Pages

Showing posts with label Retirement Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retirement Tips. Show all posts

Thursday, March 30, 2017

5 Costly Mistakes of the Newly-Retired

retirement mistakes

Reaching retirement is only half the battle. Once you successfully retire, it is up to you to make sure your money lasts. Too many retirees make costly mistakes that can quickly deplete their savings and force them back into the working world.

If you want to stay retired, you need to avoid making these five mistakes.

Changing your lifestyle too quickly.

What’s on your retirement to-do list? Do you want to relocate? Purchase an RV? Travel the world? Unless you have specifically budgeted for these adventures, we’d advise you to stop and catch your breath. Waiting one year before making any major changes will give you time to adjust to your new life and avoid making a critical mistake.

Starting Social Security too early.

While you are eligible to start Social Security as early as age 62, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. The longer you wait to claim these benefits, the larger your paychecks will be. For example, waiting until age 66 will boost your monthly income by 25%. Waiting until age 70 adds another 32%.

Being too conservative with investments.
It’s commonly advised to shift to a more conservative investment approach as you near retirement. While this is generally good advice, it is important not to become too conservative; you still want to make your money work for you. With most bonds and CDs yielding 1% or less, retirees should keep a small portion of their money in the stock market.

Not planning for withdrawal taxes.

Every type of retirement account is different, especially when it comes to taxes. If you don’t account for this, you could end up losing more money than you need to, or worse, running out of money entirely. Your financial advisor can help you determine a withdrawal strategy that is best for you.

Failing to prepare an estate plan.

Many retirees have done a great job preparing for their own financial needs, but give little-to-no thought about what happens to their money after they pass away. Without a proper estate plan, you may not be able to transfer your wealth to your spouse or children. Click here to learn more about estate planning.

American Investment Planners, LLC offers professional financial advice to individuals across the country. Whether you need help planning to retire, staying retired, or crafting an estate plan, our consultants are here to help.

To schedule a face-to-face appointment with one of our advisors, please call (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Top Sources of Retirement Income

sources of retirement income

Working Americans typically have one major source of income: their job. However, upon retirement, individuals may rely on several different sources of income to sustain their lifestyle. Here are seven different ways that current retirees are making their money:

  1. Retirement accounts. A well-funded IRA or 401(k) account should make up a significant portion of your retirement fund. The earlier you open an account and start saving, the bigger your nest egg will be when it’s time to retire.

  1. Social security. Social security is currently the largest source of retirement income, with more than 88% of retirees receiving steady payments. While baby boomers can rely on Social Security for now, funds may be depleted for future generations.

  1. Pension. More than one-third of current retirees get a pension income, however this number is likely to drop in the future. Fewer companies are offering pension programs to new workers, and those who do are yielding smaller payouts.

  1. Savings Accounts & CDs. Also known as “time deposits”, CDs require investors to deposit their money for a predetermined length of time while it earns interest. If you have the funds to spare, keeping some of your capital tied up in CDs is a good, safe way to earn additional money.

  1. Home Equity. If you have a lot of equity built up in your home, you can use it to help fund your retirement by using a reverse mortgage or by downsizing and pocketing the extra cash.

  1. Stocks & Annuities. According to U.S. News, only 20% of workers think stocks will provide a significant amount of their retirement income. Even fewer are utilizing annuities. Talk to your financial advisor about the benefits of these income sources.

  1. Part-Time Work. Retiring from your career doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop working altogether. Picking up a part-time job can give retirees a sense of fulfillment and an additional source of income.

If you are currently planning for retirement, you should be looking to utilize as many income sources as possible. Not sure where to begin? The financial advisors at American Investment Planners, LLC can help you craft a personalized, diversified retirement plan that meets your needs. To schedule an appointment with one of our consultants, please call (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

The 3 Golden Rules of Retiring Early

retirement planning

Retiring on time seems impossible in today’s world, but it is achievable. All it takes is a good plan and a disciplined approach. Follow these three golden rules from the pros at American Investment Planners, LLC and you will be on the fast track to retirement in no time…

Rule #1: Start early.
The earlier you start saving for retirement, the earlier you will reach your goal. Many people procrastinate opening their retirement accounts because they feel they don’t have enough money to make a significant impact. The truth is, the amount of capital you start with is not nearly as important as when you start. Take the scenario in this article, for example: Ashley is able to save more money than Bill, despite contributing less than half as much, because she started saving ten years earlier.

Rule #2: Take advantage of your 401(k) match.
A 401(k) is a special type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that is funded through pre-tax deductions from your paycheck. What makes the 401(k) so great is that many employers offer a company match: meaning they will match your contributions penny for penny, up to a certain percentage of your salary. At the very least, you should be contributing enough to your 401(k) to maximize your employer match – anything less is essentially giving up free money.

Rule #3: Maximize your contributions.
The IRS sets limits on how much money you can contribute to your retirement accounts annually. If you can afford to, max out these contributions each year. The more money you save now, the more money you will have later, and the difference is exponential. The current 2017 contribution limits are:
  • Traditional and Roth IRA: $5,500 per year
  • 401(k) and 403(b): $18,000 per year

Ready to start planning for retirement? Let us help. The financial advisors at American Investment Planners, LLC have been helping individuals plan and achieve their retirement goals for more than 30 years.

To schedule an appointment with one of our consultants, please call (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

5 Places You Must Consider Living if You're Planning to Retire

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130


There's certainly a lot of factors that go into planning for retirement, but in our eyes one of the biggest is figuring out where you're going to live - after all, the cost of living differs in certain neighborhoods, towns, cities and states, so your decision will greatly impact what your retirement budget needs to account for.

If you're planning to retire in the near future, here are some of the best places to consider:

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is full of history, and the average property tax was recorded at $4,082. With 31% of the population being over the age of 55, this area is quickly proving popular for individuals looking towards retirement, and with a median home price of just $153,000, it proves rather affordable compared to many other places too. Not to mention, there is no state tax on Social Security benefits or retirement accounts of any kind, which is a huge, huge benefit!

Nashua, New Hampshire
There's a lot that makes Nashua, New Hampshire so appealing, but most importantly for retirees, it has low taxes and affordable housing. Additionally, there is no Social Security or pension tax, which would certainly be appreciated by anyone claiming retirement benefits. Situated near the White Mountains, the Atlantic Coast, and the ever-popular Boston, this is a great destination for retirees who have plans to travel and explore as well.

Hollywood, Florida
Florida has proven to be a major destination for many retirees, and we're not surprised. Specifically focusing on Hollywood, Florida, it's proven to be very affordable for many, and what you save in taxes will amaze you! And though this is the area where it's suggested you live, you're close by to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, so there's tons to do.

Sugar Land, Texas
Finding a place to live that offers a great quality of life is so important for retirees, and Sugar Land offers just that - not to mention, it also offers a pretty low cost of living too! Furthermore, there is no income tax here, and if you're a homeowner aged 65 or older, you get an additional $10,000 above the typical $12,000 homestead exemption.

Spokane, Washington
Heading all the way over to the west coast, a recommendation is to check out Spokane, Washington. Housing is extremely affordable here, with the median price being recorded around $150,000, and there is no state income or inheritance tax (though taxes are applied to any estates that are worth more than $2 million). And another huge benefit? Access to health care.

Something that we at American Investment Planners LLC can help you prepare for is relocation, so if you have plans to pack up and move elsewhere once you retire, we encourage you to sit down and speak with one of our advisors first.

To set up an appointment, please call (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.


Thursday, August 11, 2016

How to Figure Out How Much Money You Need to Retire

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130
Retirement Planning | Retirement Tips | American Investment Planners LLC
It doesn't matter if you've been at your job for two years or 20 years, you should always be concerned with making sure you have enough money in your savings account to retire when the time comes. However, we know that this certainly isn't as easy as it seems - there's a lot that goes into planning for the future.

One of the questions we bet you'll ask yourself as you start saving is "how much do I need." While we wish we could give you an exact number, the truth of the matter is that it is going to vary for every person depending on a number of factors. What we can give you, though, is what those factors are so that you can start planning accordingly - check them out below.

Your Cost of Living
This is especially important for those of you who plan to move to a new city or state after retiring - you'll need to understand exactly what your cost of living will be in a different place. For example, how much do homes typically cost or how much is rent? Even if you aren't moving, you'll also need to figure this out too - will your home be paid off by then? Will you still have a car payment? Having a good grasp on your monthly expenses is one of the best places to start.

Your Recreational Plans
Retirement gives you a ton of time to do the things you've always wanted to do, such as travel. However, these activities cost money too! That said, once you figure out your main expenses such as how much a home will cost, and a car, and basic things like utilities, you can then begin to think about all of the activities you want to pursue.

Your Projected Income
Aside from the income you'll have from savings accounts each month, you also need to take into consideration sources of income such as pensions and Social Security. When you know how much you can expect from sources like these, you can then figure out how much of your monthly expenses that will cover - whatever it doesn't cover should give you an idea of how much you'll need to take from savings accounts.

As we said earlier, there truly is no one answer for how much money you need to have saved by the time you're ready to retire. However, if you can approximate your expenses and estimate your projected income, you're halfway there! 

At American Investment Planners LLC, we understand how crucial it is for people to feel comfortable financially during retirement, which is why we want to help you with your retirement planning strategy. 

To learn how we can work with you on your portfolio and savings accounts such as a 401(k), please give us a call at (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com today.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

How To Help Loved Ones Adjust To Retirement

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130


Retirement Planning | Retirement
No matter how old we get and how many life experiences we go through, change is never really "easy." That said, it's helpful for adult children and other family members who have loved ones about to enter retirement to start discussing it with them and get them used to the idea. But talking about retirement isn't the only thing that should be done to help our friends and family start to feel more comfortable about their golden years - here are four other things you can do:

Work on their budget. Seeing how income will change can be overwhelming for soon-to-be retirees, so work on their new budget with them and talk things out - it may just help them become more comfortable with this particular change. 

Be encouraging. If your loved one will be moving into a retirement community or leaving their home and downsizing into something more affordable, be encouraging about the move and let them know that everything is going to work out just fine - it's always hard for people to leave the home they know and love!

Keep them busy. One of the biggest things that retirees have to get used to is having a lot of spare time on their hands, so make them a list of things that can be done to stay busy - for example, volunteering for their favorite charity, exercising or taking a class to learn something new. 

Plan to visit often. Especially if you know someone who has moved into a new home or retirement community, set up a schedule with them for when you can visit. It's not unusual for new retirees to feel a sense of loneliness during their first few weeks or months of their new life, so it's always helpful for them to see a familiar face.

Although most people can't wait until the day when they can finally stop working, in the back of their minds, they're probably a bit uneasy about how their life is going to change - but that's what you as their loved one is there for! A few of words of encouragement and help getting situated can truly go a long way.

Aside from what you can do to help your family and friends with retirement, the team here at American Investment Planners LLC is also available to help where financial planning is concerned! If you or someone you know has questions about their financial state and how things are going to change during retirement, contact us at (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com to set up an appointment with one of our advisors.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Five Signs That Tell You It's Time To Retire

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Retirement Planning | Retirement Tips
While there is a universally accepted retirement age to guide you in knowing when it's time for you to stop working, everyone has the chance to make their own decision and figure out if they should retire early, right on time, or a bit late. But what factors should be considered to find the answer? Below, we've put together a list of five signs that will confirm that the time is right:
  1. Your finances are in order. Since your retirement income will probably be different than what you receive while you work, you'll need to make sure that you can afford to retire before making any other plans. If your major debts are paid off, such as your mortgage or car loan, and you don't have too much outstanding debt to care for after that, you're probably in good shape!
  2. Your children's finances are in order. It's no surprise that children are expensive, and if yours are still relying on you to help cover certain payments (such as student loans), you may want to consider sticking it out in the workforce for the next few years. However, if your children are financially independent and no longer look at you as a source of income, it will be easier to retire as all of your savings will just be for you!
  3. You have health insurance. If you're approaching age 65, you'll need to make sure you are all signed up for Medicare so that your coverage starts as soon as possible. However, if you aren't eligible for Medicare yet, you'll need to have another source of health insurance that you can trust. Considering that medical expenses are quite costly, it's important that you have health insurance lined up so that your retirement savings don't get eaten up.
  4. You've tested a retirement budget. To really tell if you're ready to retire, create your post-retirement budget and try to live off of it for about six months. If you struggle to stick to the budget you implemented, keep practicing while you still have some extra cash flow from your current employer until you finally feel like you can work with what may be a lower retirement income.
  5. You feel ready. One of the biggest deciding factors in determining whether you are ready to retire is how you feel about it. If emotionally you feel like you need to keep working, do so. Retirement is certainly something that you'll need to get used to, so it's extremely important that you trust your gut and listen to what your heart is telling you.
Since almost every sign has to do with your financial state, the best thing you can do for yourself to be able to retire when you want to is to sit down with a financial advisor and create a retirement plan. Here at American Investment Planners LLC, we're staffed with many experienced retirement planners  and can help you develop a strategy that leads you to feeling financially secure after you've stopped working. To set up an appointment with a member of our team or for more information, please email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com today.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Fun Things To Do Once You Retire

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

After years and years of doing what their employer says and following their company's policies and procedures, retirement allows retirees to officially take control and decide what they want to do and when. And although most would jump at the opportunity to be the one who has the final say on how time is spent, don't be surprised if you don't know where to start when it's finally time for YOU to retire. No need to worry though, we're here to help! 

Below, we put together a list of fun and exciting things that you can do once your time has freed up.
Retirement Planning | Retirement Planning Long Island | Retirement Tips
Travel: Having to adhere to strict vacation policies can make it difficult to take that two week trip to a tropical island or to go backpacking around Europe for a month. So, use retirement to do all of the traveling you've dreamed about!

Take a class: It doesn't matter if it's educational or recreational, just get out there and learn something new! If throughout your career you wished you had the chance to pursue something else, take a course or two in that field. Or, if there's a new skill you'd like to learn or a current skill that you'd just like to improve on (perhaps cooking or art), think about taking a class on that topic too!

Exercise: It's important to be physically active every day no matter how old you are, so get together with some of your other retired friends and take a walk around the neighborhood or head to your nearest boardwalk or hiking trail!

Volunteer: Have a cause that you really care about? If you were pressed for time before, now that your schedule has lightened up, lend a helping hand to the organization or group of your choice!

Relax: Most importantly, take a little "me time" and do nothing but relax! Always remember that retirement is the time in your life where you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself, so give yourself the R&R that you deserve!

Before you do any of the above, though, make sure you dedicate some time to ensuring that you understand where your retirement income is going to come from and how much you have. If you have questions about your retirement savings accounts and how things will change once you officially hit retirement age, contact us by emailing info@americaninvestmentplanners.com (more information available on our website as well). We're staffed with experienced retirement planners and can help you get things all figured out before it's time to leave the office for good!

Monday, May 9, 2016

How To Make Extra Money During Retirement

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130


Financial Planning Long Island | Retirement Planning Long Island | Retirement Tips

Just because your typical 8-4 or 9-5 routine ends, that doesn't mean you are no longer able to bring in some extra cash. Yes, your retirement accounts will be waiting for you to use once you're no longer working, but there are plenty of retirees who continue to bring in an additional source of income (or two) that aren't a result of working OR their 401(k). With that in mind, the next time you have any doubts about making extra money during retirement, think about these ideas:

Sell Your Things
No, we aren't talking about your most prized possessions that have been passed down for generations - we're talking about the items that are starting to collect dust in your closets, basement and attic. It's true that "one man's trash is another man's treasure," so if you have any items that no longer interest you, consider having a garage sale and find them a new home.

Rent Out Your Home
If you plan to be a snowbird and fly south for the winter, use your empty home up north to your advantage and rent it out for the months you're no longer there. Similarly, when you're not down south, rent out that home too! So long as you're willing to take on the responsibility of being a landlord, this is a practical way to guarantee income on a monthly basis!

Utilize Your Skills
Do you have a skill that you truly enjoy using? For example, maybe you're an amazing baker or you enjoy crocheting. If you have something that you like to do on a daily basis that other people can benefit from, think about selling your creations! While some people might view this as a job, if you really enjoy what you're doing, you can think of it as a hobby that pays.

Help Your Friends and Neighbors
For those of you with neighbors who are still out in the working world, ask if they could use some help caring for their children or pets during the day. As someone that your friends and neighbors know pretty well, it's likely that they'll choose you to come into their home instead of someone they've only just met!

If you've ever thought that getting a part time job during retirement was the only option you had to keep your income flowing, we hope you'll think again - sometimes all you have to do is be creative and think a bit outside the box!

Here at American Investment Planners LLC, we understand how important it is to feel financially stable during retirement, which is why we offer comprehensive retirement planning services. To learn how we can help you have a successful financial future, give us a call at (516) 932-5130 to make an appointment with one of our professionals today.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Three Things To Do Right Before Retirement

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130


Retirement Planning Long Island | Retirement Planning | Retirement

Even for those of you who thrive on being in a work environment, let's face it - we all look forward to the day when the typical 9-5 routine comes to an end. And although you might have extensive plans for what you'll do, where you'll go, and what you hope to accomplish when you have a bit more time on your hands, there are a few things you should do right before you officially walk out of the office for the last time - here is what MarketWatch suggests:
  1. List out your goals: Similar to the bucket list you may have made for yourself when you were younger, create a list of goals you'd like to achieve during retirement. They can be as far fetched as traveling the world or as simple as making it a priority to exercise for a certain amount of time each day - it's entirely up to you! Our suggestion is to keep a journal where you can document the steps you take to achieve these goals so that you can follow your progress along the way!
  2. Reduce your budget: Even if you have an income that allows you to live on a larger budget before you retire, you'll want to start getting used to what things will be like after your income changes. That said, take some time to reduce your budget a bit so that you can figure out where you may need to cut costs when it becomes necessary to do so.
  3. Talk about retirement: One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to talk about retirement with your friends and family! Often times we aren't prepared for the psychological adjustment that retirement requires, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts on this life change with those that are closest to you. 
One thing is for certain - the more you prepare for retirement, the better, and we believe that by doing the above, you'll definitely enter this period of your life on the right foot! Additionally, don't forget to sit down with your family financial planner to discuss your retirement strategy. 

To learn how the team here at American Investment Planners LLC can help you with retirement and retirement planning, please give us a call at (516) 932-5130.

Friday, April 8, 2016

How To Determine What You Need For A Comfortable Retirement

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130


It's one of the most common questions people ask when it comes to retirement, and certainly for good reason - "how much money will I need?" While we wish we could offer an exact number, the truth is that the amount that's necessary for you probably won't be the same as your best friend or your neighbor, as everybody's circumstances vary!

To determine how much money you'll need to live comfortably, start by thinking about the following:
  • Your monthly expenses. Start by itemizing your current monthly expenses and see how much money is currently coming out of your account. Then, figure out if any of those expenses will be gone by the time you retire - for example, if you pay off your car, you'll no longer have a car payment. Estimating how much you'll need to cover your bills each month is the perfect first place to start when determining how much retirement income you'll require.
  • Your living situation. Where do you hope to live when you retire? Do you plan to stay in your current home or do you have dreams of packing up and heading to a popular retirement destination? If you hope to buy or rent a new home, you'll want to do some research to learn about the typical cost of living in that area.
  • Your recreational activities. Working a steady job can make it difficult for you to do all of the recreational activities you dream about, such as traveling. If you hope to use your freedom during retirement to finally do these things, you'll need to factor the cost of such into how much you're required to save.
So what's the next step after you get an idea about how much retirement will cost you? Meet with a financial planner, of course! When you sit down with a member of the American Investment Planners LLC team, you'll start to realize just how valuable having a professional by your side is! We'll learn about your long and short term financial goals as well as your investment philosophy so that we can develop a retirement savings strategy that results in you having exactly what you need.

To learn more about our retirement planning services, please call (516) 932-5130 today.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Three Things You Should Know About The Retirement Earnings Test

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

Retirement Earnings Test
Did you know? If you fall under the normal retirement age (often abbreviated as NRA), Social Security typically withholds the benefits you would receive if your earnings exceed a certain amount - this is called a Retirement Earnings Test exempt amount. But let's take a step back for just a moment and answer the question we bet you're asking yourself right now - what is the Retirement Earnings Test (RET)? Ultimately, the RET is a provision that is applied to individuals under the NRA to determine what type of benefits they will receive until they officially reach retirement age.

So what do you need to know?

Say you have already filed for Social Security and then an incredible job opportunity presents itself - should you avoid taking that job? No way! But if you do accept, here are three things you should know before saying yes:
  1. If for the entire year that you work you are under retirement age, $1 in benefits will be taken out for every $2 in income that is earned above the annual limit. For 2015, the limit is $15,720.
  2. During the year that you reach retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above a greater annual limit. For 2015, the limit for this circumstance is $41,880.
  3. As soon as the Social Security Administration sees that you are on track to exceed the annual limit permitted, they will likely start to withhold benefits immediately.
Now we know what you're thinking - where do these deductions go? Although you don't receive them at the time, your earnings aren't totally lost; once you reach full retirement age, your Social Security benefit amount will be recalculated. This way, you will likely receive a higher benefit as the years go on.

For more information about the Retirement Earnings Test and how it can affect you, be sure to connect with a member of the American Investment Planners LLC team! We specialize in retirement planning, which means we have all of the information needed to prepare you for collecting benefits whether before, during or after retirement age. 

To speak with one of our team members, please give us a call at (516) 932-5130 today.

Above information courtesy of Emerald Connect

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Am I Ready To Retire?

American Investment Planners LLC
500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753
(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

How to tell if you are ready to retire

After years and years of answering emails, taking phone calls and sitting behind a desk if your job requires it, it's only natural to start counting down the months and even days until retirement. Especially if you have found that your job is no longer what it once was or simply doesn't satisfy you professionally anymore, chances are you know the exact day and time that you are eligible to retire. Or, you may even be looking for ways to retire early! However, retirement isn't as easy as it sounds; you'll still have to keep up with the cost of living and find ways to support yourself even when the 9-5 routine ends.

So how will you know when it's officially your turn? If you feel confident about each of the following, then you are likely on your way to the next part of your future:

Your Financial Awareness: Knowing how your expenses are going to change is a huge part of the retirement battle. While some costs may be eliminated from your monthly expenses, new ones may take their place or other existing ones may increase. By being financially aware and knowing what type of expenses you will still be expected to cover, it will be easier to determine if you are ready to leave your job or not.

Your Income: Having a steady income is just as important in retirement as it is when you are still in an employer paid position. But where will you get your income from if you are no longer in the working world?  Although Social Security will kick in, it might not be available the moment you're looking to retire - usually it starts around age 62. Therefore, if you are interest​ed​ in retiring before that (and even if you aren't), you should be well educated on your 401(k) and/or your pension so that you know what type of additional income you are projected to receive at the time you plan on retiring. 

Your Debt: Debts of any kind will continue to follow you through retirement, so you will want to know how much you have and how you plan to pay it off while continuing to deal with other expenses. If you're struggling to keep up with the debt you have while you're still receiving a paycheck, you will want to find ways to minimize it as much as possible before leaving the job scene.

Your Benefits: What does your healthcare look like now? What will it look like if you are no longer employed? Although health insurance is available during retirement, it is important to be aware of when it will officially kick in; if you haven't reached that age yet, you will need to find an alternative means of coverage, which could be quite the expense.

Now, even if you feel uneasy about one or more of these ​four​ areas, that certainly doesn't mean that retirement is out of reach; at American Investment Planners LLC, we can get you where you need to be to feel more comfortable! Through our retirement planning services, our team of advisors will work with you to develop the most beneficial financial strategies that you can carry with you all throughout the retirement phase of your life. For more information, please contact us by calling (516) 932-5130 or emailing info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.

American Investment Planners LLC offers tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning and more to generations of families throughout the United States. More information about the services offered is available at www.americaninvestmentplanners.com.