​The coronavirus has taken the world, and the U.S. economy, by storm. After the longest bull market in history, the stock market is now deep in bear market territory.1 Businesses, sports, leagues, and schools have shut down. This is an unprecedented time in American history, but it should continue for at least a bit longer. On March 29, President Trump extended the nation’s social distancing guidelines through the end of April.2
 
We can’t predict when life will get back to normal or when the economy may recover. However, you can take action to minimize your exposure to future risk and to take back control of your financial future. Below are a few steps to consider during this volatile time:

Review your strategy. 

When’s the last time you reviewed your retirement strategy? Many people become more risk-averse as they become older, even without the threat of coronavirus. If you haven’t adjusted your strategy in years, now may be the time to do so.
 
It may be time to take a more conservative approach. A financial professional can help you determine if your current strategy is still right for your needs and goals. We can offer virtual consultations to help you review your strategy from the comfort and safety of your home.
Protect your retirement income.Are you planning on taking retirement withdrawals from your savings? If so, now could be the time to protect that income so it continues for life, no matter what threats may arise in the future. For instance, you can use annuities to create guaranteed* lifetime streams of income. The income continues as long as you live, no matter how the coronavirus or any other risk affects the economy.

Consider risk protection tools. 

There some types of annuities that allow you to earn interest based on a stock market index’s performance. If the index performs well, you may earn more interest. If it performs poorly, you don’t lose money. Again, a financial professional can help you determine if these tools are right for you.
 
Ready to protect your nest egg from market volatility? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-news-live-march-12-013620137.html
2https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/29/politics/trump-coronavirus-press-conference/index.html
 
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
 
Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal.  No Investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a period of declining values.  Any references to protection benefits or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investment products.  Insurance and annuity products are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Any transaction that involves a recommendation to liquidate funds held on securities product, including those within an IRA, 401(K) or other retirement plan, for the purchase of an annuity, can be conducted only by individuals currently affiliated with a properly registered investment advisor. If your financial professional does not hold the appropriate registration, please consult with your own broker/dealer representative or registered advisor for guidance on your securities holdings.
 
Guaranteed lifetime income available through annuitization or the purchase of an optional lifetime income rider, a benefit for which an annual premium is charged.  Guarantees provided by annuities are subject to the financial strength of the issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or the FDIC.
 
 
19952 - 2020/3/30

​On March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which provides economic support to Americans who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. You’re probably familiar with the highlights of the bill:

• Direct payments of up to $1,200 for single taxpayers making less than $75,000 and up to $2,400 for married couples making less than $150,000.1
• Enhanced unemployment insurance of an extra $600 per week for four months.1
• Forbearance options for federal mortgages and student loans.1
• A wide range of loans, grants, and other support for small businesses.1

 
Those components are important and will certainly help many people get through this unprecedented period. However, there are some other provisions that could be important for you, especially if you’re approaching retirement or are already retired.

Extended Tax Filing and IRA Deadline 

The IRS pushed back the tax filing deadline to July 15 from the traditional April 15.2 That gives you more time to prepare your return, collect documents, and possibly implement a strategy to minimize your tax bill.
 
That also gives you more time to contribute to your IRA. You can make an IRA contribution up to July 15 and count it as a deduction on your 2019 return, assuming of course that you meet income requirements.3

401(k) and IRA Distribution Options 

It’s possible that you may need additional funds to get you through this period, especially if you or your spouse have been furloughed or have lost income. The CARES Act allows you to tap into your qualified retirement accounts through special distributions.
 
You can take a withdrawal from your 401(k) and IRA without paying the 10% early distribution penalty, even if you are under age 59 ½. The distributions are taxable, but the taxes are spread over a three-year period. However, you can also repay the distribution over that three-year period and avoid paying taxes on the distribution.3
 
While a 401(k) or IRA distribution may be helpful, it could also have long-term consequences. When you take a distribution from your account, those funds are no longer invested. That means those funds can’t compound and grow. It’s possible that you may not fully participate in a market recovery if you decide to take a distribution, which could hurt your long-term growth.

Waiver of RMDs 

Are you required to take an RMD in 2020? Not anymore. The CARES Act waives all RMDs in 2020, so there is no penalty for not taking a minimum distribution from a 401(k) or IRA. 4
 
This could be very helpful for your account balance. Your RMD would have been based on your December 31, 2019. Depending on how you are allocated, your account value may have been significantly higher on that date than it is today. That means that had the RMD not been waived, you would have potentially been required to take a substantial withdrawal from an account that had fallen in value.4
 
This may be a confusing and unprecedented time, but you have options available. We are here to help you explore those options and implement the right strategy for your retirement needs and goals. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. Let’s connect and start the conversation.
 
 
1https://www.thebalance.com/2020-stimulus-coronavirus-relief-law-cares-act-4801184
2https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
3https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-is-how-the-2-trillion-coronavirus-stimulus-affects-retirees-and-those-who-one-day-hope-to-retire-2020-03-31
4https://www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2020/cares-act-retiree-tax-benefit.html
 
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. 19977 - 2020/4/7