But as we near retirement, it’s usually a good idea to begin consolidating accounts. This is because it can often be easier to manage fewer accounts as we grow older. It also can help our loved ones or a hired financial professional step in to find and manage money on our behalf. If you have reached this stage and would like to get your finances organized and consolidated, we can help you decide the best options for your situation. Don’t hesitate to call.

Should you consolidate down to just one brokerage and/or one bank? That may depend on the total value of your assets. Note that the Securities Industry Protection Corporation (SIPC) insures up to $500,000 in each account held at each institution. In other words, if you hold a taxable account and a tax-deferred account at the same brokerage firm, each is insured for up to half a million dollars. Also note that your money is kept separate from the assets of the brokerage firm itself. Therefore, if the company gets into trouble, it can’t tap its customers’ money to bail itself out.1

There are some good reasons to consolidate with one brokerage firm. First of all, it’s simply easier to monitor performance. Second, you also may enjoy additional perks if your total account size exceeds a specific threshold. For example, as a “premium investor” you may be eligible for free advisor consultations, free notary services, etc.

However, just because you consolidate with one broker doesn’t mean you need to put all of your money in one account. In fact, it can be a good idea to vary products for tax diversification. A combination of taxable and tax-free accounts — such as traditional and Roth IRAs (which do not require minimum distributions) – can reduce your tax liability during retirement.

However, be aware of portfolio overlap as you diversify your investments. Your investments — particularly mutual funds and ETFs — may share many of the same securities. When you consolidate, it can be  a good time to cross reference your investments to identify security duplication and concentration. One rule of thumb is to consider holding no more than 10% of your total investment in any particular industry or company. Otherwise, a performance decline may dramatically affect your income during retirement.2

Another idea is to consolidate into a “Target Date” fund which is designed to adjust its allocation mix as you approach the target date (often your retirement date). In doing so, you benefit from a single diversified portfolio managed by financial professionals who periodically rebalance the investment mix to stay on target with its timeline and performance goals.3

Be aware that as working spouses begin to consolidate their individual accounts, they may have many of the same underlying investments. Review all accounts to determine an appropriate asset allocation and retirement timeline for each spouse as well as the household.

If you are considering consolidating multiple 401(k) plans, your choices may be limited by what your past and current plan sponsors allow. Sometimes it’s easier to roll over those assets to a traditional IRA, especially if you tend to change jobs relatively often. The IRA becomes a repository to consolidate old 401(k) assets and maintain a strategic asset allocation without being overly diversified or having too many overlapping securities. Consider your 401(k) options:4


·    Leave the assets in the current 401(k) if allowed by your former employer’s plan.

·    When changing jobs, roll your old 401(k) account assets into your new employer’s plan — if allowed by the new plan. This may be preferable if the new plan permits loans, but be sure to compare new and old plan fees and investment options to ensure you get what you want.

·    Roll over your old 401(k) into an individual retirement account (IRA) — do this with each career/company move to maintain one consolidated reservoir. Be aware that an IRA does not permit loans and there may be negative tax consequences if you have significantly appreciated employer stock.

·    Cash out your old 401(k) only if you need the money. Not only are those funds considered taxable income and subject to an immediate tax withholding, but you also may be subject to a 10% tax penalty if you cash out too young. Moreover, you could miss out on future tax-deferred gains.


We take pride in assisting our clients with incorporating all aspects of their life into their Retirement Roadmap 360®. Take control of your financial future and give us a call at (734) 769-1719 today to see how we may be able to help you! 

 

1 Teri Geske. Investorjunkie. Feb. 23, 2021. “Can You Have Multiple Brokerage Accounts?” https://investorjunkie.com/stock-brokers/can-you-have-more-than-one-brokerage-account/. Accessed April 2, 2021.

2 T. Rowe Price. Spring 2021. “Focus on Diversification.” https://www.troweprice.com/content/dam/iinvestor/planning-and-research/Insights/investor-magazine-spring.pdf. Accessed April 2, 2021.

3 T. Rowe Price. Spring 2021. “A One-Stop Approach to Retirement Investing.” https://www.troweprice.com/content/dam/iinvestor/planning-and-research/Insights/investor-magazine-spring.pdf. Accessed April 2, 2021.

4 T. Rowe Price. Spring 2021. “What Should You Do With an Old 401(k)?” https://www.troweprice.com/content/dam/iinvestor/planning-and-research/Insights/investor-magazine-spring.pdf. Accessed April 2, 2021.

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic financial planning strategies and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference.


Investment Advisory Services are offered by Imber Financial Group, LLC., a Registered Investment Adviser firm. Insurance services are offered through Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. Imber Financial Group, LLC. and Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. are affiliated companies

 

 

 

Friday, April 16, 2021

Warren Buffet's Annual Shareholder Letter

 


Every year, Berkshire Hathaway’s Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett sends a thoughtfully crafted letter to the company’s shareholders from which the investment industry gleans whatever newfound wisdom possible. Given that 2020 was an unusual year by economic, social and financial standards, there is much to glean.

 

Despite the difficulties the U.S. has experienced in managing the COVID-19 virus, Buffett has one sustaining message: “Never bet against America.” He also is a man who aligns his money with his beliefs. Presently, Berkshire Hathaway owns the highest value of U.S. business assets – comprised of property, plants and equipment – than any other company in the country.1

 

Berkshire is a conglomerate of disparate companies, and Buffet spends much time in his letter imparting what he’s learned about being a majority shareholder versus running a business. He says that “owning a non-controlling portion of a wonderful business is more profitable, more enjoyable – and far less work.”2

 

Fortunately, that’s also what it can be like to be an individual investor. While we may not be major shareholders, investors are often rewarded with a slice of the profit pie when we choose a well-run and profitable business. The key, of course, is to pick the right ones. Short-term investors may look to trade high risk for a quick profit, while longer-term investors may seek more reliable performance and give a company plenty of time to deliver. Sometimes it’s a matter of first figuring out what it is you want to accomplish with the money you make and then develop a strategy from there. Let us know if we can help.

 

One concept Buffett often reiterates is the need to hold a margin of safety when investing. Millions of people who lost their jobs during the pandemic learned just how narrow that margin of safety was within their own households. For those lucky enough to continue working, they may be even better off than before – simply because the pandemic shut down normal spending activities. That means many households are now in a position to reduce their debt and financial risks, and create an emergency fund they may not have had previously.3

 

Another hallmark move Buffett made in 2020 was an outsized buyback of Berkshire Hathaway’s own shares. The total 2020 tab came to $24.7 billion – compared to the combined total of $6.4 billion from the two prior years. Buffett noted that while he normally shies away from repurchases, the strategy offered “a simple way for investors to own an ever-expanding portion of exceptional businesses.” The strategy proved to be appropriate for an unpredictable year such as 2020.4

 

And finally, another key component of the shareholder letter was that Buffett admitted to making a big mistake in the past that came to a head in 2020. In 2016, Berkshire purchased aerospace-

parts manufacturer Precision Castparts for $37 billion. While he still believes the company is the leader of the aerospace industry and will generate solid returns in the future, Buffett cops to an earnings miscalculation that led him to pay too much for the company.5

We take pride in assisting our clients with incorporating all aspects of their life into their Retirement Roadmap 360®. Take control of your financial future and give us a call at (734) 769-1719 today to see how we may be able to help you! 

 

1 Yun Li. CNBC. Feb. 27, 2021. “Warren Buffett says ‘never bet against America’ in letter trumpeting Berkshire’s U.S.-based assets.” https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/27/warren-buffett-says-never-bet-against-america-in-letter-trumpeting-berkshires-us-based-assets.html. Accessed March 8, 2021.

2 Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway. Feb. 27, 2021. “To the Shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.” https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/2020ltr.pdf. Accessed March 8, 2021.

3 Chris Farrell. Star Tribune. March 6, 2021. “Take advantage of this rare opportunity to reduce financial risk.” https://www.startribune.com/take-advantage-of-this-rare-opportunity-to-reduce-financial-risk/600031093/?refresh=true. Accessed March 8, 2021.

4 Aparna Narayanan. Investor’s Business Daily. Feb. 27, 2021. “Warren Buffett’s Key Investment Strategy Rests On These ‘Family Jewels’.” https://www.investors.com/news/warren-buffett-annual-letter-signals-maintaining-berkshire-hathaway-strategy-2021/. Accessed March 8, 2021.

5 James Leggate. Fox Business. Feb. 27, 2021. “In Warren Buffett’s annual letter he admits making this ‘big’ mistake.” https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/warren-buffett-admits-making-this-big-mistake-in-annual-letter-to-investors. Accessed March 8, 2021.

 

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic financial planning strategies and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

 

The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference.

 

Investment Advisory Services are offered by Imber Financial Group, LLC., a Registered Investment Adviser firm. Insurance services are offered through Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. Imber Financial Group, LLC. and Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. are affiliated companies

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Annuity Insights


 The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) – a trade association for the retirement income industry – advocates annuities as a vehicle that can help provide retirees income, guaranteed by the insurer. The organization has been actively educating and lobbying legislators to expand annuity access as part of employer-sponsored retirement plans.1 Under this scenario, whatever portion the investor contributes to an annuity option in his 401(k) would be eligible for distribution throughout his lifetime based on an estimated calculation of life expectancy.

A deferred annuity is a contract between an insurance company and an individual. The individual pays a one-time or ongoing premium in exchange for eventual payouts that include both return of premium plus interest.2

There are many types of annuities. They are complex and include additional fees and restrictions that make them more expensive than other types of investments. Then again, there are no other products that guarantee a combination of minimum income payout, an option for guaranteed income for life and a guaranteed death benefit. It’s important to work with a financial professional to ensure an annuity is appropriate for your situation, and to choose the best option. We would be happy to help you with that evaluation.

Outside of a qualified workplace plan, retirees may purchase an annuity to diversify their retirement portfolio. Historically, bonds offered guaranteed income that retirees could count on, but today’s lower yields have investors searching around for other alternatives. An annuity can offer a similar level of guaranteed income without market risk.

In a fixed-index annuity (FIA) an investor pays premiums to an annuity company, which then invests to earn enough money to distribute contractual payouts plus interest, as well as generate revenues to run the company and hold a general reserve fund. Because the insurer does the investing, it bears all the market risk. With an FIA, the investor’s principal is protected from market volatility and he receives a minimum interest guarantee.3

Some fixed-index annuities are linked to a specific index, such as the S&P 500. The insurer provides the annuity owner a certain percentage of the index’s return but limits any losses. That way the investor can earn more income in any given year, based on how well that index returns.4

Note that when the owner withdraws money from an annuity, regardless of whether it is part of or separate from a workplace retirement plan, the full distribution is taxed as ordinary income, not as long-term capital gains. However, note that when annuity interest is earmarked to pay for long-term care insurance premiums or qualified long-term care expenses, it may be withdrawn tax-free.5

We take pride in assisting our clients with incorporating all aspects of their life into their Retirement Roadmap 360®. Take control of your financial future and give us a call at (734) 769-1719 today to see how we may be able to help you! 


Mark Schoeff Jr. Investment News. March 4, 2021. “Insured Retirement Institute wants more worker access to plans, annuities.” https://www.investmentnews.com/insured-retirement-institute-wants-more-worker-access-to-plans-annuities-203567. Accessed March 4, 2021.

David Rodeck and John Schmidt. Forbes. Feb. 4, 2021. “What Is a Deferred Annuity?” https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/deferred-annuity/. Accessed March 4, 2021.

Insurance News Net. March 3, 2021. “Are Annuities A Good Alternative To Bonds?” https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/are-annuities-a-good-alternative-to-bonds. Accessed March 4, 2021.

Sandra Block. Kiplinger. Feb. 19, 2021. “The Case for Indexed Annuities.” https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/annuities/602301/the-case-for-indexed-annuities. Accessed March 4, 2021.

Ken Nuss. Kiplinger. Feb. 12, 2021. “How Annuities Are Taxed.” https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/annuities/602248/how-annuities-are-taxed. Accessed March 4, 2021.

Investment Advisory Services are offered by Imber Financial Group, LLC., a Registered Investment Adviser firm. Insurance services are offered through Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. Imber Financial Group, LLC. and Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. are affiliated companies


Monday, March 15, 2021

Is the Market Poised for a Value Shift?

 


The stock market continues to exhibit resiliency in the face of disrupting factors, ranging from a global pandemic to a severe economic decline to a controversial presidential election. For many years, Wall Street analysts warned a market correction was long overdue. Despite intermittent volatility, those concerns largely have not borne out.

You may be tired of worrying about a correction, but there’s no denying many share prices appear to have topped out, if not in an outright bubble.1 While growth-oriented investors may be willing to keep rolling the dice and hope prices rise even higher, a growing number are looking to transition to value stocks.

Value stocks are considered those priced lower than merited given certain company fundamentals, such as earnings, sales or book value. They are often believed to be overlooked in the market because their returns are relatively unimpressive. However, value stocks are kind of like the tortoise in the race against the hare (i.e., growth stocks). They may slowly plod along but, because they lack “flash” or volatility, can outpace their growth peers in the long term.2

Some stock analysts are starting to favor value stocks in the current landscape. They believe additional stimulus efforts will increase the money supply, and that will drive a commodity boost. Commodity outperformance, in turn, tends to be more positive for value stocks. One investment analyst recently projected value stocks could outperform growth stocks by as much as 30%, as measured from Q4 of 2020 through Q3 of 2024.3

Moving forward, the analysts at Russell Investments say they favor non-U.S. equities over U.S. equities, undervalued cyclical value stocks over expensive technology and growth stocks, and the value offered by emerging markets (EM) equities.4

From a performance standpoint, the long-term story is quite different from recent short-term numbers. In 2020, value funds on average lost more than growth funds in the first-quarter market collapse and continued to lag after the market bounced back. By year end, value stock funds posted one of their worst years on record relative to growth funds.5

However, when you compare very long-term performance, value stocks have doubled the success of growth stocks. According to Bank of America, since 1926, value investing has returned 1,344,600% compared to 626,600% by growth investing.6

We often recommend diversification among investment portfolios, and adding value stocks or value-oriented mutual funds/ETFs is another way to diversify an equity allocation. If you’d like more guidance about stocks and their role in a retirement portfolio, please feel free to contact us.

We take pride in assisting our clients with incorporating all aspects of their life into their Retirement Roadmap 360®. Take control of your financial future and give us a call at (734) 769-1719 today to see how we may be able to help you!  

Palash Ghosh. Forbes. Feb. 17, 2021. “Can Stocks Keep Rising Or Is A Correction Imminent? Here’s What To Expect, According To Market Experts.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/palashghosh/2021/02/17/can-stocks-keep-rising-or-is-a-correction-imminent-heres-what-to-expect-next-according-to-eight-wall-street-experts/?sh=3f43a7201fa8. Accessed Feb. 23, 2021.

2 Tim Smith. Investopedia. Nov. 26, 2020. “Value Stock.” https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/valuestock.asp. Accessed March 9, 2021.

William Watts. Marketwatch. Feb. 22, 2021. “‘Excessive stimulus’ puts value stocks on track to outperform growth over next 4 years, says Stifel’s Bannister.” https://www.marketwatch.com/story/excessive-stimulus-puts-value-stocks-on-track-to-outperform-growth-over-next-4-years-says-stifels-bannister-11614020385. Accessed Feb. 23, 2021.

Russell Investments. Feb. 4, 2021. “2021 Global Market Outlook.” https://russellinvestments.com/ca/global-market-outlook. Accessed Feb. 23, 2021.

Peter Brennan. S&P Global. “Tide may eventually be turning for value stocks after strong end to gloomy 2020.” https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/tide-may-eventually-be-turning-for-value-stocks-after-strong-end-to-gloomy-2020-61992240. Accessed March 9, 2021.

Rob Berger. Forbes. Nov. 12, 2020. “Do Value Stocks Really Outperform Growth Stocks Over The Long Run?” https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/value-vs-growth-stocks-perfo[rmance/. Accessed Feb. 23, 2021.

Investment Advisory Services are offered by Imber Financial Group, LLC., a Registered Investment Adviser firm. Insurance services are offered through Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. Imber Financial Group, LLC. and Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. are affiliated companies

 

 

Friday, March 5, 2021

The Power of American Workers

 


First unveiled while President Joe Biden was still on the campaign trail, his “Build Back Better” infrastructure plan aims to help tackle unemployment and climate change. The plan calls for $2 trillion in spending over four years with investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation, research and development, and clean energy, as well as training for displaced workers. The plan’s ambitious goals are to produce more and better-paying jobs to get the economy back on track, all while tackling the country’s older infrastructure and the global climate crisis.1

 

Curing the world of COVID-19 is not the panacea that will heal our nation’s economic woes; our problems go back further than that. The globalization of manufacturing jobs was spurred in part in 1994 by the NAFTA agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. While designed to eliminate trade barriers by reducing tariffs on imports and exports between the countries, many manufacturers found they could also enhance profit margins by taking advantage of cheaper labor in other countries. The U.S. saw a subsequent 30% drop in manufacturing jobs between 1993 and 2016.2

 

Biden’s new investment plan could help restore some U.S. manufacturing. Similar to the former administration’s plan for reducing taxes, the goal is to boost GDP and, in turn, help pay for the outlay of funds.

 

It is difficult to predict the success of a new administration’s plans, but they do offer clues as to industries that may benefit from the focus of government funding efforts. However, your financial plan should be designed to reflect your goals, regardless of the current political environment. Make sure you have a safety-net plan in place for the future. If you’d like to learn about tools that could potentially offer reliable retirement income, please give us a call at (734) 769-1719.

 

Because Biden’s new plan is focused on tangible manufacturing and infrastructure jobs, it is likely to be embraced by America’s labor union workforce. This demographic has lost footing in both participation and power over the past 40 years. Consider that in 1983, the nationwide union membership rate was 20.1% with 17.7 million union workers. As of 2020, the union membership rate had dropped to 10.8%. Presently, membership is almost evenly split between public and private sectors, with about 7.2 million workers in the former and 7.1 million in the latter. Private-sector industries that have high unionization rates include utilities (20.6%), transportation and warehousing (17.0%), and telecommunications (14.3%).3

 

In early January of this year, hundreds of employees at Google and its parent company, Alphabet, launched a union — a rarity in the tech industry. Dubbed the “Alphabet Workers’ Union,” it will be run by workers and open to both full-time employees and independent contractors employed by the company. This is also new, as labor union collective bargaining agreements have traditionally excluded contractors.

 

Google employees are less interested in better pay and benefits and more focused on having a greater influence in company business decisions and operations. Some examples of their goals include input into the company’s work in the defense sector, plans to develop a censored search engine for China and the company’s handling of sexual misconduct claims.4

 

These moves are a clear reflection signaling the modern era — and the emerging power of today’s American workers.

 

We take pride in assisting our clients with incorporating all aspects of their life into their Retirement Roadmap 360®. Take control of your financial future and give us a call at (734) 769-1719 today to see how we may be able to help you!  


 

Jessica Lombardo. ForConstructionPros.com. Jan. 15, 2021. “Biden Announces Plan for Economic Recovery, Promises Infrastructure Next Month.” https://www.forconstructionpros.com/infrastructure/news/21232282/biden-plan-for-economic-recovery-includes-infrastructure. Accessed Feb. 26, 2021.

2 David Floyd. Investopedia. Nov. 11, 2020. “NAFTA’s Winners and Losers.” https://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/north-american-free-trade-agreement.asp. Accessed Feb. 8, 2021.

3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jan. 22, 2021. “Union Members Summary.” https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm. Accessed Feb. 8, 2021.

4 Brian Fung. CNN. Jan. 4, 2021. “Google workers have formed the company’s first-ever union.” https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/04/tech/google-alphabet-union/index.html. Accessed Feb. 8, 2021. 

 

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic retirement income strategies and should not be construed as financial advice.

 

The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference.

Investment Advisory Services are offered by Imber Financial Group, LLC., a Registered Investment Adviser firm. Insurance services are offered through Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. Imber Financial Group, LLC. and Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. are affiliated companies

 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Employers: Lessons From the Pandemic

 

We’ve learned a lot about infectious diseases this year, as well as how to adapt our lifestyles in response to a pandemic. It will be interesting to see if and how U.S. businesses adjust their operational models to account for the potential for future pandemics or other catastrophic events.

According to the employment-population ratio, nearly half of the U.S. population was out of work (which includes those no longer actively looking for work), with economists predicting 30 million jobs must be created to return the ratio to its 2000 peak.1

 

If your household has suffered a job loss or reduced income and you need assistance with creating a budget, or if you’re just not sure about your future retirement income and want to create an income plan, please contact us. We’re happy to evaluate your financial circumstances and provide guidance.

 

Work-life balance was a problem before the pandemic, but now that issue is being experienced in another context. Many employees have been able to migrate seamlessly to working from home using software to stay connected with colleagues and clients. However, with children home from school and now responsible for online learning, work-life balance can be even more difficult.

 

Many white-collar professionals have discovered the need for one — or two — in-home offices for spouses who are working professionals. While many are able to get their work completed independently, it is important to still be accessible to colleagues at certain points of the workday. Despite these challenges, some companies may increasingly find remote working to offer lower-cost, higher-productivity benefits if they can overcome some of the issues they currently face.2

 

As for working from home this year, it will be interesting to see if tax laws change before filing season next April. After all, according to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, more than 35% of Americans employed in May of this year were working entirely from home — up from just over 8% in February. Unfortunately, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act disallowed W-2 employees from being able to deduct home office expenses.3

 

A work-from-home business model could also expand the net for recruiting talented employees. After all, many top companies are located in big cities where real estate sells for a premium. This is a tough life for young adults saddled with student loan debt. With a mobile workforce that allows employees to live wherever they want, companies can offer a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting top talent. In turn, Millennials and Gen Zers can move away from big city life and buy homes in less expensive areas.4 This could potentially help them save more money and turn around the fortunes of the country’s more rural areas.

 

It would be nice to keep your job, move somewhere with a lower cost of living and be able to keep your salary level. However, some economists claim that’s not going to be the case moving forward. Because many businesses have lost revenues due to reduced consumerism throughout this pandemic, wages are likely to stagnate for several years. Then again, the cost of living isn’t expected to increase dramatically in the near-term either.5 By moving to a less expensive locale, employees may be able to save more money even if they don’t get a salary bump in the foreseeable future.

 

Unfortunately, that means that any wage cuts employees received this year may not recover anytime soon. According to economists at the Federal Reserve Board, businesses initially cut wages by nearly two times as much due to the pandemic than they did during the Great Recession.6

 

With a strong financial plan in place, we can help you prepare to leave the workforce and live comfortably. Take control of your financial future and give us a call at (734) 769-1719 today!


 

1 Yung Li. CNBC. June 29, 2020. “Nearly half the U.S. population is without a job, showing how far the labor recovery has to go.” https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/29/nearly-half-the-us-population-is-without-a-job-showing-how-far-the-labor-recovery-has-to-go.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2020.

2 Knowledge@Wharton. May 4, 2020. “Working from Home: Navigating the Pandemic’s New Normal.” https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/working-from-home-navigating-the-pandemics-new-normal/. Accessed Aug. 12, 2020.

3 Kelly Phillips Erb. Forbes. Aug. 12, 2020. “The Ultimate Forbes Guide to Working from Home.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2020/08/12/taxes-vpns-and-office-hours-the-ultimate-forbes-guide-to-working-from-home/#90a042442e7e. Accessed Aug. 12, 2020.

4 Parag Khanna and Kailash K. Prasad. Politico. May 13, 2020. “How Coronavirus Could Make People Move.” https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/05/13/how-coronavirus-could-upend-human-migration-251715. Accessed Aug. 12, 2020.

5 Jessica Peres. TheDenverChannel.com. June 30, 2020. “Economists say wages will stay stagnant amid pandemic.” https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/national/coronavirus/economists-say-wages-will-stay-stagnant-amid-pandemic. Accessed Aug. 12, 2020.

6 Carmen Reinicke. Business Insider. June 26, 2020. “Pandemic wage cuts are roughly double what they were in the Great Recession, study shows.” https://www.businessinsider.com/wage-cuts-coronavirus-pandemic-twice-great-recession-fed-study-shows-2020-6. Accessed Aug. 12, 2020.

 

  

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic financial planning strategies and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

 The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference.

 Investment Advisory Services are offered by Imber Financial Group, LLC., a Registered Investment Adviser firm. Insurance services are offered through Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. Imber Financial Group, LLC. and Imber Wealth Advisors, Inc. are affiliated companies