Cortburg Speaks Retirement
Cortburg Speaks Retirement / Investment in Stock Market, Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Money Management
1.Educational Update = Creating a Retirement Strategy
2. Week on Wall Street
3.Tax Tip = How Long to Keep Records for IRS
4.Healthy Lifestyle Advice = Stay Fit When you Stay Home
5.Green Living Idea = Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips
6. Quote of the Week
Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement Podcast
with Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, CRC®
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MIGUEL'S LATEST PODCAST
FOLLOW US ON:
Cortburg Speaks Retirement
Cortburg Speaks Retirement / Investment in Stock Market, Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Money Management
1.Educational Update = Creating a Retirement Strategy
2. Week on Wall Street
3.Tax Tip = How Long to Keep Records for IRS
4.Healthy Lifestyle Advice = Stay Fit When you Stay Home
5.Green Living Idea = Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips
6. Quote of the Week
Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement Podcast
with Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, CRC®
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MIGUEL'S LATEST PODCAST
FOLLOW US ON:
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement
An audio podcast about investing in the stock market, financial planning, money management and retirement planning. Each Wednesday, we help investors at all stages of life learn how to grow and preserve their money from first job through retirement.
Now here is your host, Miguel Gonzalez.
HOST
Hello and welcome to the CORTBURG SPEAKS RETIREMENT audio podcast. On this episode, I am going to help you create a retirement strategy, review last week on Wall Street, answer the tax question of how long to keep documents for, advice to stay fit while staying at home, eco-friendly way to renovate your home and the quote of the week.
1st – weekly educational update
Creating a Retirement Strategy
Across the country, people are saving for that “someday” called retirement. Someday, their careers will end. Someday, they may live off their investments, plus Social Security. They know this, but many of them do not know when, or how, it will happen. What is missing is a strategy – and a good strategy might make a great difference.
A retirement strategy directly addresses the “when, why, and how” of retiring. It breaks the whole process of getting ready for retirement into actionable steps.
This is so important. Too many people retire with doubts, unsure if they have enough retirement money and uncertain of what their tomorrows will look like. Year after year, many workers also retire sooner than they had planned. According to a 2019 study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, about 43% of workers enter retirement earlier than they planned.[i]
In contrast, you can save, invest, and act on your vision of retirement now to chart a path toward your goals and the future you want to create for yourself.1
Some people dismiss having a long-range retirement strategy, since no one can predict the future. Indeed, there are things about the future you cannot control: how the financial markets will perform, how the economy might do. That said, you have partial or full control over other things: the way you save and invest, your spending and your borrowing, the length and arc of your career, and your health. You also have the chance to be proactive and to prepare for the future.
A good retirement strategy has many elements. It sets financial objectives. It addresses your retirement income: how much you may need, the sequence of account withdrawals, and the age at which you claim Social Security. It establishes (or refines) an investment approach. It examines tax implications and potential tax advantages. It takes possible health care costs into consideration and even the transfer of assets to heirs.
A prudent retirement strategy also entertains different consequences. Financial advisors often use multiple-probability simulations to try and assess the degree of financial risk to a retirement strategy, in case of an unexpected outcome. These simulations can help to inform the advisor and the retiree or pre-retiree about the “what ifs” that may affect a strategy. They also consider sequence of returns risk, which refers to the uncertainty of the order of returns an investor may receive over an extended period of time.[ii]
Let a retirement strategy guide you. Ask a financial professional to collaborate with you to create one, personalized for your goals and dreams. When you have such a strategy, you know what steps to take in pursuit of the future you want.
2nd – Week on Wall Street
Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty
Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 0.63%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.11% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slumped 4.20%.[iii],[iv],[v]
Late Friday Rally Pares Losses
Dwindling chances of a federal fiscal stimulus, pre-election jitters, and worries over a second wave of coronavirus infections in Europe weighed heavily on investors.
The weakness in technology persisted. The Department of Justice proposal to curb legal protections for internet companies and require them to take greater responsibility for the content on their sites adding to that sector’s woes.[vi]
Energy stocks were also hit hard on concerns of a slowdown in economic growth hurting oil demand.
The week wasn’t entirely absent of good news. Investors focused on reports of new progress in developing a vaccine and the passage in the House of Representatives of a bipartisan continuing resolution bill to fund the government through December 11th.[vii]
Absent any apparent catalyst, stocks rallied in the final days of the week, cutting losses on major indices and powering the NASDAQ Composite to a weekly gain.
Fiscal Stimulus on Life Support
Market hopes for an additional fiscal stimulus bill, which were already fading, suffered another setback as events in Washington, D.C., appeared to make it more unlikely that lawmakers and the president could come together to fashion a compromise spending bill.
Many economists and market observers, along with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, believe that further spending may be needed to maintain the momentum of the current economic recovery.
THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday: Consumer Confidence Index.
Wednesday: ADP (Automated Data Processing) Report. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Thursday: Jobless Claims.
Friday: Employment Situation. Factory Orders.
Source: Econoday, September 25, 2020
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
THIS WEEK: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Tuesday: Micron Technologies (MU), McCormick (MKC)
Thursday: Constellation Brands (STZ), Pepsico (PEP), Conagra Brands (CAG)
Source: Zacks, September 25, 2020
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.
3rd – weekly tax tip
How Long Should I Keep Records for IRS
One of the most frequently asked questions by taxpayers is, “How long should I keep my tax records?”
On its website, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers some guidelines.
Note: The IRS suggests taxpayers keep copies of your filed tax returns. They help in preparing future tax returns and making computations if you file an amended return.
1. Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.
2. Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return.
3. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.
4. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return.
5. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return.
6. Keep records indefinitely if you file a fraudulent return.
7. Keep employment tax records for at least 4 years after the date that the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov[viii]
4th – healthy lifestyle advice
Stay Fit When You Stay Home
Most of us know we should exercise more. But between busy schedules, cold weather, and for half of us, pure “gymtimidation,” getting to the local fitness center can be challenging. Before you throw in the proverbial gym towel, consider trying out these three cost-effective ways to stay fit without leaving home. Don’t forget to make sure to discuss any medical concerns with your health care provider before beginning any fitness routine; this information is not a substitute for medical advice.
1. YouTube videos - From yoga to Pilates, walking to Zumba, and more, thousands of free fitness tutorials are available right at your fingertips.
2. Resistance bands - The tools typically cost around $15-20 for a set of three mini- or five regular-sized bands. They’re compact and lightweight, making them easy to use, store, and even bring along while traveling.
3. Interval training - Try working out in multiple 10-minute sessions throughout the day. You’ll counteract boredom and fire up your metabolism more frequently.
Staying fit doesn’t necessitate a one-size-fits-all approach, so don’t let skipping the gym intimidate you from reaching your fitness goals!
Tip adapted from StudyFinds.org[ix]
5th – Green Living Idea
Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips
Thinking of giving your home a little upgrade? There are many environmentally-savvy ways to renovate your home! Here are some tips:
Where possible, buy reclaimed/used pieces or materials. For example, reclaimed wood is not only environmentally-friendly, but it’s also stylish and modern.
When shopping for new appliances, look for energy-efficient options. Look for the Energy Star logo!
Consider re-facing instead of replacing! Many items, such as kitchen cabinets, can be refaced or re-painted instead of replaced completely. This will save you money and is an eco-conscious swap.
Choose low-voc paints because they’re better for the environment and your health. Low-voc paint has less odors and toxic chemicals than traditional paint.
Refreshing your home is a great feeling and it’s even better when you can do it while also thinking about the environment!
Tip adapted from FresHome.com[x]
6th – quote of the week
“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Make sure to visit our website, www.CortburgRetirement.com. Our site is filled with educational videos, eBooks, publications, and financial calculators designed to help you learn more about your finances. As you search our site, send us a note regarding any questions you may have about any particular investment concepts or products. We will get back to you quickly with a thoughtful answer.
This is Miguel Gonzalez, Retirement Specialist and Managing Partner, with Cortburg Retirement Advisors signing off for this week’s educational update.
DISCLOSURES
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Please consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.
CRC conferred by The International Foundation for Retirement Education.
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor.
Private Advisor Group, LLC and Cortburg Retirement Advisors, Inc. are separate entities from LPL Financial.
Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal.
[i] https://www.ebri.org/docs/default-source/rcs/2019-rcs/rcs_19-fs-2_expect.pdf?sfvrsn=2a553f2f_4
[ii] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/montecarlosimulation.asp
[iii] The Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2020
[iv] The Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2020
[v] The Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2020
[vi] The Wall Street Journal September 23, 2020
[vii] CNN.com, September 22, 2020
[viii] IRS.gov, September 10, 2020
[ix] https://www.studyfinds.org/gymtimidation-half-americans-afraid-working-out/
[x] FresHome.com, September 11, 2020