Paying down student loans versus adding to retirement

Many people question the best use of expendable income as to whether or not additional payments should be made toward student loan debt or if those extra funds should be allocated toward savings or investments. If you have a reasonable expectation of high returns in the market the question becomes debatable however, if you are paying high interest, have a high balance or have unpredictable cash flow it is more than likely more prudent to try to pay down the student loan debt faster.

Here are some pros and cons for paying down the student loan debt or investing:

Owning a small business in California means following strict requirements on providing employees with the right small business retirement plans. Having the best plans in place should help you maintain economic security and benefit from various tax advantages.

If you are a small business owner in the State of California and do not carry a retirement benefit plan for your employees, the deadline for the CalSavers Program is quickly approaching. If you have 5 or more employees and do not currently offer a workplace retirement plan you must register by June 30, 2022.

In today’s employment environment, it is more important than ever for employers to provide incentives to retain employees. One such benefit can be found in retirement plan offerings. There are several types of retirement plan options available to small businesses. While the same plan is not necessarily perfect for every company – the size and ownership structure of the company can help inform business owners’ decision as to which plan to offer.

Here is what to expect next year for the Social Security program:

• Recipients will receive a 1.3% increase
• Maximum earnings subject to SS Tax increased to $142,800
• Working Social Security recipients can earn $50,520 before their benefits are reduced
• There is a slight rise in disability benefits
• Social Security tax rates remain the same for employees and self-employed

A Fiduciary duty can be found in many professions however, within the context of investment advisors the duty begins and ends with loyalty and care.

The duty of loyalty is the obligation to always serve the clients’ best interest as well as the mitigating any conflicts of interest.

Reverse Mortgages: How to Use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Your Retirement
By Wade D. Pfau, Ph.D., CFA

Reverse Mortgages are a financing tool that have largely been ignored by retirement and financial planning professionals because of the negative connotation from years past. Dr. Pfau was interested in exploring this untapped resource and how it may fit into a retirement plan in a beneficial way and aren’t inherently a bad idea. The countless hours he spent researching reverse mortgages is apparent.

As you approach retirement, you’ll want to think through your retirement income plan. Common retirement income strategies include:

Drawing off the income

After you’ve spent years saving for retirement and building your nest egg, you’ll want to find a balance between a withdrawal rate that gives you assurance that your savings will last, but doesn’t shortchange your standard of living.

During your income-earning years, maximize your retirement plan contributions to build your nest egg and retirement savings:

401(k)

A 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan sponsored by your employer, which allows you to save and invest part of your paycheck before taxes are taken out. Many employers offer an employer match, usually ranging dollar for dollar anywhere from 2-5% of your salary deferral (depending on the plan). If you elect not to participate, you essentially leave money on the table.

Financial planning is more than just investing. Holistic financial planning is the process of pursuing your life goals (planning for retirement, buying a home, saving for your child’s education, leaving a legacy for your family) through smart management of your resources. A solid financial plan includes goals, net worth, cash flow, retirement strategies, long-term investments, and estate planning.