​It’s been a volatile few weeks in the financial markets. Up until late January, we were still enjoying the longest bull market in history. In three short weeks, the bull market has ended, and we’ve entered bear market territory. Between Friday, February 21 and Monday, March 16, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped by 30.37%.1
 
The rapid decline has left many investors with two questions:

• How much further will markets drop?
• What can I do to protect my assets?

 
There’s no easy answer to the first question. If history is any guide, eventually the decline will stop, and the markets will recover. The average bear market lasts 13 months, followed by a 22-month recovery.2 However, it’s impossible to predict when that recovery might begin.
 
The second question is even more difficult to answer. There are certainly protection options available, but not all options are right for all investors. Your strategy should be based on your unique needs, goals, and tolerance for risk. Below are a few options you have available:

Shifting to a more conservative allocation. 

Changing your allocation to a more conservative strategy is always an option. Many people become more risk averse as they approach retirement. If you haven’t reviewed your allocation in years, this may be the right time to do so.
 
Of course, a more conservative allocation could limit your participation in a recovery when it happens. Work with a financial professional to find an allocation that limits your exposure to further losses, but still gives you an opportunity to participate future upside.

Staying the course. 

Another option is to stay the course and stay invested in your current allocation. Again, that may expose you to further losses, but it could also put you in a position to take advantage of a recovery when it does happen.
 
Again, it’s impossible to predict when a recovery could happen, but history can provide some insight. The last bear market started in October 2007 and lasted until March 2009, spanning much of the financial crisis. The S&P 500 dropped 56.8%. However, the subsequent bull market (which just ended) lasted more than 10 years and saw the S&P 500 increase by more than 400%.3
 
The 2000 bear market was triggered by the tech bubble. It lasted nearly 30 months and saw a total decline of more than 49%. It was followed by a 60-month bull market with a return of more than 100%. The 1990 bear market lasted only three months and had a decline of 20% and it was followed by a 113-month bull market with a cumulative return of 417%.3
 
Bear markets are often followed by bull markets. The question is whether you can stick it out through further losses. Again, your financial professional can talk through your options with you and help you decide which path is right.

Use risk-protection vehicles. 

Another option is to take advantage of market risk-protection vehicles like annuities. There is a wide range of different types of annuities that can limit your exposure to market risk and protect your future. For example, some guarantee your principal against loss, but also offer upside growth potential. Others guarantee your future retirement income, no matter how the market performs in the future. A financial professional can help you determine if an annuity or other risk-protection tool is right for you.
 
Ready to protect your nest egg from the coronavirus? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your investments and implement a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
 
1https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&sa=X&tbm=fin&sxsrf=ALeKk02Fk2yPH2_A7nU0wQGE5IUIixHyGQ:1584394531365&q=INDEXDJX:+.DJI&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgecRozC3w8sc9YSmtSWtOXmNU4eIKzsgvd80rySypFBLjYoOyeKS4uDj0c_UNkgsry3kWsfJ5-rm4Rrh4RVgp6Ll4eQIAqJT5uUkAAAA&ved=2ahUKEwiBmOfJ-Z_oAhWUW80KHc2dA3MQ3N8BMAJ6BAgCEAM#scso=_SfFvXsWJMJe1tAbX6pm4BQ1:0
27https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/24/whats-a-bear-market-and-how-long-do-they-usually-last-.html
3https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/14/a-look-at-bear-and-bull-markets-through-history.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.
19926 - 2020/3/17

There’s a growing trend among new retirees. With increasing frequency, Americans are choosing to leave their retirement savings. According to data from Fidelity, 55% of workers leave their retirement savings in their former employer’s 401(k) plan for a full year after retirement. That’s up from 45% just four years ago.1
 
Why are retirees leaving their assets in their old 401(k) rather than rolling those funds to an IRA? There could be a variety of reasons. Workers may be happy with the plan’s investment options and administration. They may feel comfortable with the plan’s online access and other management tools. They might not need the money immediately, so they don’t have urgency to do anything with it. It’s also possible that some retirees may not be aware that they can roll their funds into an IRA tax-free.
 
While there are certainly benefits to keeping your assets in your employer’s 401(k), there are also good reasons to roll the assets into an IRA. If you’re approaching retirement, now is the time to consider your options for your 401(k), which may be your largest retirement asset. Below are a few factors to consider:

Investment Options 
​
If you’ve been in your 401(k) plan for a significant amount of time, you are likely familiar with the plan’s investment options. You may feel comfortable with your allocation and perhaps you even like the plan’s fee structure and performance.
 
However, your goals and risk tolerance won’t always be the same as they are today. Just as your investment strategy has evolved through your career, it will likely continue to evolve through retirement. What you’re comfortable with today may not be something you’re comfortable with in the future.
 
Generally, IRAs offer significantly more investment options than most 401(k) plans. That’s not necessarily true with every IRA and 401(k), but it is often the case. While a 401(k) plan may offer dozens of options from select providers, an IRA will often allow you to choose from a wide universe of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, annuities, and more. That greater diversity of options can help you develop an allocation that is just right for your goals and risk tolerance, no matter how it changes in the future.
 
Management and Administration 

You also may be comfortable with your 401(k) plan’s management and administration tools. Perhaps the website is easy to use. Maybe you have a dedicated support person within the plan administrator’s office. You know how to make changes and review your account, and you may not want to make changes at this time.
 
Again, though, consider whether it will still be convenient in the future to keep your assets in your old 401(k). If you’re like many retirees, you may have multiple 401(k) plans from old employers. You also might have IRAs and other investment accounts. It’s difficult to manage and adjust your strategy when you have accounts spread across multiple custodians and institutions. You could simplify the process by consolidating your qualified retirement assets into one IRA.
 
Also, when you reach 72, you’ll have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k) and IRA. Again, that process may be inconvenient if you have to pull distributions from multiple accounts. If you consolidate your qualified assets into one IRA, you simply have to make withdrawals from one account to satisfy your RMD each year.

Income Protection 

While you may not need to tap into your 401(k) assets today, it’s possible that at some point in the future you will need to take withdrawals from your retirement savings. Of course, it’s difficult to know how much you can safely take in a withdrawal each year. What if you live longer than you anticipate? What if the market takes a downward turn? How can you be sure your assets and income will last for life?
 
In most IRAs, you can use financial vehicles like annuities to convert a portion of your savings into guaranteed* income. You receive a regular consistent check that is guaranteed* for life, no matter how long you live or how the markets perform.
 
Historically, annuities with guaranteed income benefits have been more available in IRAs than in 401(k) plans. However, the passage of a new law, called the SECURE Act, creates the possibility for 401(k) plans to start offering these vehicles. Whether it’s through your IRA or 401(k), guaranteed income could give you a base level of financial stability confidence in retirement.
 
Ready to implement a plan for your 401(k) assets? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.marketwatch.com/story/more-americans-are-leaving-their-money-in-401k-plans-after-retirement-should-you-2019-10-31
 
 
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
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.
 
19563 - 2019/12/16

For decades, some of the world’s largest institutional investors have used one tool to guide their decision-making. Mutual funds, educational endowments, defined benefit pensions, and more all use this document to focus on their long-term goals and select only the investments that meet their specific criteria. It’s an investment policy statement (IPS).
 
An IPS isn’t just for institutional investors though. Individuals are now often using their own IPS to set long-term strategy and develop a formal process for choosing investments. While the format of an IPS can vary, most involve the following elements:1

• Goals - A description of the purpose of the investment and the investor’s specific objectives.
• Risks - The various risks that may threaten the strategy and a statement about the maximum acceptable risk that the investor is willing to accept.
• Strategy - A description of the portfolio strategy and target allocation.
• Current Investments - A list of all current assets and investments that are covered by the IPS.
• Selection Criteria - The criteria that an investment must meet to be included in the strategy. The criteria could be based on past return, volatility, expense ratios, and more.
• Monitoring Policy - A description of how the strategy will be monitored. When will reviews take place? When will the portfolio be rebalanced? What would need to happen to trigger a change in policy?

 
Do you need an IPS? It could be a valuable tool to help you maintain a long-term strategy and stick with a consistent investment approach. Below are a few ways in which you might benefit from an IPS:

It helps you avoid emotional decisions. 

The average equity investor routinely underperforms the S&P 500 index. In fact, over the past 30 years, the average investor has had a 3.98% average annual return. The S&P 500 has averaged more than 10% annually over that same period.2
 
Why do investors underperform the market? There are many reasons but one of the biggest is that investors change their strategy based on emotional decisions and short-term impulses.
 
For example, you may get out of the equity markets if they take a downward turn. However, by the time the market has improved, you’ve already missed much of the recovery. These kinds of decisions cost investors return over the long-term.
 
An IPS helps you avoid short-term impulse decisions because all of your actions are guided by the document. If a change or adjustment isn’t specified in the IPS, you don’t make it. In many ways, an IPS protects you from yourself.

It clarifies risk. 

What is your risk tolerance? Don’t know? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, many investors jump right into their strategy without considering their own tolerance for risk. That often leads to an allocation that isn’t right for their needs and goals.
 
Risk tolerance is an important component in IPS. Before you can establish your long-term strategy, you have to define the specific levels of risk that are or are not acceptable to you. You then develop an allocation that aligns with your acceptable level of risk. Without an IPS, you might choose an allocation that has far more potential for risk than is right for you.
 
Ready to create your own IPS? We can help. Contact us today Humphrey Financial. We can help you document your goals, clarify your risk tolerance, and create a comprehensive policy that keeps you focused on the long-term.
 
1https://www.morningstar.com/articles/808692/how-to-create-an-investment-policy-statement
2https://www.marketwatch.com/story/americans-are-still-terrible-at-investing-annual-study-once-again-shows-2017-10-19
 
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.
 
19564 - 2019/12/16

It’s the second month of a new year, which means it’s time for everyone to make predictions about what’s in store over the next 10 months. Clearly, it’s impossible to predict the future. However, that doesn’t stop analysts and so-called experts from making their best guess.
 
As you can imagine, the economic predictions for 2020 are all over the map. Below is a sampling:

• An analyst on TheStreet.com predicted that there would be more volatility, but the major indexes would still be up approximately 5%.1
• An analyst on nasdaq.com predicted that the indexes would decline in 2020.2
• Goldman Sachs predicts that economic growth will accelerate in 2020 and that the risk of a recession will drop.3
• The Federal Reserve predicts the economy will grow in 2020, but at a slower rate than in 2019.4

 
That’s just a small selection of “expert” predictions. As you can see, they’re all over the map. What do you do with such conflicting information? How do you prepare for the future if you don’t know what the future will be?
 
The simple answer is you don’t. You can’t base your strategy or your decisions off short-term predictions because many of those predictions will prove to be incorrect. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan either. It’s always wise to reassess your strategy and make changes as needed. Below are some tips on how to do that in 2020:

Focus on the long-term. 

It’s natural to feel anxious because of negative predictions or volatile financial news. However, it’s always important to remember that downturns are temporary.
 
There are two types of market downturns: a correction and a bear market. Corrections are downturns with losses of 10% or more. Bear markets are downturns with losses of 20% or more.
 
The average correction has a loss of 13% and lasts only 4 months. On average the market recovers from a correction after 4 months. Bear markets generally last longer and have steeper declines. They have an average loss of 30% and last for 13.2 months. However, the market usually does recover, and does so on average in about 22 months.5
 
We can’t predict when a bear market will begin or end. That also means we can’t predict when the recovery from a bear market will start. If you take impulsive action because there’s a prediction that the market may trend down, you could miss the bear market, but also the recovery. Or the prediction could be wrong, and you could miss out on continued growth. Instead, focus on the long-term and avoid emotional decisions based on short-term predictions.

Reduce your exposure to risk.

If you’re like many people nearing retirement, you’re not as comfortable with risk as you once were. Many people become more risk-averse as they approach retirement. After all, you don’t have as much time as you once did to recover from a market loss.
 
While no one can predict when a downturn may occur, you can take steps to make your strategy aligned with your more conservative risk tolerance. For example, you could shift your strategy to more conservative assets that have less exposure to risk and volatility. You could also utilize retirement income vehicles that offer growth potential without the chance of downside loss. A financial professional can help you identify strategies that can reduce your risk exposure.

Guarantee* your retirement income. 

Are you approaching retirement? If so, you could take steps today to protect your income from short-term volatility and market downturns. One way to do this is by creating guaranteed* income from your retirement savings. There is an insurance product available that you can use to convert a portion of your retirement savings into income that is guaranteed* for life, regardless of what happens in the market or how long you live.
 
Ready to develop your 2020 investing strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
 
1https://www.thestreet.com/markets/2020-stock-market-predictions
2https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-bold-predictions-for-the-stock-market-in-2020-2019-12-09
3https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/goldman-sachs-us-economy-2020-predictions-growth-jobs-recession-risk-2019-11-1028724040#the-risk-of-a-recession-is-set-to-drop4
4https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/18/fed-ups-its-gdp-forecast-for-2019-slightly-to-2point2percent.html
5https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/24/whats-a-bear-market-and-how-long-do-they-usually-last-.html
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
 
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.
19537 - 2019/12/10

The government passed a year-end spending bill in December, and it included one piece of legislation that could have a big impact on retirees. It’s called the SECURE Act. The bill’s name is an acronym for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement.
 
The legislation is aimed at helping Americans save more for retirement. While many of the changes will certainly be helpful, they may also require you to revisit your retirement strategy. The SECURE Act affects many different areas, from your 401(k) plan to your IRA to even how you take withdrawals in the later stages of retirement.

Below are some of the biggest changes in the SECURE Act:
 
Elimination of” Stretch” IRA 

The biggest change in the SECURE Act may not impact you but rather your IRA beneficiaries. The SECURE Act eliminates the ability to “stretch” an IRA, which was a strategy commonly used by non-spousal beneficiaries to reduce their tax burden and continue to grow the account.

Under a stretch IRA concept, your non-spousal beneficiary, like a grown child for example, could simply withdraw your RMDs on annual basis from the IRA after you pass away. Because they are taking the minimum amount from the IRA, they reduce their annual tax obligation. They also leave assets in the IRA to continue growing on a tax-deferred basis.
 
The stretch IRA is no longer an option, however. Under the SECURE Act, all non-spousal beneficiaries must take the full IRA balance within 10 years. The only exceptions are minor children and handicapped individuals. If you plan on leaving your IRA to someone other than a spouse, you may want to review their options.
 
RMD Age 

Most qualified accounts like IRAs and 401(k) plans have something called required minimum distributions, or RMDs. These are withdrawals that you are required to take each year once you hit a certain age.
 
Traditionally, RMDs have started at age 70½. However, the SECURE Act pushes the RMD start age back to 72. That means you’ll have eighteen additional months of tax-deferred growth in your 401(k) or IRA before you have to start taking taxable withdrawals.1

Traditional IRA Contributions 

RMDs aren’t the only reason why 70½ has historically been an important age. That’s also the age at which point you could no longer make contributions to a traditional IRA. Until now.
 
The SECURE Act eliminates the age limit on traditional IRA contributions. That means you can continue making contributions well past 70½. That could be especially helpful if you plan on working in retirement and want to continue to bolster your savings.1

401(k) Plans for Part-Time Employees and Small Businesses 

The SECURE Act has also made 401(k) plans more accessible for part-time employees and employees at small businesses. In the past, 401(k) plans were usually reserved for full-time employees. However, under the SECURE Act, companies are required to offer 401(k) eligibility to any employee who works 1,000 hours in one year or 500 hours in three consecutive years.1

It’s also been difficult for many small businesses to offer 401(k) plans. These plans often have high startup and administrative costs that can be burdensome for small businesses with a tight budget.
 
The SECURE Act aims to resolve that problem. The new law offers up to $5,000 in tax credits to offset 401(k) plan startup costs for small businesses. It also allows small businesses to pool together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees.

401(k) Plan Income Strategies 

The SECURE Act also focuses on how 401(k) plans can generate income for participants. Plans must now deliver “lifetime income disclosure statements” each year. This document will show you exactly how much income your plan could generate for life if you used the balance to purchase an annuity.
 
The law has also made it easier for 401(k) plan participants to access annuities with guaranteed lifetime income features. The SECURE Act eliminated some regulatory issues that had prevented annuities from being common strategy options in 401(k) plans. With those issues resolved, participants can now use their 401(k) funds to create guaranteed lifetime income through the use of an annuity.
 
What Should I Do? 

These are some of the biggest changes to retirement plans in decades and it would be wise to re-evaluate your retirement plan. By meeting with a financial professional, we can help you evaluate your current plan and how you may want to adjust based on these recent changes. There are certain things you may want to look at differently, including some sophisticated tax planning opportunities, that only a professional can truly help you understand.
 
Ready to review your retirement strategy to see how it is impacted by the SECURE Act? Let’s talk about it. Contact us at Humphrey Financial today so we can help you analyze your current plan and develop a winning strategy. Don’t wait, the sooner we can help you evaluate your needs, the sooner you can feel confident about the plan you have in place. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation!
 
1https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/understanding-the-secure-act-and-retirement
 
Licensed Insurance Professional.  We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives. 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. 
19636 - 2020/1/13

It’s that time of year again. Time to buy gifts for spouses, children, and all the other friends and family who play a meaningful role in your life. Have you finished your Christmas shopping?
 
If you’re approaching retirement, you may want to give yourself a gift this year. No, not an expensive gadget or vacation. Rather, use this holiday season to give yourself the gift of a financially stable retirement.
 
The new year will be here before you know it. Take some time now to review your retirement strategy so you can take action and start 2020 on the right foot. Below are a few tips to get you started:

Increase your retirement contributions. 

Do you make retirement contributions to a 401(k), IRA, or another qualified retirement plan? These types of accounts are powerful retirement savings tools because of their tax-deferred status. You don’t pay taxes on growth as long as the funds stay inside the account. That may help your qualified savings compound at a faster rate than they would in a taxable account.
 
Consider increasing your contributions to your 401(k) or IRA in 2020. You can contribute up to $19,500 to a 401(k) in 2020. That number increases to $25,500 if you are age 50 or older. You can also contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA, or up to $7,000 if you are 50 or older.1
 
Of course, it may not possible for you to increase your contribution to the maximum level without busting your budget. Any increase in contributions is helpful. One effective strategy is to gradually increase your contributions over time. For example, you could set up your 401(k) contribution to increase 1% every year or even every six months.

Reduce your exposure to risk.

If you’re like many people nearing retirement, you’re not as comfortable with risk as you once were. That’s natural. Many people become more risk-averse as they approach retirement. After all, you don’t have as much time as you once did to recover from a market loss.
 
There are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure to risk. One is to review your allocation and risk tolerance and make sure they’re aligned. Your risk tolerance is your specific comfort level with market volatility. It’s based on your unique needs, goals, and time horizon.
 
As you get older, your risk tolerance may change, so it’s important that your strategy changes along with it. You could shift your strategy to more conservative assets that have less exposure to risk and volatility. You could also utilize financial vehicles that offer growth potential without the chance of downside loss. A financial professional can help you identify strategies that can reduce your risk exposure.

Guarantee* your retirement income. 

Are you approaching retirement? If so, this may be the time to start thinking about your retirement income. You’ll likely receive income from Social Security. Maybe you’ll even receive a defined benefit pension. However, you also may need to take distributions from your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement savings.
 
Often those withdrawals aren’t guaranteed. A market downturn could limit your ability to take retirement income. Or if you withdraw too much in the early years of retirement, you may not have assets left in the later years.
 
Fortunately, you minimize these risks by creating guaranteed* income from your retirement savings. There is a wide range of retirement vehicles available that you can use to convert a portion of your retirement savings into income that is guaranteed* for life, regardless of what happens in the market or how long you live.
 
Ready to give yourself the gift of financial stability? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you implement a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-contribution-limit-increases-to-19500-for-2020-catch-up-limit-rises-to-6500
 
*Guarantees provided by annuities, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values
 
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.
19524 - 2019/12/3

Another year is in the books. It’s almost time to turn the calendar to 2020. For many investors, this is the time to look back on the past year and make adjustments for the upcoming year.
 
The performance of your portfolio in 2019 depends on your allocation and your specific investments. However, generally speaking, investors enjoyed positive returns in 2019. Through November 22, the top market indexes had the following returns:
 
S&P 500: 24.60%1
DJIA: 19.88%2
NASDAQ: 29.41%3
 
Those positive returns haven’t come without a few bumps in the road though. The markets experienced a few sharp downturns in 2019, especially through the summer. Issues like the trade war between the United States and China have created uncertainty among some investors. 4 However, other developments, like interest rate cuts and strong corporate earnings, have helped extend the longest bull market in history.4
 
What’s in store for 2020? When it comes to investing, it’s impossible to predict the future, especially in the short-term. However, if you are concerned about market volatility, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to risk. Below are a few action items to consider as we head into the new year:
​
Review your risk tolerance. 

Is your allocation aligned with your risk tolerance? If you’re like many investors, you may not actually know what your risk tolerance is. Risk tolerance is your specific ability to withstand volatility in your investments. Risk tolerance is unique for each person and is based on a wide range of factors, including your time horizon, your comfort level with risk, and your financial goals and needs.
 
Risk tolerance also changes over time. If you’re approaching retirement, you may not have the same tolerance you had when you were younger. Often, people who have decades until retirement have significantly more tolerance for risk because they have more time to recover from a loss. If you’re a few years away from retirement, you may be much more sensitive to a market downturn.
 
Now is a good time to review your risk tolerance and make sure your allocation is appropriate. A financial professional can use a variety of tools and methods to accurately gauge your tolerance for risk. He or she can then recommend specific allocation changes that may be more appropriate than your current investment approach.

Use risk protection tools. 

Changing your allocation is one way to reduce your potential risk levels. It’s not the only option though. You could also incorporate into your strategy retirement vehicles like fixed indexed annuities that reduce or eliminate market risk.
 
For example, there are a wide range of vehicles that allow for growth and interest accumulation based on market index returns, but without exposure to downside risk. You could use this option to eliminate risk on a portion of your allocation, thus reducing your overall risk and volatility exposure.
 
 
Ready to develop your 2020 investing strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/index/spx
2https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/index/djia
3https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/index/comp
4https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/02/in-2019-almost-every-investment-worked.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.
19523 - 2019/12/3

What are you thankful for this holiday season? Family and friends? A few days off work? Perhaps your health? Good fortune in your career? You may have many blessings for which you’re thankful.
 
Many of our blessings and fortunate circumstances are determined by choices we made earlier in life. Your good health may be a result of your healthy lifestyle. Your financial stability is likely a result of your career choices and your savings habits.
 
What decisions can you make today that you will be thankful for in the future? Below are three actions your retired self may appreciate. If you’re approaching retirement and haven’t taken these steps, now may be the time to do so.

Adjust your allocation and minimize risk. 

Are you feeling less comfortable with market volatility as you approach retirement? That’s normal. Most people become more risk-averse as they get older. When you’re young, you have a long time horizon. You have plenty of time to recover from a loss in the market, so you can afford to take some risk.
 
However, as you get closer to retirement, your time horizon shortens. You don’t have as much time to recover from a loss, so a market downturn may cause more anxiety and stress than it did in the past.
 
This may be a good time to review your overall allocation and possibly adjust to a more conservative strategy. Look for ways to pursue growth without exposure to high levels of risk. In addition to adjusting your allocation, you may want to explore retirement vehicles that offer growth potential without market risk. Your risk tolerance changes over time, so your allocation should change as well.

Maximizing tax-deferred savings. 

If you’re like most Americans, you probably use some kind of tax-deferred vehicle to save for retirement. Accounts like IRAs and 401(k) plans are tax-deferred. You contribute money and then allocate your funds according to your goals.
 
In a tax-deferred account, you don’t pay taxes on your growth as long as the funds stay inside the account. Depending on which account you’re using, you may pay taxes on distributions in the future. However, the deferral of taxes inside the account may help your assets compound at a faster rate than they would in a comparable taxable account.
 
In 2019, you can contribute up to $19,000 to a 401(k), plus another $6,000 if you are age 50 or old. You can also contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA, with an additional $1,000 if you are 50 or older.1 Look for ways to trim your budget so you can put more money in your retirement accounts. Your future self will thank you.

Work with a professional. 

Have you resisted using a financial professional for retirement income advice? Now may be the time to change your thinking, especially if you’re nearing retirement. A financial professional can help you adjust your allocations, plan your retirement income, develop a savings strategy, and even implement a personalized plan so you stay on track to hit your retirement goals. If you haven’t consulted with a financial professional about your retirement, now may be the right time to do so.
 
Ready to nail down your retirement strategy and make decisions you’ll be thankful for in the future? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
 
1https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-contribution-limit-increases-to-19000-for-2019-ira-limit-increases-to-6000
 
Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk. Depending on the types of investments, there may be varying degrees of risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal.
 
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.
19446 - 2019/10/30

Volatility and risk. When it comes to investing, those two terms mean the same thing, right? Not exactly. While volatility and risk can both refer to market downturns, they don’t have the exact same meaning. Understanding the difference between volatility and risk can help you make more informed investment decisions and implement the right long-term strategy for your needs and goals.

What is volatility? 

Volatility is a statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index.1 In simpler terms, it’s range of returns that could be expected for a stock, bond, mutual fund, or other investment.
 
Volatility is often measured by something called standard deviation, which is the variance of returns for a specific investment. For instance, assume a stock has a historical average return of 8% annually with a standard deviation of 10. The average return is 8%, but you could expect returns in any given year as low as 10% below the average or 10% above the average. So the annual returns will usually fall somewhere between -2% and 18%.
 
Now consider a stock that has an average annual return of 6% with a standard deviation of 4. In this example, the annual returns will usually fall somewhere between 2% and 10%. Clearly, this stock is less volatile than the previous example.
 
Volatility refers to the potential downside, but it also refers to the potential upside as well. Volatility is a natural part of investing. Securities increase in value some days and decrease other days. It’s difficult to avoid volatility, but you can manage it by knowing your own comfort level and choosing investments that align with your tolerance.

What is risk? 

Risk is different than volatility in that risk refers specifically to loss. It’s generally the possibility of loss. There are a few measurements that can be used to estimate your investment risk, like standard deviation, but there isn’t one objective way to measure your level of risk exposure.
 
Instead, the best way to measure and manage risk is often through careful, regular analysis. Your tolerance for risk is unique and subjective. The amount of risk that is too much for you may be perfectly fine for another individual. Only you can truly know what level of risk is appropriate for your strategy.
 
However, a financial professional can help you determine your risk tolerance and analyze your current exposure to market risk. It’s possible that a more conservative allocation could be appropriate. Or you might benefit from financial vehicles that don’t have any market risk exposure. Since risk is such a subjective term, it often takes regular monitoring, review, and adjustment to find the right strategy.
 
Are you ready to minimize the risk and volatility in your investment strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/volatility.asp
 
*Examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. The rates of return do not represent any actual investment and cannot be guaranteed. Any investment involves potential loss of principal.
 
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.
 
19441 - 2019/10/30

It’s that time of year again … Halloween is here. It’s time to stock up on candy, carve your pumpkin, and find the perfect costume. Soon, scary movies will be on television and you’ll have little ghouls and goblins showing up at your door for trick-or-treating.
 
This may be the scariest time of the year, but it only lasts a month. The truth is there could be gaps in your retirement strategy that could come back to haunt you for years or even decades. Below are a few common retirement planning mistakes that can have frightening long-term consequences. If any of these sounds familiar, it may be time to meet with a financial professional.

Having the wrong allocation. 

Asset allocation is an important part of any retirement strategy. Your allocation influences your risk exposure and your potential return. Generally, risk and return go hand-in-hand. Assets that offer greater potential return usually also have higher levels of risk. You can use asset allocation to find the right mix of assets for your retirement income goals and risk tolerance.
 
Having the wrong allocation can be problematic. For example, many people have less tolerance for risk as they approach retirement. As you get closer to retirement, you have less time to recover from a loss and thus less tolerance for risk. However, if you don’t adjust your allocation, you could have more risk exposure than is appropriate. A downturn could substantially impact the amount of income you have set aside for retirement.
 
One way to protect your assets and reduce your risk exposure is to use a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) for part of your allocation. FIAs offer potential interest that is tied to the performance of an external market index, like the S&P 500. If the market performs well, you may earn more interest, up to a maximum amount set by the insurance company.
 
However, if the index performs poorly over a given period, you won’t lose any premium. Most FIAs have a principal guarantee* which means you won’t lose money due to market loss. You may earn less interest, but your initial premium amount won’t go down.

Not guaranteeing* your income. 

Income is the name of the game in retirement. One key to a successful retirement is having income that meets or exceeds your expenses. However, much of your income may be unpredictable. While Social Security income is guaranteed*, your income from your personal savings may not be. It can be difficult to plan your retirement when you don’t know how much income you will have or how long it needs to last.
 
Again, an FIA can help you manage this risk. Many FIAs offer optional benefits called guaranteed* withdrawal riders. With these features, you’re allowed to withdraw a certain amount each year. As long as you stay within the allowed withdrawal amount, the income is guaranteed* for life, no matter how long you live or what happens in the financial markets. This predictable income can help you make more informed financial decisions and live comfortably in retirement.

Not working with a financial professional. 

Are you more of the DIY type? That’s an understandable approach, but it could also create some frightening risks. For instance, you may not see potential risks, like gaps in your asset allocation. Or you may not fully estimate your income need for a long retirement.
 
A financial professional can use their knowledge, experience, and resources to develop a customized strategy for you. They can identify gaps in your plan and recommend appropriate strategies, such as FIAs or other financial vehicles. Sometimes an outside opinion can help you identify risks that you didn’t see yourself.
 
Ready to take the fright out of your retirement strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us at Humphrey Financial. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a retirement income plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
*Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values.
 
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.
19301 - 2019/9/24