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Retirement

Jul 02
0

Annuities Don’t Have to be Confusing

By | Annuities, Retirement

In the past, annuities have been a topic avoided by many, but lately interest levels have risen—a lot. In fact, online searches for terms like “annuities” and “pensions” are up by 160% while “are annuities good or bad” are up by 200%, according to ThinkAdvisor.

With retirement lasting longer and retirees worried about recent market volatility, tariff uncertainty, potential Social Security cuts, and continued inflation, now may be a good time to learn more about how different tools, such as annuities, might work in a retirement portfolio. And since June was Annuity Awareness Month, we decided to open up the conversation and provide some clarity.

To start, whether you’re planning for retirement, getting close, or already in it, it’s important to have a retirement plan in place, and review it regularly. While accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs are important retirement savings vehicles, they don’t automatically come with a plan for how income will be drawn from those assets once paychecks stop. Planning for income distribution is a key part of creating a long-term financial plan.

As you get closer to retirement, it may make sense to review how much of your savings are subject to stock market volatility. One concept that highlights this is “sequence of returns risk.” This refers to the impact of market performance in the early years of retirement, which can significantly affect how long your savings last. For example, someone who retires during a market downturn and begins taking withdrawals might see their portfolio decline faster than someone who retires during a market upswing, even with the same average return. Since market timing is unpredictable, working with a financial professional to explore multiple income and investment strategies tailored to your needs can help manage these risks.

An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company designed to provide a monthly stipend or income during retirement. There are many different types of annuities, and some have different fee structures and contract terms which may, or may not, befit your financial situation. That’s why it is generally a best practice to work with an independent financial advisor who has access to many different types of annuities to compare between.

Some annuities, such as certain lifetime fixed indexed annuities, can offer a stream of income in retirement that is designed to last as long as you live. These guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are subject to the terms of the annuity contract. Some policies may also include optional features, sometimes available for an additional cost, that are designed to help address inflation.

For some investors, annuities can be an appealing way to turn part of their retirement savings into a predictable monthly income stream. This may help reduce the complexity of managing withdrawals, aside from required minimum distributions (RMDs), and can complement other retirement income sources. With some income needs covered by the annuity, other portions of the portfolio may remain available for market participation or future use, depending on your goals and risk tolerance.

A study by David Blanchett and Michael Finke (2021) found that many retirees prefer the predictability of guaranteed lifetime income over drawing from their investment accounts, even when they have the means to do so. For some, it can feel more intuitive to spend income than to withdraw from long-accumulated savings. That’s one reason why consulting a financial professional may be helpful when designing a retirement income plan that aligns with your personal comfort, goals, and financial circumstances.

Roughly 10,000 Americans reach age 65 each day, highlighting the growing importance of retirement income planning. For some individuals, annuities may play a role in the fixed-income portion of their portfolio, depending on personal goals and needs. While traditional models often focused on the stock-to-bond ratio, research by Roger Ibbotson, Robert Shiller, and Wade D. Pfau has examined how certain annuity types, such as fixed indexed annuities, might contribute to addressing risks like longevity and market volatility. These studies suggest that, under the right circumstances, annuities may offer meaningful benefits alongside other fixed-income strategies. Specific outcomes depend on individual assumptions, product features, and planning context.

In today’s interest rate environment, some fixed indexed annuities offer optional bonus features that may increase the value of the annuity’s income benefit base, depending on the terms of the contract. These features often come with additional costs, conditions, or holding requirements. Other available riders may include provisions for long-term care, terminal illness, or spousal income, depending on the policy. Because features vary widely by provider, annuities can be tailored to individual needs. However, it’s important to understand the details and potential trade-offs involved.

With so many choices, it’s important to remember that every person’s situation is unique, meaning annuities may or may not be indicated depending on your specific needs and goals. That’s why we’re here to help you explore your options, explain how different annuities work, and create a long-term retirement plan. If you’d like to discuss how annuities might fit into your retirement strategy, give us a call! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395.

 

Sources:

https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/04/15/6-reasons-annuity-is-no-longer-a-dirty-word/

https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/04/23/for-most-americans-going-broke-in-retirement-is-a-bigger-fear-than-death-survey/

https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/04/15/7-things-retirement-savers-are-asking-google-about-annuities-now/

https://401kspecialistmag.com/retirees-prefer-spending-lifetime-income-over-savings/

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/annuities-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-you

https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2025/limra-2024-retail-annuity-sales-power-to-a-record-%24432.4-billion/

https://www.protectedincome.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RP-20_Pfau_final.pdf

https://thequantum.com/a-closer-look-at-bonds-versus-fixed-indexed-annuities/

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/insurmark-announces-barclays-bank-and-yale-economist-robert-shiller-research-showing-fixed-indexed-annuity-with-cape-index-would-have-outperformed-bonds-1028505495

https://safemoney.com/blog/annuity/shaquille-oneals-strategy-why-annuities-are-essential/

 

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

Any annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Crediting methodologies can be complex and difficult to comprehend. You should make sure you understand the risks and rewards of any annuity before considering an investment.

Trek 25-249

 

 

May 15
0

Will Your Nest Egg Withstand Inflation and Market Volatility?

By | Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement

It’s no secret that inflation is on the rise, impacting millions of Americans. Mix that in with on-again off-again tariffs, and it’s a good time to assess if your accumulated wealth is being managed in a way that will outlast inflation and a volatile market. It’s important to note that a financial plan is never supposed to be stagnant, it’s supposed to change as your situation and world economic conditions shift. But anxiety around the market and inflation is still very real, so how can we get ahead of it?

Remember, Nothing Stays the Same Forever

In early April, we saw massive swings in market sentiment as Trump teetered back and forth about tariffs. While we all hope to avoid increased inflation or, worse, a recession, we have to be strategic in how we face challenges in the market. This is a good time to remember that the markets are similar to us in the sense that nothing stays the same. The challenges you faced in your early 20s are not the same ones you have today. How long they took to resolve may vary, but they never stayed forever. Imagine if you followed your initial knee-jerk, emotional reaction to those challenges you faced when you were younger. Making decisions based on emotion, especially fear, rarely helps you reach your goals, and frankly, they can sabotage you from ever getting close to them.

So, going back to our current market situation, what can investors do right now? Well, depending on their specific situation, the answers vary.

If You’re Young, or You Have More Than 10-15 Years to Retirement1

If you have a long time-horizon to retirement, you may want to consider waiting it out and potentially continue to invest. A financial principle called “dollar cost averaging” might apply to you, which in theory targets long-term growth by continuing to “buy” during both market lows as well as highs through the years.

See the chart below:

This chart shows that those who exit the market the day after every -2% market move or worse over a 25-year time period usually underperform those who remain fully invested. When you leave the market, you don’t just avoid future bad days, you also miss out on the future good days. Ultimately, missing even just a few of the market’s best days, or getting back into the market only after the market is already up, which can impact long-term returns. Because, remember, just like in life, nothing stays bad forever; good days will come again. The market is no different.

If You’re Older and Getting Close to Retirement

As you get closer to retirement, continuing to stay in volatile stock markets exposing all of your savings to stock market risk probably doesn’t make sense due to a financial principle called “sequence of returns risk.” With all things being equal, someone who retires during a down market can see their retirement savings drop precipitously for the long-term if they start withdrawing funds, versus someone who retires when markets are going up. This is a very important consideration at the very beginning of your retirement when your account balance is at its highest, but unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball. You probably need to rebalance in order to reduce portfolio risk.

Consider Rebalancing Your Portfolio

First, you’ll want to ensure your portfolio’s ratios of international stocks, large-cap and mid-cap, bonds, cash, and fixed options make sense in the current economic environment. Different asset classes have varying cycles of performance, which can help address inflation headwinds. But keep in mind that there are other ways you can de-risk your portfolio, especially as you head toward retirement.

Sometimes considered a separate asset class, in the last few years, annuity sales have risen as 10,000 people per day turn 65 in America. An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company designed to provide a monthly stipend during retirement. Some annuities even provide retirement income that won’t run out no matter how long you live, guaranteed by the financial strength of the insurance company providing the annuity policy. There are many different types of annuities, contracts can be complex, they are illiquid, and there should always be other cash and investments to balance out your retirement plan even if you have an annuity or annuities. Furthermore, annuities are not right for everyone. It’s advisable to work with a financial professional to look at your overall plan, compare your options, and closely examine contract terms.

Other Personal Actions You Can Take To Manage Inflation

Additionally, to help make your dollar in your day-to-day life last longer, do a thorough review of your spending. This is the time to evaluate essential vs. discretionary expenses, for example, a mortgage versus a new car. This gives you a chance to identify unnecessary spending that you can cut back on. Most people are shocked by how much they were spending on things they did not need!

Some common expenses that are good to look at critically during this audit:

  • Takeout & Dining – Frequent restaurant visits, coffee runs, food delivery, and takeout orders.
  • Subscription Services – Streaming (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max), music, gaming, news, and fitness apps.
  • Retail & Impulse Shopping – Clothing, accessories, home décor, and non-essential purchases.
  • Unused Memberships – Gym memberships, fitness classes, warehouse clubs, and subscription boxes.
  • Premium TV Packages – Expensive cable or satellite plans with unnecessary channels.
  • Frequent Travel – Weekend getaways, flights, hotels, and vacation entertainment costs.
  • Luxury & Self-Care – Salon visits, spa treatments, manicures, and pedicures.
  • High-End Brands – Designer clothing, accessories, and premium tech gadgets.
  • Hobby Expenses – Collectibles, gaming, crafting supplies, and other leisure-related purchases.
  • Tech Upgrades – Constantly replacing smartphones, tablets, and accessories with the latest models.
  • Costly Entertainment – Concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, and other high-ticket experiences.

Also, see if you can negotiate on those essential bills. While many essential bills are a fixed amount, some can be adjusted or reduced. You may be able to lower expenses for service contracts like internet or insurance. You may also be able to lower your credit card rates. While there’s no guarantee, it never hurts to call a service representative and see if you can get a better price for the things you have to pay for.

While dealing with inflation and market volatility is no one’s ideal situation, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare either. With a strategic approach, you can get through this stressful time and on to the other side! Do you need help getting your accumulated assets inflation-ready and putting a plan together to hedge against market risk? Call us today! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395.

 

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Trek 25-216

 

Sources

https://www.kitces.com/blog/clearnomics-10-charts-recession-fears-tariff-risk-market-volatility-economy-investor-anxiety/

https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2025/limra-2024-retail-annuity-sales-power-to-a-record-%24432.4-billion/

https://www.aarpinternational.org/initiatives/aging-readiness-competitiveness-arc/united-states

Apr 25
0
Financial Literacy Month. Breakdown of retirement accounts.

It’s Financial Literacy Month. How Much Do You Know About Retirement Accounts?

By | Financial Literacy, Retirement

April is often known for spring cleaning, Easter, and Passover, but it’s also Financial Literacy Month. At its core, financial literacy refers to understanding and effectively being able to use various financial tools and strategies. So, in honor of the month, we’re offering a basic financial primer, with some quick definitions and simple breakdowns of common retirement accounts.

Background: The Decline of Pensions

During the rise of the industrial age, as workers migrated and began working for factories and other enterprises, they shifted away from farming and self-sufficiency and began relying on pensions to fund their retirement. Because these pension plans were managed by their employers who tended to take care of and provide for their loyal employees, workers were little involved in strategies or decision-making when it came to planning for their own retirements.
But times have changed. The first implementation of the 401(k) plan was in 1978, and since then, has gradually supplanted the pension for most American workers. According to a congressional report, between 1975 and 2019, the number of people actively participating in private-sector pension plans dwindled from 27 million to fewer than 13 million, although public employees sometimes still have them. 2

Today, most workers are responsible for funding their own retirement, which makes understanding and participating in retirement accounts vital.

401(k) Plans

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. With the traditional 401(k), employees can contribute pre-tax income into their own account, selecting among the plan’s list of options which funds they want their money invested in. Many employers may even match employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

(NOTE: In the public sector, there are 403(b)s, 457s, the TSPs (Thrift Savings Plan), and many other retirement plans which work similarly to the 401(k), but may have slightly different rules.)

With a traditional pre-tax 401(k), the employee’s contributions can reduce their taxable income for the year, since the money is deducted from their paycheck. Once an employee reaches age 59-1/2, per the IRS they can start taking withdrawals without incurring penalties, depending on their employer’s 401(k) plan rules. Withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans are subject to income tax, which means employees will owe taxes on the amount withdrawn. Additionally, 401(k) plans are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), which mean an employee must begin taking withdrawals from the account every year beginning at age 73.

Some employers also offer a Roth 401(k) option, which uses after-tax dollars. Although you must pay income taxes on the money you put into a Roth 401(k), including any employer Roth account matching amounts, a Roth option offers tax-free withdrawals in retirement as long as the account has been in place for five years or longer, no RMDs, and no taxes to your beneficiaries or heirs.

While the 401(k) can be a great way to save, it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re contributing, how your funds are invested, and what the tax ramifications of your decisions may be.

Social Security

Social Security is a part of many Americans’ retirement planning. It was created as a national old-age pension system funded by employer and employee contributions, although later it was expanded to cover minor children, widows, and people with disabilities.

Established in 1935, Social Security payments started for workers when they reached age 65—but keep in mind at that time, the average longevity for Americans was age 60 for men and age 64 for women. With people living much longer today, Social Security usually needs to be supplemented with your own personal savings and other retirement accounts.1,8

IRAs

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) were created in the 1980s as a way for those without pensions or workplace retirement plans to save money for themselves for retirement in a tax-advantaged manner. While the tax treatment and contribution limits vary, the goal is to provide you with the means to build a retirement nest egg that can grow over time.

Types of IRAs:
• Traditional IRA: Allows for tax deductible contributions for some people, depending on their income level and whether they have a plan through their workplace. Any growth in a traditional IRA is tax-deferred, and you’ll pay taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement. Contributions are subject to annual limits, and penalties apply if funds are withdrawn before age 59 ½, with some exceptions. RMDs must be taken annually beginning at age 73 and ordinary income taxes are due on withdrawals.
• Roth IRA: Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after tax income, meaning you don’t receive a tax deduction when you contribute. However, qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax free if the account has been held for at least five years and withdrawals occur after age 59 ½. This account may be suitable for individuals who anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement. Roth IRAs are also tax free to those who inherit them if all IRS rules are followed.
• SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) and SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees): For self-employed individuals and small business owners, a SEP IRA or SIMPLE IRA plan can allow for higher contribution limits for both themselves and/or their employees. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, Roth contributions are now permitted in both SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs if elected by the employer. These are made with after-tax dollars and follow Roth taxation rules for withdrawals.

Annuities

Annuities are insurance products designed to convert your savings into a stream of income, particularly during retirement. When you purchase an annuity, you exchange a lump sum or series of payments for periodic income. This income can be for a set term or the rest of your life, which functions similarly to a personal pension. (Guarantees are provided by the financial strength of the insurance company providing your annuity contract.)

Annuities can be funded with either pre-tax (qualified) or after-tax (non-qualified) dollars. They may be purchased with a single lump sum – such as funds rolled over from a 401(k). Alternatively, they may be funded through ongoing contributions – in the case of deferred annuities.

While annuities can provide predictable income, they may also involve fees, surrender charges, and tax implications that may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to understand how each type of annuity works and to consult with a financial professional before purchasing.

Types of Annuities:
• Fixed Annuity: A contract offering a fixed interest rate for a set period of time.
• Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA): A contract offering principal protection and the potential for growth based on the performance of a market index – such as the S&P 500. While the account value is not directly invested in the market, interest is credited based on a formula tied to index performance, subject to caps, participation rates, and spreads. (Guarantees are provided by the financial strength of the insurance company providing your annuity contract.)
• Variable Annuity: A contract where the value and income payments fluctuate based on the performance of investments chosen within the annuity. The choice of investment subaccounts, like mutual funds, can increase or lose value based on market performance.
• Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA): RILAs offer the opportunity for market-based growth with some downside protection. Unlike fixed indexed annuities, RILAs are registered securities products that allow for limited losses and limited gains based on index performance and contract terms. These products carry risk and are not suitable for all investors.

Life Insurance

Life insurance can provide financial protection for your loved ones by offering a death benefit paid to a beneficiary upon your passing. Policies vary widely, but they generally aim to replace lost income, cover debts, or fund future expenses. Some policies, like permanent life insurance, can also build cash value over time, which can be borrowed for various needs, including retirement income.

It’s important to work with your financial advisor to find the right policy for your needs, and remember, medical underwriting may be required.

Types of Life Insurance
• Term Insurance: Provides a death benefit if the insured passes away within a specified term (e.g., 1, 2, 10, 15, or 30 years). Premiums are typically level for a certain period but may increase with age. Once the term expires, the policy ends.
• Whole Life: A permanent policy with fixed premiums and cash value accumulation that grows at a tax-deferred rate set by the insurance company. Policyholders can borrow against the cash value; however, loans will accrue interest and reduce the benefit if not repaid.
• Universal Life: Offers flexibility in premium payments and death benefit amounts – subject to underwriting and contract limits. It accumulates cash value based on the credited interest rate set by the insurer. Indexed Universal Life (IUL) is a type of universal life where credited interest is tied to a market index -such as the S&P 500. The IUL policy is not directly invested in the market and typically includes a cap rate, floor, or participation rate – offering growth potential with downside protection.
• Variable Life: Comes in two forms—variable and variable universal life. Both variable life insurance (VL) and variable universal life (VUL) insurance are permanent coverage that allocate cash value to market investment subaccounts which can lose value, but with variable life, there is a fixed death benefit, while with VUL, there is a flexible death benefit and adjustable premium payment amounts.

Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or are near retirement age, it’s never too late to learn more, or take action to create your own personal retirement plan. If you’re unsure about your retirement options or would like assistance planning for your financial future, please reach out to us! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395.

Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/401(k)#
2. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/03/19/pensions-are-popular-why-dont-more-americans-have-them/72968970007/
3. https://www.schwab.com/ira/traditional-ira/withdrawal-rules?msockid=29dc569f2e1f64ea0d3c46022fac6511
4. https://u.demog.berkeley.edu/~andrew/1918/figure2.html
5. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/131/WP-91.pdf
6. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/financial-litteracy
7. https://www.investopedia.com/guide-to-financial-literacy-4800530
8. https://www.ssa.gov/history/age65.html

This document is for informational purposes only. All information is assumed to be correct but the accuracy has not been confirmed and therefore is not guaranteed to be correct. Information is obtained from third party sources that may or may not be verified. The information presented should not be used in making any investment decisions. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, implement, or change any securities or investment strategy, function, or process. Any financial and/or investment decision should be made only after considerable research, consideration, and involvement with an experienced professional engaged for the specific purpose. All comments and discussion presented are purely based on opinion and assumptions, not fact. These assumptions may or may not be correct based on foreseen and unforeseen events. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any financial and/or investment decision may incur losses.

Any annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Crediting methodologies can be complex and difficult to comprehend. You should make sure you understand the risks and rewards of any annuity before considering an investment.

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Trek 25-205.

Jul 26
0

Personal Finance: The Importance of Starting Early

By | Financial Planning, Retirement, Social Security, Tax Planning

Whether you’re just starting out in your career, you are a Gen-X-er sandwiched between your kids’ college expenses and aging parents’ needs, or you are a Baby Boomer eyeing retirement, starting early can help when it comes to your finances. Here are some reasons why.

When You’re Young—In Your 20s

We’ve all heard the famous quote by Albert Einstein, the one where he said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn’t, pays it.” And it’s true. In many cases, if you start out early—perhaps in your teens or 20s—saving just a small amount each month, you can amass more money through time than if you start saving at a later age, even if you save a larger amount each month. Of course, it depends on what you invest in. Be sure to check with a trusted financial advisor about how this works.

Investopedia uses this example:

Let’s say you start investing in the market at $100 a month, and you average a positive return of 1% a month or 12% a year, compounded monthly over 40 years. Your friend, who is the same age, doesn’t begin investing until 30 years later, and invests $1,000 a month for 10 years, also averaging 1% a month or 12% a year, compounded monthly.

Who will have more money saved up in the end? Your friend will have saved up around $230,000. Your retirement account will be a little over $1.17 million. Even though your friend was investing over 10 times as much as you toward the end, the power of compound interest makes your portfolio significantly bigger.

When You’re Older—In Your 40s, 50s or Early 60s

As you head into retirement, starting early to map and plan out your retirement—well before you retire—can help you for many reasons, because there are a lot of moving pieces to consider. Plus, everyone’s situation is completely different and what might work for someone else might not be right for you at all. For instance, one person’s desired retirement lifestyle could be drastically different than another person’s, requiring different budget amounts. (Consider whether you want to stay home and become a painter, or travel the world with your entire extended family. That’s what we mean by drastically different budgets.)

Once you have your required retirement budget amount settled, timing then becomes very important. A financial advisor with a special focus on retirement can really make the difference by laying out a retirement roadmap just for you. Here are some of the things you should know and think about:

1) Medicare Filing – Age 65

You are required to file for Medicare health insurance by age 65 or pay a penalty for life. To avoid this penalty, be sure to sign up for Medicare within the period three months before and three months after the month you turn age 65. If you are still working or otherwise qualify for a special enrollment period, you can sign up for Part A which is free for most people, and then sign up for Part B after you retire. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties to learn more about penalties and how you can avoid them.

You are required to have Medicare coverage if you are not working or covered by a spouse with a qualified health insurance plan, and Medicare (other than Part A) is not free. In fact, it costs more if your income is higher. Your Medicare premium is often deducted right out of your Social Security check, and premiums generally go up every year.

When you sign up for original Medicare Part B or a replacement Medicare Advantage plan, the least amount you will pay for 2024 is $174.70 per month per person. For those with higher incomes, the Medicare premiums you pay are based on your income from two years prior—those with higher incomes pay more. For couples filing jointly, the highest amount you might pay for Part B coverage if your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) is greater than or equal to $750,000 is $594.00 per month per person for 2024.

So, depending on your income for the tax year two years prior to filing for Medicare, your premium could be from $174.70 to $594.00 in 2024, or somewhere in between.

If you plan ahead, your advisor might help you plan to take a smaller income in the years prior to turning age 65 in order to keep your Medicare premium smaller. For instance, some people might want to retire at age 62 or 63 and live on taxable income withdrawn from their traditional 401(k) or IRA account/s before they even file for Medicare or Social Security. Each person’s situation is completely unique, but advance retirement planning may help you come out ahead in the long run.

2) Social Security Filing – Age 62, 66-67, 70 or sometime in between

Another moving piece in the retirement puzzle is Social Security. The youngest age you can file for Social Security is age 62, but a mistake some people can make is thinking that their benefit will automatically go up later when they reach their full retirement age—between age 66 to 67 depending on their month and year of birth. This is not the case. If you file early, that’s your permanently reduced benefit amount, other than small annual COLAs (cost of living adjustments) you might or might not receive based on that year’s inflation numbers.

Filing early at age 62 can reduce your benefit by as much as 30% according to Fidelity. Conversely, waiting from your full retirement age up to age 70 can garner you an extra 8% per year. (At age 70, there are no more benefit increases.)

Planning ahead for when and how you will file for Social Security can make a big difference in the total amount of benefits you receive over your lifetime. And married couples, widows or widowers, and divorced single people who were married for at least 10 years in the past have even more options and ways to file that should be considered to optimize their retirement income.

3) Taxes In Retirement

Thinking that your taxes will automatically be lower during retirement may not prove true in your case, and it’s important to find out early if there is a way to mitigate taxes through early planning. Don’t forget that all that money you have saved up in your traditional 401(k) will be subject to income taxes—and even your Social Security benefit can be taxed up to 85% based on your annual combined or provisional income calculation.

And the IRS requires withdrawals. Remember that by law RMDs (required minimum distributions) must be taken every year beginning at age 73* and strict rules apply. You must withdraw money from the right accounts in the right amounts by the deadlines or pay a penalty in addition to the income tax you will owe on the mandated distributions.

Planning ahead to do a series of Roth conversions—shifting money in taxable accounts to tax-free* Roth accounts—might be indicated to help lower taxes for the long-term in your case, but these must be planned carefully and are not reversible.

 

*There is a unique rule since 2022. If you reach age 72 after December 31, 2022, you must begin receiving required minimum distributions by April 1 of the year following the year you reach the age 73.

This means that RMDs (required minimum distributions) must be taken by midnight April 1st of the year following the year you reach the age 73, and then by midnight December 31st of every year after the year you reach age 73.

This creates an opportunity for someone who turns 73 to delay their first RMD until the following year (by April 1) and then take their 2nd RMD that same year by December 31st. So, two RMDs in one year if desired. Then one RMD forever afterwards.

 

Let’s talk about your financial and retirement goals and create a plan to help you achieve them. Don’t put it off—give us a call! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395. 

*In order for Roth accounts to be tax-free, all conditions must be met, including owning the account for at least five years.

This article is for general information only and should not be considered as financial, tax or legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you seek out the advice of a financial professional, tax professional and/or legal professional before making any financial or retirement decisions.

Sources:

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/040315/why-save-retirement-your-20s.asp

https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html

https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/social-security-at-62

https://content.schwab.com/web/retail/public/book/excerpt-single-4.html

https://www-origin.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html

https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plan-and-ira-required-minimum-distributions-faqs

 

Trek 24-291

Jun 28
0

Annuity Sales Are Surging. Do You Know What They Are?

By | Annuities, Financial Planning, Retirement

We’re here to help clear up some of the confusion about annuities during Annuity Awareness Month, which happens each June!

In the first quarter of 2024, U.S. annuity sales were $106.7 billion, the highest first quarter total since the 1980s, when LIMRA first started tracking annuity sales. Despite these high sales numbers, research indicates that many people don’t really know what annuities are.1,5

One recent study revealed that only 9% of consumers say they feel very knowledgeable about annuities,1 while other studies confirm this lack of understanding. Research by the American College of Financial Services gave older Americans a score of 12% out of a possible 100% for their knowledge of annuities based on their performance on a short quiz. And a TIAA Institute and Stanford University study showed that the annuity ranks dead last—respondents know more about Medicare, life insurance and long-term care than annuities.2

During Annuity Awareness Month, we wanted to cover some facts we hope will help you understand annuities better.

Annuities Are Ancient

The concept of the annuity goes back centuries. In fact, during the Roman Empire, soldiers and their families would receive annual payments for life known as “annuas” in return for their military service; this is the origin of the word “annuity.” In the Middle Ages, annuities were available in France during the 17th century, when lifetime annuities (called “tontines”) could be purchased from feudal lords in exchange for an initial upfront payment.3

In other words, for millennia, annuities have been around to provide regular income during retirement. Fast forward to today.

Annuities Are Contracts

When you invest in something, typically you assume all the risk. Since annuities are not investments, but instead are contracts between you and an insurance carrier, one of the main risks you assume with annuities is that the payouts will be made per the terms in your contract. Certain contractual guarantees* are made by any insurance company which issues an annuity, and these guarantees are subject to that company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.

It is very important that you have a trusted financial professional, tax professional and/or legal professional by your side to examine the terms and language of your annuity contract as well as provide information about the insurance company’s financial rating before you make any decision.

In fact, this is good advice when making any decision that involves investing or entering into any kind of a contract. Some financial industry experts and academic leaders in the financial field, like Dr. Roger Ibbotson, have found that annuities belong in the fixed portion of some people’s retirement portfolios (depending on their individual situation) because of insurance company guarantees.

But there are many different types of annuity contracts.

Today’s Annuities Are Complex

Despite their simple structure in the beginning, annuities have become increasingly sophisticated over time. In addition to providing retirement income, insurance companies have added more features to provide retirees with coverage for spouses, long-term care, death benefit for heirs, etc., either as part of the basic annuity or added on as a rider for an additional cost.

While not a comprehensive list, below is basic information about how some annuities work. We recommend that you work with a financial professional to help you compare and choose between the hundreds of annuity contracts available from dozens of different insurance companies. As with any contract, it’s important to read and understand the fine print before you sign, and you should compare policies from multiple insurance companies to find the best value. That’s where a good independent financial advisor can help.

Fixed Annuities

Fixed annuities are probably the easiest type of annuity to understand because they work similarly to the way a bank CD (certificate of deposit) works. An insurance company will pay a fixed interest rate on your fixed annuity contract for a selected term, usually from one to 15 years.

Variable Annuities

Variable annuities were developed in the 1950s, and unlike most other types of annuities, before purchase they require that you be issued a prospectus, since part of your money will actually be invested in the stock market. This means that there is market risk involved with variable annuities—you can either make money on the amount invested in what’s called “sub-accounts,” or you can lose it depending on market performance.

Variable annuities are usually purchased with the expectation that at some point the contract owner will annuitize or begin taking periodic payments. But depending on contract terms, your annuity payments may fluctuate based on stock market performance, and it’s possible that some variable annuity policies can lose principal due to stock market losses.

Fixed Indexed Annuities

Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) were first designed in 1995. The biggest difference between FIAs and variable annuities is that fixed indexed annuities are not actually invested in the stock market so they are not subject to market risk. Instead, a selected index (such as the S&P 500) is used as a benchmark for policy credits at periodic intervals, such as annually.

Many FIA contracts offer a minimum amount which gets credited, and nearly all FIA contracts will not credit less than 0%, which means even that if the benchmark index loses money, your FIA contract value will not go down. With fixed indexed annuities, after you have owned the policy for a specified number of years (called the “surrender period”) your principal is guaranteed* and credits, therefore any policy gains, are locked in.

In other words, with fixed indexed annuity contracts, you have the potential to participate in market gains but are protected from market downturns. And most FIAs offer the option of lifetime income no matter how long you live either as part of the main annuity contract, or available as a rider for an additional charge.

Other Things to Know About Annuities

*The guarantees provided by annuities rely on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company.

Some annuities can be purchased on a deferred basis, and some on an immediate basis, and you can use pre-tax or after-tax funds. It’s important to get professional help to understand the implications for your particular situation.

Annuities must be considered carefully based on your particular situation because they are not liquid. Almost all annuities are subject to early withdrawal penalties. Make sure you understand the contract terms and the type of annuity you are purchasing. Your financial advisor and tax and legal professionals can help you compare and analyze policies.

Are You Prepared for Retirement?

With people living much longer and pensions quickly becoming a thing of the past, annuities can help provide income throughout retirement and help quell the fear of running out of money. If you are considering the purchase of an annuity, it’s important to speak with a financial professional who understands them, and can explain the fine print of an annuity contract.

Contact us to explore your options! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395. 

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. This article is not to be relied on or considered as investment or tax advice.

 

 

Sources:

1 https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/consumer-knowledge-gap-persists-despite-booming-annuity-sales

2 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/04/30/annuities-are-good-retirement-investment/73437135007/

3 https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w6001/w6001.pdf

4 https://www.wealthmanagement.com/insurance/ibbotson-fixed-indexed-annuities-beat-out-bonds

5 https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2024/limra-first-quarter-u.s.-annuity-sales-mark-14th-consecutive-quarter-of-growth/

 

Any annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract.

Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Crediting methodologies can be complex and difficult to comprehend. You should make sure you understand the risks and rewards of any annuity before considering an investment.

This document is for informational purposes only. All information is assumed to be correct but the accuracy has not been confirmed and therefore is not guaranteed to be correct. Information is obtained from third party sources that may or may not be verified. The information presented should not be used in making any investment decisions. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, implement, or change any securities or investment strategy, function, or process. Any financial and/or investment decision should be made only after considerable research, consideration, and involvement with an experienced professional engaged for the specific purpose. All comments and discussion presented are purely based on opinion and assumptions, not fact. These assumptions may or may not be correct based on foreseen and unforeseen events. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any financial and/or investment decision may incur losses.

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. TREK 24-280

May 21
0

What is Sequence of Returns Risk?

By | Investments, Retirement

Sequence of returns risk can put your retirement portfolio in jeopardy, but what is it, and how do you fight it?

We get it. Retirement can be scary. We know this because it’s our job to help our clients plan for and seamlessly transition into what should be one of the most rewarding times of their lives. What we often find, however, is that most are worried about retirement because of the risks that come with it. But what are some of the risks that strike fear in the hearts of retirement hopefuls? Well, the first is related to longevity—it’s the possibility of running out of money as you get older, and being unable to go back to work in order to support yourself. We also find that people getting ready to retire are concerned about inflation, the cost of health care, the possibility of needing long-term care and more.

There’s one risk, however, that hides in the shadows, waiting to rear its ugly head and throw turbulence into the lives of new retirees and those right on the edge of retirement. It’s called market risk, or the possibility that you could lose your retirement money during market crashes or downturns. How might this look? Specifically, something called sequence of returns risk can be the most dangerous aspect of market risk. And while it might sound complicated, it’s a simple concept with the potential to have major implications on your retirement dreams. Let’s go over what sequence of returns risk is, as well as a few ways you may be able to fight it!

What is Sequence of Returns Risk?

Simply put, sequence of returns risk is the risk of negative market returns occurring right before you retire and/or very early in your retirement. During this time, market downturns can have a much more significant impact on your portfolio.

Again, it might sound like some buzzword the financial industry throws around to scare consumers, but sequence of returns risk is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the sequence, or the order, in which your portfolio provides market returns. It’s key to remember that sequence of returns risk is specifically associated with money directly invested in the market. That means it could apply to vehicles like employer-sponsored retirement accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs, mutual funds, brokerage accounts, variable annuities and any other assets that can lose value during market downturns.

Now, let’s think about your goals for your retirement. If you’re just starting your career, or you’re right in the middle of your working years, you may contribute to your various saving and investing vehicles with the goal of having a large pool of funds when you finally retire at, say, 65 years old. You’d hope that diligent saving and favorable returns would bring your assets to their highest total right at that point, giving you ample funds to draw from once you retire.

Sequence of returns risk is the potential of the market dipping near the end of your career, or in the first few years of your retirement, meaning those drops affect your account balances at their peak. You would then take losses on greater amounts of money, creating greater losses. While you never want to experience dips, it makes sense why you’d hope those periods of market volatility that you will likely encounter at some point during retirement occur farther down the road, especially when you’re concurrently withdrawing money to support your lifestyle.

An Example Where Both Retirees Have $1 Million Saved

Just as an example, let’s consider two retirees, and what happens during their first 10 years of retirement. Both have $1 million saved, and they both determine they need to withdraw $50,000 per year from their accounts to fund their lifestyles.

Our first retiree is lucky. They retire and then experience eight years of a bull market, growing their portfolio by 5% each year. In the next two years, however, they experience declines of 5%, bringing their balance back down.

The other retiree sees the exact opposite sequence. They immediately encounter a bear market upon entering retirement, which drops their accounts by 5% in each of the first two years. Then the market rebounds and goes up 5% each year for the next eight years.

Both retirees continued to withdraw $50,000 per year from their accounts. So, what was the result?

Even though both retirees had the same initial balance, withdrew the same amounts, experienced eight years of bull markets and two years of bear markets, the order or “sequence of returns” made a big difference.

The first retiree didn’t experience market dips at the beginning when their account balances were highest. At the end of the 10-year period, they still had $788,329 left in their account.

The other retiree, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. They took losses during the first two years of their retirement, on their highest balances, and by the end of the 10-year period, they only had $695,226.

(Please remember this example is purely hypothetical and not reflective of real scenarios or real people. We simply used a starting balance of $1 million for each person, then subtracted $50,000 in income at the beginning of each year, then multiplied the accounts’ balances by the annual positive or negative effect on the market we imagined for this example. Actual market returns are unpredictable and tend to vary far more than in the case study shown. This is strictly to display the potential effects of the aforementioned risk.)

What are Some Ways to Mitigate Sequence of Returns Risk?

You can see how the sequence of your returns can affect your portfolio. The market is unpredictable and bottomless, so it’s important to try to shield yourself from, or at least mitigate the possibility of, taking those losses at the starting gate. But how can you do that when the market is completely out of your control? Well, you have a few options.

First and foremost, you can work with a financial professional to diversify your portfolio. While diversification can never guarantee any level of protection or growth, it may give you the ability to withstand dips in certain sectors of the market. It also spreads risk across different asset classes, or even different categories within the market itself. That can potentially help you avoid taking losses in your entire portfolio, even if one sector experiences headwinds.

For instance, non-correlated asset classes, which could include annuities or life insurance policies, might be a retirement diversification option for some people. Modern policy designs like fixed-indexed annuities and indexed universal life insurance policies are typically linked to a market index, while not actually participating in the market. These products can provide the upside of market gains while still protecting the principal, or the money used to fund the policy, in addition to locking in the gains.

These solutions may not match every consumer’s situation or financial objectives, however, so it’s important to speak to your advisor to explore policies and see if they make sense for your portfolio. For some people, annuities can provide a stream of retirement income that can cover lifestyle expenses, allowing retirees to leave their assets in the market during downturns rather than being forced to make withdrawals.

Be sure to speak with a financial professional who understands your circumstances, goals and tolerance for risk. The right partner can help you develop a custom withdrawal strategy and a plan to generate a reliable stream of income with your accumulated retirement assets. Your plan may include portfolio diversification, the establishment of a liquid emergency fund, the inclusion of alternative strategies and more, all with the intention of making your money last your entire life.

If you have any questions about how you can fight sequence of returns risk, give us a call today! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395. 

 

Trek Financial, LLC dba Trek Financial is an SEC registered investment adviser. Material prepared herein has been created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation. Information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable but was not verified for accuracy. Any hypotheticals are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as predictive of any specific outcome. It is important to note that federal tax laws under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the United States are subject to change, therefore it is the responsibility of taxpayers to verify their taxation obligations.

Trek 24-241

Apr 19
0

5 Things You Need to Know About Retirement

By | Retirement

Saving for retirement is important, but it’s also crucial to stay informed! Now that it’s Financial Literacy Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to discuss some things you need to know.

There’s an old saying that goes something like, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” You might have even used it, maybe when you came home past curfew without your parents finding out or poured your juice into the plant when no one was watching. And sure, no one being the wiser might have worked when you were young, but in retirement, what you don’t know actually COULD hurt you.

It’s important to stay informed about not just past trends, but also what you should expect as you make your way through that exciting phase of your life. It could give you a better chance to prepare for obstacles and implement a plan to overcome them. It could also help you take advantage of opportunities, especially as you look to make your money last for a quarter of a century or longer. Let’s go over five things you need to know about retirement.

  1. Market Downturns WILL Happen [1,2]

When you spend between 25 and 30 years or longer in retirement, it’s not a question of “if” you’ll encounter market downturn; it’s a question of “when.” These declines are typically referred to as “bear markets,” which are defined as market drops of 20% or more. If we use the S&P 500 as an indicator of bear markets, there have been 12 instances of significant market decline since the index’s inception in 1957. That means you should expect to face some adversity in the market once every five or six years. So, what are your options?

Well, historically, patience has been a way to overcome market adversity, as long-term outlooks have always trended upward. It can also be helpful to work with a financial professional who can tailor your portfolio to your goals and tolerance for risk. If you’re more comfortable with risk or have a longer timeline to retirement, you may have more assets invested in the market, whereas those approaching retirement may consider shifting more of the portfolio into assets that are fixed, like bonds or bond alternatives.

Rebalancing your portfolio and creating a customized retirement plan as you approach retirement is advised, especially to mitigate sequence of returns risk. Sequence of returns risk is the risk of retirees facing market downturn in the few years prior or the first few years of retirement. Again, working with a financial professional to find ways to mitigate sequence of returns risk can be helpful. Sometimes this is done by creating a stream of income with part of your retirement assets to cover your living expenses. This allows you to wait out bear markets with your remaining assets which might remain directly invested in the market.

  1. Decumulation is Just as Important as Accumulation

Yes, we all want to retire as multimillionaires, hitting on our investments and getting lucrative returns. That period of building your assets, investment and making growth-oriented decisions is often referred to as the “accumulation” phase. However, the fact is, it doesn’t matter how much money you accumulate if you don’t have a plan for how to spend it in the “decumulation” phase, after you retire and no longer have employment income coming in. Oftentimes, that plan includes a strategy to create income for your projected lifestyle, as well as a comprehensive budget dictating where that income will go. Additionally, many factors will play a role in decumulation, including taxation, legislation, your life expectancy, your spending habits and more.

We traditionally recommend getting a good idea of how much you plan to spend on an annual basis. That’s how much income you’ll likely need to create, along with a little bit of wiggle room giving you the freedom to cover emergencies or other unexpected expenses. The best way to do this is often by assessing your goals for retirement, then estimating the amount of money you’ll need to achieve them. Then, we can build a budget for you to strictly adhere to in retirement. It’s important to understand that if you start planning for retirement once you’re already there, it might be too late. If you’ve become accustomed to your lifestyle, it can be difficult to make cuts, especially when some retirees actually need more money in retirement than they did while they were working, leading us to our next point.

  1. It’s Never Too Early to Prepare [3,4,5]

Think about it. You reach the most exciting period of your life, your retirement accounts are as well-funded as they’ll ever be, and you have an endless list of things you want to do now that your time belongs entirely to you. Will you want to pull back? Not likely. That’s why it’s important to start preparing for retirement long before you call it a career, giving you the flexibility to course correct if you find that you haven’t saved enough to live comfortably. But how much do you need to live comfortably? Modern estimates say retirees have set that target figure at $1.3 million for a 67-year-old heading toward a 30-year retirement, but working with a financial professional may help you get a more accurate estimate for your unique situation. It might not require that much, depending on your plan.

A 2022 study found that the average person between the ages of 65 and 74 has saved a little over $600,000. Will that be enough? It depends. Working with a financial professional early in your career, developing your own personal retirement goals and consistently devoting a portion of your income to the recommended strategies in your plan may give you a better chance to reach the financial goals you have for your retirement.

  1. Social Security May Not Suffice [6,7]

Social Security figures to be one of the biggest sources of income for most American retirees. In fact, 40% of retirees rely on Social Security for more than half of their income, and 14% rely on it for 90% of their income or more. Sure, it’s a nice benefit, but it was never designed to be a primary source of funds in the first place. It was always a supplementary tool, originally created for the economic security of the elderly back in 1932, when the average life expectancy ranged from age 57 to 63. Now, relying on Social Security has never been more tenuous. Benefits are set to take a hit of more than 20% beginning in 2034 if no action is taken soon by Congress.

Still, action is where the problem lies. The choices appear to boil down to cutting payments for beneficiaries, raising the payroll tax rate or increasing the payroll tax increase limit. So far, all of those options have been met with opposition, presumably making benefits cuts the most likely solution. Granted, American taxpayers will always be contributing to the Social Security trust fund, meaning it’s unlikely the fund is drained completely, but it is running short, making it imperative to use other planning methods. Some of those methods can include saving more and creating more supplemental income streams to provide for your lifestyle.

  1. Risk Runs Rampant in Retirement [8,9,10]

Life expectancies continue to rise, which is fantastic news for anyone who plans to use their retirement years to check off bucket list items and spend time with their families. At the same time, it means spending more money, potentially for 20 years or longer. That can put you at risk of outliving your money, which is known as longevity risk. Then, even if you do save enough to provide for 20 to 30 years of a healthy retirement, you’ll start to introduce new factors that could drain your savings such as inflation, taxes, health care and long-term care risk.

Long-term care is one of the key factors that can quickly deplete your funds, and it’s easy to see why. On average, 70% of modern retirees will need some form of long-term care, and 20% will need it for five years or longer. Additionally, the annual median cost for long-term care can run from $64,000 to $116,000 per year, and it’s not covered by Medicare because it’s a lifestyle expense as opposed to a medical expense.

That could mean enlisting in the help of long-term care insurance, which is historically expensive and useless for the 30% who end up not needing the care. Modern policies, however, can combine life and long-term care insurance, providing a pool of resources for long-term care if necessary and a death benefit to beneficiaries if not. But these policies aren’t right for everyone. We can help you compare your options and determine if they match your goals.

If you have any questions about how you can better prepare for retirement, give us a call today! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395. 

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/bear-market-history/
  2. https://www.investopedia.com/8-ways-to-survive-a-market-downturn-4773417
  3. https://www.wsj.com/buyside/personal-finance/how-much-do-i-need-to-retire-f3275fa7
  4. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/the-average-retirement-savings-by-age-and-why-you-need-more
  5. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/08/56percent-of-americans-say-theyre-not-on-track-to-comfortably-retire.html
  6. https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/key-principles-for-strengthening-social-security
  7. https://www.cnbc.com/select/will-social-security-run-out-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
  8. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/population/longevity.html
  9. https://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-living-data/articles/long-term-care-statistics
  10. https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care

 

Trek 24-221

Jan 29
0

5 Things You Should Know if You’re Retiring in 2024

By | Financial Literacy, Financial Planning, Retirement

Heads up! If you plan to retire this year, you should know these five things.

Are you planning to enter the most exciting phase of your life in 2024? A phase where you get to do what you want to do, not what you have to do? With the right planning and preparation, it’s possible, but you should be aware of the year-over-year changes that occur for retirees, especially if this is your first year. Here are five changes you should know about if you plan on entering retirement in 2024.

  1. Higher Income Tax Brackets [1,2]

Traditionally, tax brackets rise with inflation on an annual basis, and 2024 is no different. For instance, the top end of the 0% capital gains bracket is up from $44,625 to $47,025 for single filers and from $89,250 to $94,050 for those who are married and filing jointly. Retirees who expect to withdraw from accounts subject to income tax—like traditional 401(k)s—may also expect to see a bit more relief this year in their income. See below for 2024’s ordinary income tax brackets.

Rate (%) Filing Single Married Filing Jointly Married Filing Separately Head of Household
10% $0 to

$11,600

 $0 to

$23,200

 $0 to

$11,600

 $0 to

$16,550
12% $11,601 to $47150 $23,201 to $94,300 $11,601 to $47,150 $16,551 to $63,100
22% $47,151 to $100,525 $94,301 to $201,050 $47,151 to $100,525 $63,101 to $100,500
24% $100,526 to $191,950 $201,051 to $383,900 $100,526 to $191,950 $100,501 to $191,950
32% $191,951 to $243,725 $383,901 to $487,450 $191,951 to $243,725 $191,951 to $243,700
35% $243,726 to $609,350 $487,451 to $731,200 $243,726 to $365,600 $243,701 to $609,350
37% $609,351 or

more

 $731,201 or

more

 $365,601 or

more

 $609,351 or

more

 

  1. Higher RMD Ages [3]

As of Jan. 1, 2023, retirees must begin taking required minimum distributions at age 73 unless they’ve already started. This was part of a gradual change made by SECURE Act 2.0 that will again raise the RMD age to 75 in 2033. This change can offer more flexibility to retirees who don’t need the money from their qualified accounts and otherwise would have incurred unnecessary income taxes. It also gives them an extra year to find other sources of income or to convert those funds to tax-free money. If you are turning 73 in 2024, your first year required minimum distribution from your qualifying accounts must be withdrawn by Apr. 1, 2025. In subsequent years, they must be withdrawn by the end of the year, or you may incur a 25% excise tax, which may be dropped to 10% if corrected in a timely manner.

  1. Elimination of RMDs for Roth 401(k)s [4]

One of the perks of the Roth IRA is that it does not come with required minimum distributions because you purchase them with already-taxed money. Roth 401(k) accounts through your employer were the same—except for the employer matching part. Before the passage of the SECURE 2.0 legislation, if your employer offered matching contributions and you chose a Roth 401(k) instead of a traditional 401(k) account, employer matching funds had to be placed into an entirely separate pre-tax traditional account which was taxable. Then, upon reaching RMD age, withdrawals were mandated for both accounts, even though taxes were only due on the matching portion.

Now, as of the passage of the SECURE 2.0 legislation, employers at their discretion can offer their matching amounts on an after-tax basis into Roth 401(k)s or Roth 403(b)s. If your employer offers this option and you choose it, you will owe income taxes on the employer match portion in the year you receive the money, but RMDs will no longer be due.

  1. Preparation for 2026 Tax Cut Sunsets [5]

Though tax cuts sunsetting at the end of 2025 won’t immediately impact 2024 retirees now, it may be crucial to begin preparing for the 2026 tax year. While the federal estate and gift tax exemption amount is currently $13.61 million per individual, it’s expected to drop back down to below $7 million in 2026. For those with larger estates, that could slice the amount of tax-free money going to beneficiaries in half. Income tax rates could also revert to what they were prior to 2018, meaning that it may be helpful to convert taxable income to tax-free income—for instance, by using Roth conversions—in the next two years. Additionally, those impacted by this change could also look to work with a financial professional to implement long-term tax strategies that give them the opportunity to pass their wealth to their beneficiaries as efficiently as possible.

  1. Higher Medicare Costs but Increased Social Security Payments [6,7]

Medicare costs are also up in 2024. Though Part A is free to beneficiaries, it does come with an annual deductible, which is up $32 from $1,600 to $1,632. Medicare Part B premiums are also up in 2024 from $164.90 to $174.40, an increase of roughly 6%. It’s important to know that those premiums are traditionally deducted from Social Security payments, which typically also rises with a cost-of-living adjustment determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or the CPI-W. In 2024, that increase is 3.2%, so while the adjusted checks won’t be entirely proportionate to the higher Part B premiums, the COLA may help to offset the extra costs.

To learn more about what it takes to prepare for the next stage of your life, call us! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/federal-income-tax-brackets
  2. https://www.bankrate.com/investing/long-term-capital-gains-tax/
  3. https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/required-minimum-distributions-secure-2
  4. https://smartasset.com/retirement/how-roth-401k-matching-works-with-your-employer
  5. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2022/12/07/the-estate-and-gift-tax-exclusion-shrinks-in-2026-whats-an-advisor-to-do/
  6. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles
  7. https://www.ssa.gov/cola/

Trek 24 – 115

Dec 27
0

Important Birthdays Over 50

By | Retirement

Once you turn 50, your birthdays might have greater implications for your retirement. Here are some that you should mark on your calendar.

Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half” to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start making a comeback. In fact, starting at age 50, several birthdays and “half-birthdays” are critical to understand because they have implications regarding your retirement income. Here are a few you should be on the lookout for once you reach 50.

Age 50

At age 50, workers in certain qualified retirement plans are able to begin making annual catch-up contributions in addition to their normal contributions. Those who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans can contribute an additional $7,500 per year in 2024. Employees and employers who participate in SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) plans—either SIMPLE IRAs or SIMPLE 401(k) plans—can make a catch-up contribution of up to $3,500 in 2024. And those who participate in traditional or Roth IRAs can set aside an additional $1,000 a year [1].

Age 59½

At age 59½, workers are able to start making withdrawals from qualified retirement plans without incurring a 10% federal income tax penalty, although they probably shouldn’t. This applies to workers who have contributed to IRAs and employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans (NOTE: 457 plans are never subject to the 10% penalty). Keep in mind that distributions from traditional IRAs, 401(k) plans, and other employer-sponsored pre-tax retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income.

Age 62

At age 62 workers are first able to draw Social Security retirement benefits. However, if a person continues to work, those benefits will be reduced. The Social Security Administration will deduct $1 in benefits for each $2 an individual earns above an annual limit. In 2024, the income limit is $22,320[2].

Age 65

At age 65, individuals can qualify for Medicare. The Social Security Administration recommends applying three months before reaching age 65 (You can enroll three months prior, the month of your birthday and three months after turning 65 to avoid penalty). It’s important to note that if you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (medical insurance) without an additional application [3].

Age 65 to 67

Between ages 66 and 67, individuals become eligible to receive 100% of their earned Social Security benefit. The age varies depending on birth year and month. Individuals born in 1955, for example, become eligible to receive 100% of their benefits when they reach age 66 years and 2 months. Those born in 1960 or later need to reach age 67 before they’ll become eligible to receive full benefits [4].

Age 70

For those who haven’t filed, from full retirement age to age 70, your Social Security benefit grows by 8% per year. Once you reach age 70, you should go ahead and file for Social Security because your benefit no longer grows and there is no penalty for continuing to work, other than your combined income calculation used by Social Security when calculating income taxes.

Age 73

In most circumstances, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a traditional Individual Retirement Account and other defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. You may continue to contribute to a traditional IRA past age 70½ as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.

Understanding key birthdays may help you better prepare for certain retirement income and benefits. But perhaps more importantly, knowing key birthdays can help you avoid penalties that may be imposed if you miss the date.

If you have any questions about upcoming birthdays and how you can prepare for the future, please give us a call today! You can reach Bulwark Capital Management in Tacoma, Washington at 253.509.0395. 

 

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-23000-for-2024-ira-limit-rises-to-7000
  2. https://www.ssa.gov/cola/
  3. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare
  4. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html

Trek 23-795

Jul 27
0

7 Signs You May be Ready for Retirement

By | Retirement

It can be difficult to know when you’re ready to retire, but checking these seven boxes may be a sign that the time is coming.

Preparing yourself for retirement can be scary, as so many variables and questions leave timing up in the air and offer little to no confidence when it comes to selecting the perfect moment to quit your job and spend your time doing what you want to do instead of what you have to do. There are several indicators that may suggest you are on track to retire comfortably. While many savers and pre-retirees set concrete milestones and timetables, only a few of the important signs that you may be ready to retire comfortably have to do with your age. Here are some ways to know that you might be ready to leave the workforce.

  1. You Have Adequate Savings to Cover Your Projected Lifestyle Expenses

The adequate amount of savings will be different for everyone, which is why it can be helpful to consult your financial professional as you make your way toward retirement. They can help you determine a retirement budget that suits your spending habits and desired lifestyle, as well as the longevity of your savings in relation to that estimate. It can also be important to consider that your expenses may rise in retirement, as you might work to check off bucket list items you’ve had for years. It’s all part of the planning process that will be unique to you and your goals.

  1. You Are Debt-Free

Ensuring that you have little to no debt when you enter retirement can be paramount to your ability to live your desired lifestyle and have a secure post-career life. This could mean paying off credit card debt, tackling home loan bills or more. The problem with bringing your debt with you into retirement is that you stop working for your money and you start asking your money to work for you. While that’s the best-case scenario, it doesn’t always work perfectly in, for instance, periods of market downturns, where you may have to potentially turn to your savings for necessities.

  1. You Have Secured Multiple Income Streams

In the modern retirement landscape, it can be helpful to secure multiple income streams that can provide different levels of growth and protection. For example, instead of relying solely on your 401(k), you can add other retirement investment accounts or insurance products that match your goals. Your financial professional should be able to help with this. Additionally, those extra income streams can be helpful if you decide to delay claiming Social Security to maximize your benefit.

  1. Those Income Streams are Diversified Between Tax-Free and Tax-Deferred

Diversification of your retirement portfolio may not guarantee success in retirement, but it could position you to offset certain tax obligations depending on future circumstances and legislation. On one hand, saving vehicles, such as a Roth IRA, can offer tax-free growth and withdrawals. On the other hand, tax-deferred accounts, such as a traditional IRA, are funded with pre-tax dollars then taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal. While this can present an opportunity for additional income streams, the tax landscape is ever-changing, potentially causing less certainty in how much you’ll have when you retire.

  1. You Have Liquid Savings

The traditional recommendation for an emergency fund is somewhere between three- and six-months’ worth of living expenses, ideally providing you with liquid savings that could prove even more important when living on a fixed income. As we mentioned above, it’s a good idea to clear most if not all your debt prior to entering retirement, but having an emergency fund could help you protect yourself from car or home repairs, medical emergencies, part-time job loss and more.

  1. You Have Hobbies

Your free time is set to skyrocket, and you’ll need a few ways to spend it to avoid immediately becoming bored. Some ideas include traveling, collecting, learning a new skill, picking up a part-time job, starting a business, golfing, volunteering and more. The possibilities are nearly endless, as long as you’re doing something you love and something that drives you to get out of bed in the morning long after the alarm means that it’s time to get ready for work.

  1. You Have a Plan

It’s important to create your plan long before you choose to leave the workforce, and it should cover more than just decumulation and distribution of your various retirement accounts. It’s your comprehensive map that outlines ways you will cover your many expenses, including those that simply bring pleasure. Furthermore, though you’ll certainly want your plan to be malleable, it can be helpful to have an idea of how you’ll use funds, giving you a better grasp of how much you’ll spend and how much you’ll want to save prior to entering retirement.

The perfect time to retire will vary based on your unique circumstances, but we’re here to provide you with the education, tools and preparation you need. To learn more about your options, please call Bulwark Capital Management at 253.509.0395.

 

This article is not to be construed as financial advice. It is provided for informational purposes only and it should not be relied upon. It is recommended that you check with your financial advisor, tax professional and legal professionals when making any investment or any change to your retirement plan. Your investments, insurance and savings vehicles should match your risk tolerance and be suitable as well as what’s best for your personal financial situation.

 

Trek 23-657