Retirement Planning At American Investment Planners LLC

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

One year, three years, five+ years? How far off are you from the retirement phase of your life? A major milestone in the life of any individual, retirement is something that must be planned for properly in order for it to be the relaxing and stress free time so many of us hope it would be. Why? Being that your flow of income will change, you will need to have a strong financial strategy in place to ensure that you have enough set aside to afford the cost of living at this age.

Since planning for this stage of your life can be so complex, we at American Investment Planners LLC recommend sitting down with an experienced financial advisor while you do so. Between 401(k) plans, IRA accounts and Social Security alone, there are so many intricate details that come into play when it comes to retirement planning. 

What We Do

To start, the first thing we do is sit down with you and your family to learn about your personal circumstances and investment philosophy. Once we are familiar with your current financial state and future financial aspirations, we are able to devise a solution that will help ensure you have enough put away before your last day of work arrives. Furthermore, we will provide you with the information you need about different planning methods (such as 401(k)s and IRAs) and determine which one bests suits you, your spouse and your family as a whole. 

Retiring and Relocating

Did you know that we are the number one financial planning firm in the US when it comes to discussing retiring and relocating? Once you are on the right track to saving for retirement, we can discuss plans for relocating if it is of interest of you. As experts in this area of financial planning, we know what you need to consider before, during and even after you make your way out of town. 

So what do you say? Are you ready to get started? For more information about our retirement planning services, please visit us on our website or contact us at (516) 932-5130. And don't forget to check out CFP and President of American Investment Planners LLC Lee Rosenberg's book, 50 Fabulous Places To Retire In America for more great retirement tips.

Why Choose American Investment Planners LLC To Be Your Financial Advisor?

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Are you currently seeking a financial advisor that can direct you and your family towards success in terms of your assets? Would you like to rest assured knowing that you are more than satisfactorily prepared to enter the retirement phase of your life with enough left to leave behind to your children? What about feeling at ease that your taxes are in order or that your estate is in good hands? When you choose American Investment Planners LLC to be your trusted financial advisor, you can be confident that all of your investments and assets will be protected for years to come.

Why Choose Us?

Founded in 1984, we have grown to be one of the largest and most respected independent financial planning firms in the country; we manage millions of dollars in assets every year! And not only do we help you with your finances, but we also assist your entire family to ensure that you, your children and even their children have the means they need to succeed.

In addition to the fact that members of our team have faced challenges similar to yours first hand, we also have an extensive background in each of the services we offer, carrying the knowledge needed to find solutions that work. Did you know that our very own Lee Rosenberg is a nationally known author and lecturer that has been featured in literary works such as the Wall Street Journal and has appeared on The Today Show, Oprah and NBC Nightly news? With a staff of industry experts on our side, we are able to provide each of our clients with strategic solutions that help them prioritize their goals and achieve financial security.

For more information about our services and how we can help you and your family with all of your financial planning needs, please visit us at www.americaninvestmentplanners.com or contact us at (516) 932-5130 today.

Things To Consider Before Relocating During Retirement

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

If you are located on Long Island or elsewhere in the North East, then you know just how brutal winters can be. And if not, well, you have probably at least heard about them! Prior to officially entering the retirement phase, many couples often make the decision to relocate to somewhere warmer where such snow covered roads and sidewalks are the least of their worries. However, although the thought of soaking up the sun day in and day out can be tempting, the decision to leave certainly shouldn't be made on impulse. But if relocating is indefinitely a part of your retirement plans, consider the following first:

1. Location: First and foremost, you will have to determine where you want to live. As you ponder potential regions, take into consideration the weather, what kind of community you want to be involved in (for example, will you be seeking a retirement community?) and the amount of traffic you are looking to be surrounded by. If you know a trip to the beach is a must, then naturally you should focus your research on states and towns where the water is nearby. 
2. Type Of Home/Cost Of Living: Are you looking to rent? Buy? Have a home? An apartment? Once you know where you want to live, you will want to figure out what type of facility you are looking for. This is where the cost of living comes in - how do homes in one town differ from another? And don't forget about recreational activities. In addition to being able to afford your abode, you will need to determine if you have enough set aside to participate in some of your favorite activities.
3. Taxes: What you are paying in taxes now may not be a direct reflection of what you would be paying in taxes elsewhere. As you work to narrow down your options, consider how pensions are taxed (if you will be taking one with you) and how your state and local taxes will differ from what you are prepared to pay.
4. Job Opportunities: Although taking on another job is probably not at the top of your to do list once you enter into retirement, there is always a possibility that you will need and/or want to find a part time job. Before you make anything official, be sure to check out the potential job opportunities in that area.

In addition to these variables, don’t forget to do things like seek out medical offices and determine how far you will be from your friends and family. Furthermore, you should also make a conscious effort to determine if your favorite hobbies are available to you; how could you play golf without a golf course? For more great tips to help you plan for relocating during retirement, check out our very own Lee Rosenberg's book, 50 Fabulous Places To Retire In America!

As a financial planning firm that specializes in retirement planning, we at American Investment Planners LLC know exactly what you should be considering when it comes to relocating during retirement. Our extensive background and expertise in the field is the reason that we are so well able to provide each of our clients with a solution that finds them financial success for the latter half of their life! For more information on how we can help you plan for the future, visit us at www.americaninvestmentplanners.com or contact us at (516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130 today.

IRS Sets 2015 IRA and 401(K) Limits

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Do you currently contribute to an Individual Retirement Account or a 401(k) plan? If you are already putting aside some of your income to plan for retirement, be mindful of how much - did you know that the IRS limits how much can be contributed to your accounts each year? To learn how much you are permitted to tuck away in 2015, please see below:

IRA Contributions

• Roth IRA: $5,500
• Traditional IRA: $5,500
• Catch-Up IRA: $1,000 

401(k) Contributions

• $18,000
• Catch-Up: $6,000

Traditional IRA Deductibility Phase Out

• Singles covered by employment plans with a modified adjusted gross income: $61,000-$71,000
• Married couples filing together, with the contributing spouse covered by an employment plan: $98,000-$118,000
• Contributor not covered by an employment plan but connected through marriage to someone who is: $183,000-$193,000
• Married individual covered by an employment plan but filing separately from their spouse: $0-$10,000

Roth IRA Eligibility Phase Out

• Married couples filing together: $183,000 - $193,000
• Singles: $116,000 - $131,000

Self-Employed IRA:

• $53,000 

Simple IRA:

• $12,500
• Catch-Up: $3,000

For more information on this year's contribution limits, please click here.

American Investment Planners LLC is a financial planning firm headquartered in Jericho, NY. As one of the largest and most respected independent financial planning firms in the country, we work with generations of families to help them preserve their assets and create a solid financial legacy that can be passed on. To learn more about our services, please visit us at www.americaninvestmentplanners.com

The Truth Behind Social Security Myths

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

When it comes to your financial future, Social Security is something that absolutely cannot be ignored. As a program designed to aid individuals in the retirement phase, it is imperative that it becomes a part of your retirement planning discussions. However, if you are unfamiliar with its purpose and how it works, your financial success in the future may not attest to your expectations.

So what have you heard about Social Security thus far? Since it is such a sensitive subject for all - regardless of retirement status - we at American Investment Planners LLC want to make sure that what you have heard and believe about it is true. Thanks to USA Today, we've outlined a few Social Security myths you need to be aware of below:

1. You Must Start Collecting At A Certain Age

If you asked five different people when you should start collecting Social Security, you would likely receive five different answers. While some experts may suggest you should start as early as possible, others would highly advise against this and suggest waiting until you really need it. However, the fact of the matter is that everyone's financial situation is different, meaning everyone will have a need to start collecting at different times.

2. There Will Be No Social Security Left By The Time You're Ready To Collect

With the economy as is, the idea that Social Security will run out is one that has been passed on by many. However, it is important to note that while there may not be as much left, there will likely still be some to give (perhaps just not in full).

3. Social Security Is Not Related To The Rest Of Your Finances
Failing to consider the rest of your finances when discussing Social Security and retirement is one of the biggest retirement planning mistakes you can make. From your taxes to your employment income and more, all aspects of your finances are somehow intertwined.

Being that Social Security heavily impacts your success during retirement, it is essential that you prepare for it correctly. And what's the best way to do that? Meeting with an experienced financial advisor, of course! Here at American Investment Planners LLC, we are experts in retirement planning and have the knowledge needed to steer you in the right direction when it comes to managing Social Security and the rest of your retirement income. For more information about our retirement planning services, please give us a call at (516) 932-5130 or toll free at (866) 932-5130 today.

Where Are Oil Prices Headed?

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

The question on everybody’s mind the last few weeks is where are oil prices headed?  The only sense of agreement in investor’s minds is that oil prices will certainly continue to be low… unless prices surge! Definitely one or the other. Over the past two weeks, crude oil has seen one of its biggest gains in 17 years. However, surprisingly enough, it is still approximately 50 percent cheaper than it was this past June.

With regards to future pricing, predictions vary greatly; the President of Goldman Sachs predicts $30 a barrel, while the head of OPEC predicts as much as $200 a barrel. According to an article on Bloomberg.com, this year, the average price of crude oil is expected to fall anywhere between $35 to $80 a barrel; these prices were determined in a Bloomberg Intelligence survey taken by 86 investment specialists. Since supply surpluses won’t disappear overnight, and if there is no investment in new supply, the price of crude oil will certainly rise, creating the need for shale oil to make up for production declines around the world.

And if there is no end to the various predictions of oil prices, there seems to be even more speculation on the impact of lower oil prices; both advantages and disadvantages.  Low prices at the gas pump leave more income available in our pocket that could be spent elsewhere in the economy.  However, if there will be longer term layoffs in the industry, this could impact real estate values in the region. Protecting your 401(k) portfolio allocation is crucial since many of us leave substantial percentages in company stock and may only review performance when paper statements are mailed.  Proactive decision making during volatile market conditions will entail knowing the investment options available to you in your company plan and how best to navigate the choices based on your risk tolerance.  Investors often use correlations as a key to figuring out how to reduce portfolio risk, however, you should not rethink your entire portfolio just because the relationship between the stock market and oil prices have changed of late.  In the long-term, falling oil prices should be good for stocks in general.

Asking your trusted certified financial planner for guidance will go a long way towards securing a comfortable retirement plan, since they will know how your investments are allocated outside the company plan and assist in creating the proper overall allocation.  Determining your exposure to various sectors of the stock market will help increase your awareness of your risk exposure, and that is the first step towards reducing your overall risk and portfolio volatility.  

Please feel free to email your questions on portfolio allocation to barbara@americaninvestmentplanners.com

The statistics and prices listed in this blog are courtesy of BloombergBusiness.

Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Financial Advisor

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

As the person or team who is responsible for guiding you towards a successful financial future, your financial advisor(s) should not be chosen by picking a name out of a hat or doing an Internet search and stopping at the first name you find. Rather, your decision should be made based on their qualifications, expertise on the subject, and ability to assist you with your specific needs.

Once you have a few candidates in mind, it's time to get down to business and find the one that works best for you. Thanks to Forbes, we've put together a list of questions you should be asking before making the decision to move forward with one financial planner over the other:

1. How much do you charge for your services? How are your fees distributed?

2. Are you licensed and certified to practice in this field? What other qualifications do you and your team possess?

3. Do you cater to a specific client? How can your services specifically benefit me and my family's needs?

4. What is your investment philosophy? What strategies and techniques do you tend to use with your clients?

5. How often will we be in contact?

Prior to meeting with a potential planner, we recommend sitting down with your family members to determine which services are most important to you. By knowing what you are looking for in your financial planning team, the process of narrowing down your options can appear almost effortless once you have the answers to these pressing questions.

Are you on the search for a financial planner to assist you with your financial future? Choose American Investment Planners LLC to be behind you every step of the way! Headquartered on Long Island, we specialize in services such as retirement planning, estate planning and tax planning investment management. And unlike other financial planning firms, our focus does not solely rest on the client; we cater to the whole family instead. For more information on the financial planning services we offer, please visit us on our website or contact us at (516) 932-5130 or (866) 932-5130 today.

Getting Ahead: 5 Tips To Help You Plan For Retirement

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Retirement - the time of your life that is supposed to be spent relaxing and stress free. After years of dedicating your life to your work, this stage is meant to be one where you can sit back and enjoy all else that this life has to offer. However, although one would assume that this period is where our worries are limited, all too often, people still find themselves carrying heaps of stress on their back because they have not properly prepared to no longer receive a paycheck every week or two.

In order to ensure that you will be financially stable upon retirement, it is crucial to plan and prepare for it as early as possible. While that does not mean you have to stash away every penny that winds up in your pocket, it is highly recommended that you take as many proactive steps as possible to begin contributing to your financial future. See below for a few tips on how you can prepare for the next stage of your life -

1. Take advantage of your employer's 401(k) plan if one is available to you. Even if you contribute the minimum amount, you'll be setting yourself up for future success.
2. When seeking employment, always ask if pension plans are part of their package. If so, be sure that you fully understand what it entails and find out what would happen to your pension if your position were to be compromised.
3. That being said, if you do participate in an employer sponsored retirement plan, don't touch it! Although it can be tempting to withdraw from your savings, you will find yourself right back where you started and potentially lose out on even more money if you are required to pay withdrawal penalties.
4. Consider opening an Individual Retirement Plan (IRA). Regardless of whether you choose a traditional IRA or Roth IRA account, you can easily start putting money aside to assist you later in life.
5. Be aware of your retirement needs. By keeping up with the cost of living and knowing what bills or debts you may still have to pay, you can better prepare in terms of how much you should be saving each month.

For more tips on how you can plan for retirement, please click here.

At American Investment Planners LLC, it is our hope that each of our clients live comfortably once they reach retirement age. Did you know that retirement planning is one of our specialties? If you would like to rest assured knowing that you have a solid financial future ahead of you, contact us to sit down with our retirement planning experts today; we can develop the most effective strategies to assist you with your long term financial goals. To learn more about how we can help, please visit us at www.americaninvestmentplanners.com or give us a call at (516) 932-5130 or toll free at (866) 932-5130 today.

Three Financial Resolutions For The New Year

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

If you are like most people, then the transition from 2014 to 2015 inspired you to make a change in one or more areas of your life. Whether that change meant adjusting your diet, worrying less, or growing out of a habit that you were wrapped up in the previous year – well, that is up to you. But if you found yourself entering February without a goal in mind, we at American Investment Planners LLC recommend taking this time to focus on your finances and improve your current and future financial situation. To be a bit more specific, we have outlined three financial resolutions that might interest you below:

1. Invest – The sooner you start, the better. According to U.S News, time is one of the most important factors when it comes to wealth. If you choose to start investing as soon as you are financially able rather than wait in order to keep a bit more in your pocket every month, your chances of experiencing financial success later in life are greater.
2. Review Beneficiaries – Since your beneficiary will inherit what you have left behind in the event of your passing, you will want to make sure you name the person who you feel is rightfully entitled to it. Although in the past the person you named might have been the best candidate at the time, when life events such as marriage occur, it is a good idea to update your beneficiaries to make sure your money lands in the right hands.
3. Get Organized – Do you have folders upon folders of financial documents sitting in your file cabinet at home? If so, you are not alone. However, although you might be inclined to keep every ounce of financial paperwork that comes your way, in reality, you can dispose of certain documents every year or every few years. For example, once you receive your W-2 form for your taxes, you can shred all of the past year’s pay stubs.

Last but not least, make 2015 the year that you will make smarter financial decisions. Now, that does not mean you have to cut off all recreational spending to build up your bank account to prepare you for the rest of your life, but as you go through each day, be conscious of what you are spending and where you are spending it; your future self will thank you!

As expert financial planners, the staff at American Investment Planners LLC hopes that you will take this year as an opportunity to sit down with a financial planner to ensure that your assets are protected for years to come. If you are in need of financial services such as retirement planning, estate planning and tax planning investment management, contact us at (516) 932-5130 or toll free at (866) 932-5130; a strong financial future for you and your family is our number one goal.

10 Financial Terms You Need To Know

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Since your financial standing follows you everywhere you go in this life as well as after you pass, it is crucial for you to be well aware of what different policies, procedures and other general financial topics mean. However, if you are not familiar with certain industry terms - and some of the simplest terms at that - understanding such topics would be quite the challenge. 

As you think back to certain situations that involved your finances, such as filing your taxes, did you find yourself sitting in a state of confusion while your financial expert breezed through important documents? To help clarify some of the confusion that stems from financial topics, we put together 10 important terms along with their definitions below:

Asset - An asset is anything you own that has some degree of monetary value.

Beneficiary - Your beneficiary is the person, company or organization listed in agreements such as your life insurance policy, will or trust who will reap a financial benefit after your passing.

Bond - Bonds are evidence of debt where the issuer agrees to pay the bondholder a predetermined amount of interest as well as the principal at maturity.

Dividend - Dividends are pro rata portions of earnings typically distributed in cash by a corporation to its stockholders. When it is preferred stock, dividends are usually fixed. On the other hand, for common shares, dividends may vary along with the fortunes of the company.

Mutual Fund -  A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds or similar securities that are purchased and managed by a particular investment company using funds from a group o f investors. 

Portfolio - A portfolio is a collection of all of the investments held by an individual or mutual fund.

Principal - With regards to securities, the principal is the sum of money that is invested, excluding earnings. For something such as a bond, the principal is the face amount.

Risk - Your risk is essentially your chance of loosing all or part of an investment.

Security - Security is your evidence of an investment in direct ownership, creditorship, or indirect ownership.

401(k) - 401(k)s are defined contribution plans that a company establishes for their employees to help them prepare for retirement. 

Although the list of financial terms doesn't stop there, by knowing these basic ideas, you will be one step ahead of the game when it is time to discuss your finances with an employer, accountant, financial planner and so on. Should you have additional questions about terms and topics you have heard time and time again but are not familiar with, visit us on our website to check out our glossary!

As one of the largest and most respected independent financial planning firms in the country, we at American Investment Planners LLC strive to make sure that each and every one of our clients are well educated on the topics we assist them with. Throughout the process of planning and strategizing for a successful financial future, we make sure that our clients know what they are getting into every step of the way. For more information on the financial planning services we offer, please visit us at www.americaninvestmentplanners.com or contact us at (516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130 today.

American Investment Planners LLC Is Live On Social Media

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

As a leading provider of financial planning services, we at American Investment Planners LLC understand the importance of remaining up to date with the latest industry topics and news. We also realize the value of providing our clients with industry specific information in order to guide them towards a successful financial future. 

In addition to the resources we have made accessible through our website, we are pleased to announce that we are officially live on several social media sites! To remain informed about important topics such as Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Tax Planning and Life Insurance, be sure to visit us on social media using the following links:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

LinkedIn

As well as connecting with us on the above social media platforms, be sure to come back to our blog regularly to see when a new post is published. By following our blog closely and connecting with us on all of our social media channels, you will never have to worry about missing an update that might contain the vital pieces of information you are looking for.

At American Investment Planners LLC, we are deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in our relationship with you. In order to set you up for success, we have made it our priority to provide you with the most valuable, up to date financial information, services and products. For more information on the services we offer, please visit us on our website or contact us by phone at (516) 932-5130/(866) 932-5130 or via email at info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.

American Investment Planners LLC: An Overview

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Since 1984, the team at American Investment Planners LLC effectively assists a variety of clients with their Financial portfolios. Led by Lee Rosenberg, CFP, our staff of Financial Advisors and Accountants consistently work together to assist each client with attaining their individual levels of financial security and a financial legacy to leave to their family. We are more than a Financial Planning Firm, we cater to the entire family of the client. We consider ourselves Financial Planners for Generations; meaning we work with the client to make sure their needs and the needs of their family are met as the client ages.

So how do we help?

As expert financial planners, we realize how important it is to our clients to have a solid financial plan in place. Through services such as portfolio and asset management, estate planning, retirement planning, and insurance (including life, disability and long-term care), our team will work with you to prioritize your goals and develop a strategy to meet your goals. Within each of these categories, we carefully consider your current financial situation, financial needs, investment philosophy and personal values to ensure that your plan is specifically catered to you.

Though we are headquartered on Long Island, our services are not limited to those in close proximity to our office. In fact, they aren't even limited to those in the state of New York; we help clients all over the country with offices currently in Texas and Florida! Did you know that we are one of the leading and most respected independent financial planning firms in the U.S.? Thanks to our hard working and dedicated team, we are able to provide individuals across the nation with the financial services they need to maintain and manage the assets that will follow them in their future.

Interested in learning more? For a more comprehensive list of the services we offer and how we can help you with your investments and financial future, please visit us on our website or contact us at (516) 932-5130 or toll free at (866) 932-5130 today.