Four Basic Steps for a Successful Retirement
We know that most plan participants are not financial experts, and that can make planning for retirement difficult. Fortunately, there are some basic steps that you can follow to work toward a successful retirement.
Start Saving Now Learn the Basics of Saving and Investing
Understand the basic types of investment products, like stocks, bonds, and money market accounts. Each of these has its risks and rewards, and plan participants should know what those are, and how they can fit together in an investment portfolio. Plan participants should have a firm grasp on what their retirement plan offers and how they can benefit from that.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Not diversifying, not rebalancing asset allocations, becoming too emotional, and not having an investment plan: these are all common errors that you might make. The best way to avoid these mistakes is by starting with the last item on that list, an investment plan. Developing a sound investment program could be one of the best paths to retirement.
Focus on Three Critical Components of an Investment Plan
While some things, like bull and bear markets, are beyond your control, there are three things you do control: When to start saving, how much to save, and when to retire. Starting sooner and saving more have much more to do with a successful retirement than the actual returns their investments make. Deciding when to retire is crucial, as well. Delaying retirement means more time for investments to potentially grow.
Monitor the Plan and Adjust as Necessary
A strong investment program should evolve as your circumstances change. Changes in income, new family members, financial windfalls or setbacks, or any other major event in your life should trigger a financial review to make sure you are still on track for retirement.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
MCF Advisors, LLC (“MCF”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by MCF), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this presentation will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from MCF. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed herein to his/her/its individual situation, he/she/it is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her/its choosing. MCF is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the newsletter content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of MCF’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request. If you are an MCF client, please remember to contact MCF in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing / evaluating / revising our previous recommendations and/or services. Please click here to review our full disclosure.