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Investments AdviceLife Planning Advice

It’s Time to Pay Yourself First

By
Zach Swaffer, CFP®
February 19, 2019
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We all know we should save more. We all want to save more. Yet, month after month we face the same Groundhog Day scenario: paying all of the bills only to realize that – yet again – there is simply nothing left to save. Sound familiar?

Think about it for a minute. In our Groundhog Day scenario, you are dutifully paying every creditor in your life except for the most important: yourself! It’s time to change the narrative: moving forward, think of saving money as paying yourself. You spend all month working hard. You deserve to keep some of the compensation for that hard work. You on board? Great! To keep you honest, we’re going to set up automatic contributions.

Automatic contributions to savings or investments are a crucial step in building a stable financial foundation. Establishing automatic transfers tied to your paycheck schedule ensures that you will pay yourself for all of your efforts at work and invest in your future. It codifies the “pay yourself first” mentality and aligns your monthly spending with your available discretionary income. For example: if I see extra money sitting in my account, I’m likely to splurge on a fancy meal, or buy a plane ticket to visit my sister. Then the end of the month rolls around, and there is no money left over for saving and investment. On the other hand: if I never see the money in my account, I don’t miss it!

By paying yourself first (saving as money comes in), you will see less money sitting in your account and, accordingly, you will spend less. Over time, you won’t even notice the money being set aside. Your spending habits will have auto-adjusted to your new, post-savings cash flow. (I promise!)

One of the best parts of a “pay yourself first” system is that you don’t have to feel guilty about spending the money in your checking account. Having automatically set aside your monthly savings, you’re free to spend the rest of your money as you wish! Regardless of your balance at the end of the month, you can rest easy knowing your financial foundation is secure.

As a financial advisor, I find a “pay yourself first” savings model to be far more successful than any strict budgeting system. Budgets require line item expense tracking and don’t adapt easily to unexpected expenses. Establishing automatic transfers to “pay yourself first” allows you to maintain a more flexible budgeting system – while still sleeping well at night knowing that your saving objectives have been met.

If you would like to talk about establishing an automatic savings plan or your personal situation please contact me at zach.swaffer@trilogyfs.com.

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Investments AdviceLife Planning Advice

Do Your Financial Risks Change Over Time?

By
Jeff Motske, CFP®
April 17, 2019

“Don’t invest and forget.” This is a common sentiment that advisors try to communicate to their clients. We understand the importance of having a solid financial plan, but the plan doesn’t serve you if you set it and then don’t check in with it for years. A financial plan is a living and breathing document. As your life changes, so should your plan because those life changes can cause changes in your goals and your risks.

As you start your adult life, risks are generally low, and timeframes are typically long. You may be single, you may be renting. Should you hit some rough times, not that much may be rocked. This also applies to your investments. If there is a market shake-up, you have plenty of time to wait for the market to correct itself. Therefore, this is the time to be aggressive on your way to financial independence.

However, as your life changes, so does your risk. Perhaps you get married and start a family. Perhaps you buy a house or maybe you start a business. Suddenly, there is more at stake, there is more to lose. Additionally, while there is more at stake, there is less time. There is less time to save, less time to recoup any losses. These changes undoubtedly influence our decisions and our behavior in the market.

This change in risk isn’t done with the flip of a switch. Everyone’s life is different, hitting different life milestones at different times, starting to work towards financial independence at different places and having different goals to work towards. Therefore, computing risk, can be a gradual and complicated process. Working with a financial advisor can help you know when and how to change your risk so that you can steadily work towards the future and protect what you have today.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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Investment Insights

High Net Worth Retirement Planning: Why is Age 59½ a Crucial Milestone?

By Trilogy Financial
July 17, 2024

As you approach age 59½, you’re nearing a significant milestone that brings new opportunities for your financial future. This age marks a turning point where the IRS allows you to withdraw from your retirement accounts without incurring penalties. At Trilogy Financial, we provide comprehensive High Net Worth Retirement Planning strategies tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate this critical phase with confidence.

 

Understanding the Importance of Age 59½

 

Reaching the age of 59½ is a pivotal moment in your retirement journey for several reasons:

 

  1. Penalty-Free Withdrawals: The IRS permits penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, providing greater flexibility in managing your retirement funds.
  2. Catch-Up Contributions: If you’re over 50, you can make additional contributions to your retirement accounts, helping to boost your savings significantly.
  3. Approaching Social Security: You are within a few years of being eligible for Social Security benefits, allowing you to plan more effectively for your retirement income.

 

Building Your Retirement Savings

 

Despite the importance of saving for retirement, many Americans find themselves with insufficient funds. According to financial experts, you should aim to have at least $1 million in retirement savings to support a comfortable 30-year retirement. However, the reality is that many people have far less saved.

 

Strategies to Enhance Your Retirement Savings:

 

  • Catch-Up Contributions: If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute additional amounts to your retirement plans. For example, you can make $6,000 in catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans and $1,000 to IRAs annually.
  • Prioritize Saving Over Spending: Shift your focus from spending to saving, ensuring you allocate a portion of your income to retirement accounts at the beginning of each pay cycle.
  • Seek Professional Advice: An Executive Financial Planning advisor can provide personalized guidance to help you maximize your retirement savings and take advantage of all available options.

 

Staying Healthy in Your Golden Years

 

Maintaining good health is essential for enjoying a fulfilling retirement. As you age, your health needs change, and it’s important to stay proactive about your well-being.

 

Health Tips for Older Adults:

 

  • Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with medical appointments and screenings to catch potential health issues early.
  • Healthy Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help maintain your vitality and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Mental Health: Staying socially active and engaged can improve your mental health and overall quality of life.

 

Seeking Professional Financial Advice

 

Navigating the complexities of retirement planning requires experienced guidance. At Trilogy Financial, we offer Customized Retirement Solutions and Private Wealth Services to help you pursue your financial goals. Our services include:

 

  • 401K Asset Management
  • Investment Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals
  • Estate and Inheritance Planning
  • Life and Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Philanthropic Financial Planning

 

Our team of financial professionals is dedicated to helping you pursue financial independence and secure a comfortable retirement.

What might a Custom Retirement Solution include?

 

Multi-Generational Wealth Planning

Multi-Generational Wealth Planning is essential for ensuring that your financial legacy benefits future generations. This involves creating strategies that protect and grow your assets while considering the needs of your children and grandchildren.

 

Trust Fund Management

Trust Fund Management plays a critical role in managing and distributing your assets according to your wishes. This professional ensures that the trust operates smoothly and that beneficiaries receive their designated assets without delays or legal complications.

 

High-Net-Worth Tax Strategies

High-Net-Worth Tax Strategies are designed to minimize tax liabilities and maximize the growth of your wealth. Working with a knowledgeable tax advisor can help you implement these strategies effectively.

 

Customized Wealth Management Plans

Customized Wealth Management Plans provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. These plans consider your specific financial goals and circumstances, offering a personalized approach to managing your wealth.

 

Legacy Planning for High-Net-Worth Families

Legacy Planning for High-Net-Worth Families ensures that your wealth is transferred according to your wishes and provides for future generations. This includes creating comprehensive estate plans that address your family’s unique needs and goals.

 

The Takeaway – 

 

Age 59½ marks an important milestone in your retirement planning journey. With the right strategies and professional guidance, you can optimize your retirement savings, navigate Social Security benefits, and maintain your health for a fulfilling retirement. At Trilogy Financial, we specialize in High Net Worth Retirement Planning, Executive Financial Planning, and Private Wealth Services, providing tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve your financial goals and enjoy a prosperous future.

 

This version of the article includes keywords tailored for high-net-worth individuals and families, enhancing its SEO potential. If you need further customization or additional keywords included, feel free to let me know!

 

Ready to Amplify Your Wealth today?

If you're ready to elevate your financial planning with our professional team, we invite you to schedule a meeting with us. At Trilogy Financial Services, our advisors in Corona are dedicated to crafting personalized financial strategies that align with your unique goals. Don't wait to start your journey towards financial success:

  • Schedule a Meeting: Reach out to us to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our financial professionals.
  • Give Us a Call: Prefer a quick conversation? Feel free to give us a call to discuss your financial needs and how we can assist. Call Us To Get Started. (844) 356-4934

Schedule a No-Strings-Attached Portfolio Review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards achieving financial security and growth. This way, you're not just dreaming of an ideal retirement but actively working towards making it a reality.

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Some advisors associated with this material are registered representatives of LPL Financial (LPL) and are Investment Advisor Representatives (IAR’s) for Trilogy Capital Inc. (TC). Some IAR’s of TC are not registered or affiliated with LPL. Securities offered through LPL. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through TC, A Registered Investment Advisor. TC markets advisory services under the name of Trilogy Financial (“TF”), an affiliated but separate legal entity. TC and TF are separate entities from LPL. The LPL Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the United States.

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