Despite Concerns, Retirement Confidence Remains Steady

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Despite Concerns, Retirement Confidence Remains Steady

May 18, 2022

Nearly three quarters of workers and 77% of retirees in a recent survey said they remain at least somewhat confident that they will experience a comfortable retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Nevertheless, a third of workers and a quarter of retirees felt less confident this year due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many respondents citing inflation as the reason.

Not surprisingly, those feeling less confident were also more likely to report poor health, lower income and saving rates, and higher debt. Women were much more likely than men to report lower confidence levels.

In the 2022 Retirement Confidence Survey, more retirees reported higher-than-expected expenses overall compared to 2021, with notable jumps in the housing and travel, entertainment, and leisure categories.

Despite these findings, 67% of workers and 72% of retirees were at least somewhat confident they will have enough money to keep up with the rising cost of living during retirement, and similar percentages were at least somewhat confident they would have enough money to last a lifetime. The majority of retirees said their retirement lifestyle has generally met their expectations, while a quarter actually said they’re experiencing a better-than-expected retirement.

Top financial-planning priorities

When asked about their top three long-term financial-planning priorities, saving and investing for retirement made the list for both workers and retirees.
Workers
1. Saving and investing for retirement (59%)
2. Planning for future health and long-term care needs (36%)
3. Developing a strategy for drawing income in retirement (30%)
Retirees
1. Planning for future health and long-term care needs (48%)
2. Saving and investing for retirement (32%)
3. Being able to leave an inheritance to your children or other family members and developing a strategy for drawing income in retirement (tied at 31%)

Savings and confidence hurdles

The survey also highlighted a few challenges workers and retirees face when it comes to achieving a comfortable retirement. More than four in 10 workers said that college savings or payments are limiting how much they can save, and nearly half said that debt has had a negative impact. Similarly, more than a quarter of retirees said debt has hampered their ability to live comfortably.

Nearly four in 10 workers and two in 10 retirees do not know where to go for financial guidance. More than a third of workers and 21% of retirees said they rely on family and friends, while just 29% of workers and 38% of retirees said they work with a financial professional. Of those workers not currently working with a financial professional, 45% said they expect to do so in the future, up from 38% in 2021.

On the positive side, both workers and retirees who work with financial professionals said they were their most trusted resource.

For more information on this year’s Retirement Confidence Survey, please visit www.ebri.org.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful.

There is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Altum Wealth Advisors does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice via this website. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, this notice is to inform you that any tax advice included in this communication, including any attachments, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty or promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter.

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors
Steven Cliadakis, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, Managing Director, Financial Planner
Miste Cliadakis, CWS®, AIF®, Managing Director, Financial Planner

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Coronavirus: Staying the Course, Self-Isolation

March 24, 2020

What a difference a week makes or even a few days make. With everything that is happening in the world, take a step back and think about where we might be going and how to handle daily life.

Where We Are Now

Everyone knows about the virus, social distancing and self-isolation. Although the virus will likely continue to spread before it peaks, with proper restrictions in place, it can be brought under control.

Where We Might Be Going

The economic effect is certainly real. We now need to cycle through this, which may take several quarters. Staying invested through this process is important so you do not miss the quick upswings and best days in the market. Missing the best days of the market can have substantial negative effects on portfolio returns.

Looking After Yourself While Self-Isolating

In these unprecedented times as we self-isolate and shelter in place, we want to share some ideas of things to do.

Try to keep as close to your normal schedule as possible. Get up, eat and sleep at the same time. Plan your day in advance and make a list.
Exercise, walk around the yard or the house, checkout workout programs on TV or download a free workout app.
Spring clean, it’s a great time to clean out those closets, drawers and your garage.
Explore, take a virtual tour below are some links for museums and national parks: https://artsandculture.google.com/explore https://artsandculture.google.com/project/national-park-service
Take care of yourself. Turn off the 24/7 negative news and surround yourself with positive things. Play your favorite music, read a book, listen to an audio book, try meditation or yoga, call a friend.
Learn a new skill checkout www.kahnacademy.com
Research future travel. There will be some great sales when this is over!
Garden or get a project done in your yard.
Try cooking a new recipe.
Facetime or video call with friends and family.
Make a homemade card for someone you love.
Binge watch a program on Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Clean up your social media, pictures on your phone and your computer.
Do a puzzle or play a game, even an online game you enjoy.
Fill out the US Census online. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes.
Enjoy your family time, but also take time for yourself in a separate room or the yard when needed.

Try to stay positive and remember, “This too shall pass”.

As always, call us anytime.

Miste & Steve

Steven Cliadakis, MBA, CFP®, AIF®
Miste Cliadakis, CWS®, AIF®

Death of a Family Member Checklist

April 11, 2018

Losing a loved one can be a difficult experience. Yet, during this time, you must complete a variety of tasks and make important financial decisions.

You may need to make final arrangements, notify various businesses and government agencies, settle the individual’s estate, and provide for your own financial security.

These important tasks and decisions can be confusing and overwhelming, and you may not know where to begin.

“If you need assistance with some of these tasks and financial decisions, contact us. We have experience and we can help. We can provide peace of mind that these tasks will be addressed properly so you can focus on other important matters.”

Contact Altum Wealth Advisors ❯

The following checklist may help guide you through some of the matters that must be attended to upon the death of a family member.

Note: Some of the following tasks may have to be completed by the estate’s executor or trustee.

Initial tasks

Upon the death of your loved one, call close family members, friends, and clergy first–you’ll need their emotional support.
Arrange the funeral, burial or cremation, and memorial service. Hopefully, the decedent will have made arrangements ahead of time.
Look among his or her papers for a letter of instruction containing final wishes. Such instructions may also be stated in his or her will or other estate planning documents. Arrange any cultural rituals, and make any anatomical gifts.
Notify family and friends of the final arrangements.
Alert your loved one’s place of work, union, and professional organizations, and any organizations where he or she may have volunteered.
Contact your own employer and arrange for bereavement leave.
Place an obituary in the local paper.
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate. The family doctor or medical examiner should provide you with the death certificate within 24 hours of the death. The funeral home should complete the form and file it with the state. Get several certified copies (photocopies may not be accepted)–you will need them when applying for benefits and settling the estate.
Review your family member’s financial affairs, and look for estate planning documents, such as a will and trusts, and other relevant documents, such as deeds and titles. Also locate any marriage certificate, birth or adoption certificates of children, and military discharge papers, which you may need to apply for benefits. These documents may be found in a safe-deposit box, or the decedent’s attorney may have copies.
Report the death to Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213. If your loved one was receiving benefits via direct deposit, request that the bank return funds received for the month of death and thereafter to Social Security. Do not cash any Social Security checks received by mail. Return all checks to Social Security as soon as possible. Surviving spouses and other family members may be eligible for a $255 lump-sum death benefit and/or survivor’s benefits. Go to www.ssa.gov for more information.
Make a list of the decedent’s assets. Put safeguards in place to protect any property. Make sure mortgage and insurance payments continue to be made while the estate is being settled.
Arrange to retrieve your loved one’s belongings from his or her workplace. Collect any salary, vacation, or sick pay owed to your loved one, and be sure to ask about continuing health insurance coverage and potential survivor’s benefits for a spouse or children. Unions and professional organizations may also offer death benefits. If the death was work-related, the decedent’s estate or beneficiaries may be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits.
Contact past employers regarding pension plans, and contact any IRA custodians or trustees. Review designated beneficiaries and post-death distribution options.
Locate insurance policies. The policies could include individual and group life insurance, mortgage insurance, auto credit life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, credit card insurance, and annuities. Contact all insurance companies to file claims.
Contact all credit card companies and let them know of the death. Cancel all cards unless you’re named on the account and wish to retain the card.
Retitle jointly held assets, such as bank accounts, automobiles, stocks and bonds, and real estate.
If the decedent owned, controlled, or was a principal in a business, check to see if there are any buy-sell agreements under which his or her interest must be sold.

If your loved one was a veteran, you may be eligible for burial and memorial benefits. Call 1-800-827-1000 to find the nearest VA regional office.

Duplicate copies of marriage and birth certificates are available at the county clerk’s office where the marriage and births occurred. Veterans and the next of kin of deceased veterans can submit an online request for separation documents and other service personnel records via eVetRecs, a service available through the National Archives at www.archives.gov.

If there is no one authorized to open the decedent’s safe-deposit box, petition the probate court for an order to open.

Do not be hasty when settling your loved one’s estate. Important decisions need to be made regarding distributions, which must be made in compliance with the will and applicable laws. Seek an experienced estate planning attorney for advice.

If your family member didn’t already make final arrangements or leave final instructions, go to www.funerals.org for some helpful information about funerals, burials, and memorial services.

If you need assistance in handling some of the important tasks related to the death of a family member, Contact Altum Wealth Advisors ❯

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Altum Wealth Advisors does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice via this website. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors
Miste Cliadakis, CWS®, AIF®, Managing Director, Financial Planner
Steven Cliadakis, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, Managing Director, Financial Planner

Social Security Claiming Options Ending Soon

November 11, 2015

The 2015 Budget Bill, signed into law on November 2nd, will put an end to two popular Social Security claiming loopholes associated with the restricted application and file-and-suspend claiming options.

While Social Security permits claimants age 62 and over to receive the greater of two amounts: up to 50 percent of their spouse’s retirement benefit or their own accrued benefit, loopholes in the law created unintended opportunities that will soon change.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…

A short window remains open for eligible individuals to take advantage of the two strategies noted below before the new rules go into effect. Social Security recipients who are currently utilizing either strategy will be grandfathered.

Restricted Application (This will be eliminated as of January 2016)

• Today: Legislation passed in 2000 permitted married individuals who reached their full retirement age (65 for those born 1938-1942; 66 for those born 1943-1954) to “claim now, claim more late” by filing a “restricted application.” Doing so allowed the spouse of an individual to collect on a spousal benefit while suspending their own in order to receive a potentially larger payout in the future. Those who elected this scenario could receive a benefit payout through the spousal benefit, while increasing their future individual payout by 8% per year up until age 70 when they would then switch and file for their individual benefit payout.

• As of January 1, 2016: Individuals who are eligible for a spousal benefit, and elect to receive it, will be deemed to have filed for their own retirement benefit, thus losing the option to have their own payout increase while receiving the spousal benefit.

• EXCEPTIONS: Those aged 62 or older by the end of 2015 can still use the “restricted application” strategy. Likewise, spouses who are already collecting benefits on their partner’s earnings record can continue to do so and switch to their own larger retirement benefit at a later date, up until age 70.

File-and-suspend loophole (This will be eliminated effective May 1, 2016)

• Today: Seniors receiving Social Security retirement benefits have the ability to suspend their Social Security benefits, if they choose to go back to work and earn additional credits in order to increase their payout benefits in the future.

• As of May 1, 2016: No one will be able to collect benefits on their earnings record (including a spouse or children) during the period that benefits are suspended.
If you have questions or concerns about navigating the complex Social Security benefit claiming landscape, please contact us at (530) 924-0110.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2015 FMG Suite.

Handling Market Volatility

August 27, 2015

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up must come down. But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, it can be tough to handle when your money is at stake. Though there’s no foolproof way to handle the ups and downs of the stock market, the following common-sense tips can help.

Don’t put your eggs all in one basket

Diversifying your investment portfolio is one of the key tools for trying to manage market volatility. Because asset classes often perform differently under different market conditions, spreading your assets across a variety of investments such as stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives has the potential to help reduce your overall risk. Ideally, a decline in one type of asset will be balanced out by a gain in another, though diversification can’t eliminate the possibility of market loss.

One way to diversify your portfolio is through asset allocation. Asset allocation involves identifying the asset classes that are appropriate for you and allocating a certain percentage of your investment dollars to each class (e.g., 70% to stocks, 20% to bonds, 10% to cash alternatives). A worksheet or an interactive tool may suggest a model or sample allocation based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance level, and investment time horizon, but that shouldn’t be a substitute for expert advice.

Focus on the forest, not on the trees

As the market goes up and down, it’s easy to become too focused on day-to-day returns. Instead, keep your eyes on your long-term investing goals and your overall portfolio. Although only you can decide how much investment risk you can handle, if you still have years to invest, don’t overestimate the effect of short-term price fluctuations on your portfolio.

Look before you leap

When the market goes down and investment losses pile up, you may be tempted to pull out of the stock market altogether and look for less volatile investments. The modest returns that typically accompany low-risk investments may seem attractive when more risky investments are posting negative returns.

But before you leap into a different investment strategy, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. How you choose to invest your money should be consistent with your goals and time horizon.

For instance, putting a larger percentage of your investment dollars into vehicles that offer safety of principal and liquidity (the opportunity to easily access your funds) may be the right strategy for you if your investment goals are short term and you’ll need the money soon, or if you’re growing close to reaching a long-term goal such as retirement. But if you still have years to invest, keep in mind that stocks have historically outperformed stable-value investments over time, although past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you move most or all of your investment dollars into conservative investments, you’ve not only locked in any losses you might have, but you’ve also sacrificed the potential for higher returns.

Look for the silver lining

A down market, like every cloud, has a silver lining. The silver lining of a down market is the opportunity to buy shares of stock at lower prices.

One of the ways you can do this is by using dollar-cost averaging. With dollar-cost averaging, you don’t try to “time the market” by buying shares at the moment when the price is lowest. In fact, you don’t worry about price at all. Instead, you invest a specific amount of money at regular intervals over time. When the price is higher, your investment dollars buy fewer shares of an investment, but when the price is lower, the same dollar amount will buy you more shares. A workplace savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan in which the same amount is deducted from each paycheck and invested through the plan, is one of the most well-known examples of dollar cost averaging in action.

For example, let’s say that you decided to invest $300 each month. As the illustration shows, your regular monthly investment of $300 bought more shares when the price was low and fewer shares when the price was high:

Although dollar-cost averaging can’t guarantee you a profit or avoid a loss, a regular fixed dollar investment may result in a lower average price per share over time, assuming you continue to invest through all types of market conditions.
(This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any particular investment. Actual results will vary.)

Making dollar-cost averaging work for you

• Get started as soon as possible. The longer you have to ride out the ups and downs of the market, the more opportunity you have to build a sizable investment account over time.
• Stick with it. Dollar-cost averaging is a long-term investment strategy. Make sure you have the financial resources and the discipline to invest continuously through all types of market conditions, regardless of price fluctuations.
• Take advantage of automatic deductions. Having your investment contributions deducted and invested automatically makes the process easy and convenient.

Don’t stick your head in the sand

While focusing too much on short-term gains or losses is unwise, so is ignoring your investments. You should check your portfolio at least once a year–more frequently if the market is particularly volatile or when there have been significant changes in your life. You may need to rebalance your portfolio to bring it back n line with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Don’t hesitate to get expert help if you need it to decide which investment options are right for you.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

As the market recovers from a down cycle, elation quickly sets in. If the upswing lasts long enough, it’s easy to believe that investing in the stock market is a sure thing. But, of course, it never is. As many investors have learned the hard way, becoming overly optimistic about investing during the good times can be as detrimental as worrying too much during the bad times. The right approach during all kinds of markets is to be realistic. Have a plan, stick with it, and strike a comfortable balance between risk and return.

Don’t forget that while they are sound strategies, asset allocation and diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against the possibility of loss. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The right approach during all kinds of markets is to be realistic. Have a plan, stick with it, and strike a comfortable balance between risk and return.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors, Steven Cliadakis, MBA, CWS®, Managing Director, Wealth Strategist.

Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture

August 3, 2015

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached.

That’s where financial planning comes in. Financial planning is a process that can help you target your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources.

Why is financial planning important?

A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture. With a financial plan in place, you’ll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them.

One of the main benefits of having a financial plan is that it can help you balance competing financial priorities. A financial plan will clearly show you how your financial goals are related–for example, how saving for your children’s college education might impact your ability to save for retirement. Then you can use the information you’ve gleaned to decide how to prioritize your goals, implement specific strategies, and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you’ll know that your financial life is headed in the right direction.

*There is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results.

Common financial goals
Saving and investing for retirement
Saving and investing for college
Establishing an emergency fund
Providing for your family in the event of your death
Minimizing income or estate taxes

The financial planning process

Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan generally involves working with financial professionals to:

Develop a clear picture of your current financial situation by reviewing your income, assets, and liabilities, and evaluating your insurance coverage, your investment portfolio, your tax exposure, and your estate plan
Establish and prioritize financial goals and time frames for achieving these goals
Implement strategies that address your current financial weaknesses and build on your financial strengths
Choose specific products and services that are tailored to help meet your financial objectives*
Monitor your plan, making adjustments as your goals, time frames, or circumstances change

Some members of the team

The financial planning process can involve a number of professionals.

Financial planners typically play a central role in the process, focusing on your overall financial plan, and often coordinating the activities of other professionals who have expertise in specific areas.

Accountants or tax attorneys provide advice on federal and state tax issues.

Estate planning attorneys help you plan your estate and give advice on transferring and managing your assets before and after your death.

Insurance professionals evaluate insurance needs and recommend appropriate products and strategies.

Investment advisors provide advice about investment options and asset allocation, and can help you plan a strategy to manage your investment portfolio.

The most important member of the team, however, is you. Your needs and objectives drive the team, and once you’ve carefully considered any recommendations, all decisions lie in your hands.

Why can’t I do it myself?

You can, if you have enough time and knowledge, but developing a comprehensive financial plan may require expertise in several areas. A financial professional can give you objective information and help you weigh your alternatives, saving you time and ensuring that all angles of your financial picture are covered.

Staying on track

The financial planning process doesn’t end once your initial plan has been created. Your plan should generally be reviewed at least once a year to make sure that it’s up-to-date. It’s also possible that you’ll need to modify your plan due to changes in your personal circumstances or the economy. Here are some of the events that might trigger a review of your financial plan:

Your goals or time horizons change
You experience a life-changing event such as marriage, the birth of a child, health problems, or a job loss
You have a specific or immediate financial planning need (e.g., drafting a will, managing a distribution from a retirement account, paying long-term care expenses)
Your income or expenses substantially increase or decrease
Your portfolio hasn’t performed as expected
You’re affected by changes to the economy or tax laws

Common questions about financial planning

What if I’m too busy?

Don’t wait until you’re in the midst of a financial crisis before beginning the planning process. The sooner you start, the more options you may have.

Is the financial planning process complicated?

Each financial plan is tailored to the needs of the individual, so how complicated the process will be depends on your individual circumstances. But no matter what type of help you need, a financial professional will work hard to make the process as easy as possible, and will gladly answer all of your questions.

What if my spouse and I disagree?

A financial professional is trained to listen to your concerns, identify any underlying issues, and help you find common ground.

Can I still control my own finances?

Financial planning professionals make recommendations, not decisions. You retain control over your finances. Recommendations will be based on your needs, values, goals, and time frames. You decide which recommendations to follow, then work with a financial professional to implement them.

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors.

Quiz: How Much Do You Know about Social Security?

April 20, 2015

You’re probably covered under Social Security–according to the Social Security Administration, an estimated 165 million workers are*–but how much do you know about this program? Test your knowledge by answering the following questions.

Questions

If you decide to collect your retirement benefit starting at age 62, your benefit will be how much less than if you wait until your full retirement age?
a. 5% to 10% less
b. 15% to 20% less
c. 25% to 30% less
d. 35% to 40% less

2. Your spouse and children may be eligible for benefits if something happens to you.
a. True
b. False

3. The Social Security taxes that are collected from your paycheck are called:
a. FUTA taxes
b. FETA taxes
c. FICA taxes

4. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want without reducing your Social Security benefit.
a. True
b. False

5. Once you begin receiving your retirement benefit, it will never increase.
a. True
b. False

Answers

1. c. If you were born in 1943 or later, you’ll see a 25% to 30% reduction in your retirement benefit if you claim Social Security benefits at age 62, rather than waiting until your full retirement age (which is 66 to 67, depending on your year of birth). This reduction is permanent.

2. a. Social Security isn’t just for retirees. Your spouse and dependent children may be able to receive survivors or disability benefits based on your earnings record if certain eligibility requirements are met.

3. c. Social Security payroll taxes are called FICA taxes because they are collected under the authority of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. FICA includes two separate taxes: Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion is withheld from your pay at a rate of 6.2% (matched by your employer), but only on earnings up to the maximum earnings limit for the year ($117,000 in 2014).

4. a. Before you reach full retirement age, your benefit will be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits, but these earnings limits no longer apply once you reach full retirement age.

5. b. There are several reasons why your benefit might increase after you begin receiving it. First, you’ll generally receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Second, the Social Security Administration recalculates your benefit every year to account for new earnings, so your benefit might increase as a result. Your benefit might also be adjusted if you qualify for a higher benefit based on your spouse’s earnings once he or she files for Social Security.

For more information, visit the Social Security Administration’s website, www.ssa.gov.

*Social Security Basic Facts, 2014

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors.

The Impact of Health-Care Costs on Social Security

January 10, 2014

For many retirees and their families, Social Security provides a dependable source of income. In fact, for the majority of retirees, Social Security accounts for at least half of their income (Source: Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2013). However, more of that income is being spent on health-related costs each year, leaving less available for other retirement expenses.

The importance of Social Security

Social Security is important because it provides a retirement income you can’t outlive. In addition, benefits are available for your spouse based on your benefit amount during your lifetime, and at your death in the form of survivor’s benefits. And, these benefits typically are adjusted for inflation (but not always; there was no cost-of-living increase for the years 2010 and 2011). That’s why for many people, Social Security is an especially important source of retirement income.

Rising health-care costs

You might assume that when you reach age 65, Medicare will cover most of your health-care costs. But in reality, Medicare pays for only a portion of the cost for most health-care services, leaving a potentially large amount of uninsured medical expenses.

How much you’ll ultimately spend on health care generally depends on when you retire, how long you live, your health status, and the cost of medical care in your area. Nevertheless, insurance premiums for Medicare Part B (doctor’s visits) and Part D (drug benefit), along with Medigap insurance, could cost hundreds of dollars each month for a married couple. In addition, there are co-pays and deductibles to consider (e.g., after paying the first $147 in Part B expenses per year, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services thereafter). Your out-of-pocket yearly costs for medical care, medications, and insurance could easily exceed thousands of dollars.

Medicare’s impact on Social Security

Most people age 65 and older receive Medicare. Part A is generally free, but Parts B and D have monthly premiums. The Part B premium generally is deducted from your Social Security check, while Part D has several payment alternatives. In 2013, the premium for Part B was $104.90 per month. The cost for Part D coverage varies, but usually averages between $30 and $60 per month (unless participants qualify for low-income assistance). Part B premiums have increased each year and are expected to continue to do so, while Part D premiums vary by plan, benefits provided, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. And, if you enroll late for either Part B or D, your cost may be permanently increased.

In addition, Medicare Parts B and D are means tested, meaning that if your income exceeds a predetermined income cap, a surcharge is added to the basic premium. For example, an individual with a modified adjusted gross income between $85,000 and $170,000 may pay an additional 40% for Part B and an additional $11.60 per month for Part D.

Note: Part C, Medicare Advantage plans, are offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits, often including drug coverage. While the premiums for these plans are not subtracted from Social Security income, they are increasing annually as well.

The bottom line

The combination of rising Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket health-care costs can use up more of your fixed income, such as Social Security. As a result, you may need to spend more of your retirement savings than you expected for health-related costs, leaving you unable to afford large, unanticipated expenses. Depending on your circumstances, spending more on health-care costs, including Medicare, may leave you with less available for other everyday expenditures and reduce your nest egg, which can impact the quality of your retirement.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Altum Wealth Advisors does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice via this website. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.

To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors, Steven Cliadakis, MBA, CWS®, Managing Director, Wealth Strategist. Chico, CA, San Francisco, CA.

Common Factors Affecting Retirement Income

January 9, 2014

When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it’s easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you’ll have available to spend. If you don’t consider how your retirement income can be impacted by investment risk, inflation risk, catastrophic illness or long-term care, and taxes, you may not be able to enjoy the retirement you envision.

Investment risk

Different types of investments carry with them different risks. Sound retirement income planning involves understanding these risks and how they can influence your available income in retirement.
Investment or market risk is the risk that fluctuations in the securities market may result in the reduction and/or depletion of the value of your retirement savings. If you need to wi

thdraw from your investments to supplement your retirement income, two important factors in determining how long your investments will last are the amount of the withdrawals you take and the growth and/or earnings your investments experience. You might base the anticipated rate of return of your investments on the presumption that market fluctuations will average out over time, and estimate how long your savings will last based on an anticipated, average rate of return.

Unfortunately, the market doesn’t always generate positive returns. Sometimes there are periods lasting

for a few years or longer when the market provides negative returns. During these periods, constant withdrawals from your savings combined with prolonged negative market returns can result in the depletion of your savings far sooner than planned.

Reinvestment risk is the risk that proceeds available for reinvestment must be reinvested at an interest rate that’s lower than the rate of the instrument that generated the proceeds. This could mean that you have to reinvest at a lower rate of return, or take on additional risk to achieve the same level of return. This type of risk is often associated with fixed interest savings instruments such as bonds or bank certificates of deposit. When the instrument matures, comparable instruments may not be paying the same return or a better return as the matured investment.

Interest rate risk occurs when interest rates rise and the prices of some existing investments drop. For example, during periods of rising interest rates, newer bond issues will likely yield higher coupon rates than older bonds issued during periods of lower interest rates, thus decreasing the market value of the older bonds. You also might see the market value of some stocks and mutual funds drop due to interest rate hikes because some investors will shift their money from these stocks and mutual funds to lower-risk fixed investments paying higher interest rates compared to prior years.

Inflation risk

Inflation is the risk that the purchasing power of a dollar

will decline over time, due to the rising cost of goods and services. If inflation runs at its historical long term average of about 3%, the purchasing power of a given sum of money will be cut in half in 23 years. If it jumps to 4%, the purchasing power is cut in half in 18 years.

A simple example illustrates the impact of inflation on retirement income. Assuming a consistent annual inflation rate of 3%, and excluding taxes and investment returns in general, if $50,000 satisfies your retirement income needs this year, you’ll need $51,500 of income next year to meet the same income needs. In 10 years, you’ll need about $67,195 to equal the purchasing power of $50,000 this year. Therefore, to outpace inflation, you should try to have some strategy in place that allows your income stream to grow throughout retirement.

(The following hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only and assumes a 3% annual rate of inflation without considering taxes. It does not reflect the performance of any particular investment.)

Equivalent Purchasing Power of $50,000 at 3% Inflation

Long-term care expenses

Long-term care may be needed when physical or mental disabilities impair your capacity to perform everyday basic tasks. As life expectancies increase, so does the potential need for long-term care.

Paying for long-term care can have a significant impact on retirement income and savings, especially for the healthy spouse. While not everyone needs long-term care during their lives, ignoring the possibility of such care and failing to plan for it can leave you or your spouse with little or no income or savings if such care is needed. Even if you decide to buy long-term care insurance, don’t forget to factor the premium cost into your retirement income needs.

The costs of catastrophic care

As the number of employers providing retirement health-care benefits dwindles and the cost of medical care continues to spiral upward, planning for catastrophic health-care costs in retirement is becoming more important. If you recently retired from a job that provided health insurance, you may not fully appreciate how much health care really costs.

Despite the availability of Medicare coverage, you’ll likely have to pay for additional health-related expenses out-of-pocket. You may have to pay the rising premium costs of Medicare optional Part B coverage (which helps pay for outpatient services) and/or Part D prescription drug coverage. You may also want to buy supplemental Medigap insurance, which is used to pay Medicare deductibles and co-payments and to provide protection against catastrophic expenses that either exceed Medicare benefits or are not covered by Medicare at all. Otherwise, you may need to cover Medicare deductibles, co-payments, and other costs out-of-pocket.

Taxes

The effect of taxes on your retirement savings and income is an often overlooked but significant aspect of retirement income planning. Taxes can eat into your income, significantly reducing the amount you have available to spend in retirement.

It’s important to understand how your investments are taxed. Some income, like interest, is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Other income, like long-term capital gains and qualifying dividends, currently benefit from special–generally lower–maximum tax rates. Some specific investments, like certain municipal bonds, generate income that is exempt from federal income tax altogether. You should understand how the income generated by your investments is taxed, so that you can factor the tax into your overall projection.

Taxes can impact your available retirement income, especially if a significant portion of your savings and/or income comes from tax-qualified accounts such as pensions, 401(k)s, and traditional IRAs, since most, if not all, of the income from these accounts is subject to income taxes. Understanding the tax consequences of these investments is vital when making retirement income projections.

Have you planned for these factors?

When planning for your retirement, consider these common factors that can affect your income and savings. While many of these same issues can affect your income during your working years, you may not notice their influence because you’re not depending on your savings as a major source of income. However, investment risk, inflation, taxes, and health-related expenses can greatly affect your retirement income.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Altum Wealth Advisors does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice via this website. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.

Prepared for Altum Wealth Advisors, Steven Cliadakis, MBA, CWS®, Managing Director, Wealth Strategist. Chico, CA, San Francisco, CA.

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