I remember a story that a client told me about her retirement. She had been dreaming of the day she could retire and not have the pressures that being employed brings: commuting to work, the stress of dealing with co-workers and clients, and the pressure to meet the requirements of an employer. What was interesting about her story was that she felt lost and confused about her role in life during her early retirement years when she was still as […]

Retirement used to produce images of old people sitting in rocking chairs with limited activities and interests, but not today. Fortunately, more recent retirees are much more active because retirement may last well into their 90’s. If you and your spouse/partner are nearing retirement, it’s important that you jointly decide what your retirement will look like because it is likely to span decades due to healthier lifestyles and advances in the medical sciences. Open, honest communications with your spouse or […]

If 2024 is the year you plan on retiring, congratulations! Think of all the years and hard work you’ve put in to reach this point. It’s a major milestone in your life and the life of your spouse.  While this event marks a significant transition from your working years to your retirement years, it’s more than just the end of your career—it’s the beginning of a new chapter of your life that can be filled with new possibilities and financial […]

Think of reviewing your investment portfolio regularly like performing routine maintenance on your car. Just as you regularly check your car’s oil, tire pressure, and brake pads to keep it running smoothly and prevent breakdowns, examining your investments helps you stay on track with your financial goals, identify areas that need adjustments, and keep your financial health in optimal condition. As financial advisors in Buffalo Grove, IL, we specialize in helping our clients fine-tune their investment strategies, especially when major […]

Should the types of accounts where you invest your assets be an important consideration? Whether you have a 401(k), a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or a personal investment account, it can make a big difference. Not all investment accounts are treated the same, especially regarding taxation. This is why you need to create an asset location strategy.  You can think of asset allocation as planning a balanced meal of proteins, carbs, and veggies. The role of asset allocation is […]

Depending upon your age, ten years may seem like a long time from now or like the blink of an eye. When you think about your finances and life stages, ten years could mean the difference between getting close to retirement or being in the early, mid, or late stages. Regardless of your current stage in life, having a well-thought-out set of 10-year financial goals could impact when and how you live during retirement.  Having long-term financial goals based on […]

Think of a long-term investing strategy like planting a tree. Just as a sapling needs time, care, and the right conditions to grow into a sturdy, fruit-bearing tree, your investments require patience, consistent contributions, and the right mix of asset classes to mature into a robust portfolio. You don’t plant a tree expecting immediate shade or fruit; with investing, the real benefits are seen over the years, not days, weeks, or a few months. As the pundits say: “It’s a […]

If you are in your 50s or early 60s and are nearing retirement, one important part of your retirement planning process should be determining when you will begin taking your Social Security benefits. This timing could also impact your spouse, who may qualify for Social Security benefits.  While many people think that question is a no-brainer, when you begin taking your benefits can significantly impact your financial well-being for the rest of your life. As financial advisors in Buffalo Grove, […]

Incorporating long-term investment strategies into your retirement plan is like planting a tree in your backyard. When you first plant the tree, it requires a lot of care and support until it has a solid foundation that can withstand the elements. With time and the right care, what was once a small sapling becomes a fifty-foot tree with a sturdy root structure.  The same can be said about your retirement assets. They start small and grow into something substantial. Along […]