In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home for Writers for Publishers Article Directory Article Search Contact
Directory of Ezines  
Products & Services
Article Distribution
Ghost Writing Services

Multiple Traffic Streams Report
Redneck Product Creation

Article Marketing Ebooks now available at: WritingPuzzle.com

Site Navigation
Home
+ FAQ

FAQ

+ Contact Us
+ Article Software

Use one of our Software Plugins to receive Articles from our site:

WordPress Content Plugin

Article Dashboard Content Plugin

+ About Us
+ Ebooks
+ Blogs
+ Social Media
+ Extra Pages
Search Tools
+ Search Our Articles
Article Directory
+ Authors
+ Articles
thePhantomWriters Blog
Get RSS Feed

Did Google Finally Kill Article Marketing Forever?
Early Indications Are That Google Farmer Update Loves Quality Syndicated Content
Detailed Insight into the Cooks Source Magazine PR Debacle
Increase Your Profits From Google Page One
Understanding How To Be Successful With Article Marketing
Temporary Issue with Article Distributions
Computer Upgrade
New Service Upgrades in Place
Are You Paying Too Much For Traffic? Increase Clicks 40-Fold With This PPC Strategy
How To Use Disinformation To Foul Up Your Competition In The SEO Game
Recommended Sites
Live Marketing Chat (Free) Saturday 8pm EST
Register for Notifications

 

 



In Fear of Retirement

Copyright (c) 2008-2012

Many baby boomers are staring at retirement like a deer caught on oncoming headlights. They are not sure what to do or what else to do. They fear that whatever they have in savings just might not be enough. Less than 1 out of 5 workers felt very confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement, according to the April 2008, EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey. And with good reasons, inflation is zooming at the same time that asset values are flagging.

By far the biggest assets of the Baby Boomers are the equity in their house and the balance in their 401(k) plan. Both of those have been going down lately. The median house price is already down 13% from last year and some like Goldman Sachs think that prices could fall by 30%, wiping out the equity for million of homeowners.

Meanwhile employees are growing more skeptical that their 401(k) will even keep up with inflation. According the Financial Times, between March 10, 2000 and January 31, 2008, the average annual return from the S&P 500 was 1.52%. That's nearly eight years of diminutive return on stocks - so much for the hypothetical 8% average projected stockmarket return widely used by financial planners.

Is this current slowdown different from other slowdowns? Will the economy recover in short order? We don’t know, because several aspects of this slowdown are unique in historical context that make the situation unnerving. While the economy will find a new equilibrium and stabilize eventually, for Baby boomers the timing of the recovery and duration of this slowdown are critical to their ultimate financial well being.

The first of the Baby Boomers turn 62 this year. About 10,000 per day will reach that age for the next two decades. Clearly those around 60 have fewer options and chances to recover from a bad hit on their assets than those in their 30’s and 40’s.

There are several steps Baby Boomers can take to protect their financial standing. One of those steps is to reduce their debt, especially debt from high interest rate credit cards. Many cards charge anywhere from 20% to 30% interest on credit balances. That means that an item can end up costing more to finance than to purchase.

For example, an owner pays $5,000 by credit card to replace a leaky roof. By paying $100/mo at 21% interest it will take 119 months to pay off that debt, for a total cost for the repair of $11,900, ($5,000 to the contractor and $6,900 to the bank).

It is better to pay with cash if available, or to use credit with lower interest. Unfortunately, with declining home prices low interest rate equity loans are getting harder to obtain. Another source of credit could be a 401(k) loan. That’s because with a 401K loan:

  • There are no taxes and penalty on early withdrawal as long as the loan is repaid on time according to the loan terms.
  • The 401(k) loan is set as low as prime rate, recently at 5 1/4%, is fixed for the 5 year normal term of a 401(k) loan.
  • The interest paid on a 401(k) loan is credited to the 401(k) account - so borrowers pay interest to themselves, not to a bank or other lender.

  • Employees should ask their employer if their 401(k) plan allows loans. Those who are self-employed, such as independent contractors and individuals with their own business (part-time or full-time) can set up their own Self-employed 401k with a loan feature.

    One can transfer funds from IRAs, 401k from a previous employer, SEP plan or other qualified retirement funds to a Self-employed 401(k) and borrow up to a maximum of $50,000 or 50% of the account balance, whichever is less. Defaults on 401(k) loans are subject to taxes and a possible 10 percent early withdrawal penalty on any outstanding 401(k) loan balance.


    About The Author:
    By Daniel Lamaute, Lamaute Capital, Inc., http://www.InvestSafe.com. Lamaute Capital is an investment firm that specializes in setting up retirement plans for small business owners and non-profit organizations.

    Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter (@phantomwriters)
    to be notified when new articles are made available.


    VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
    Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

    Tell our authors what you think about their article.


    Top-Level Category: Finance Articles

    10 Most Recent Articles Written by Daniel Lamaute

    Finding Money in a Credit Crunch
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-10-28 | Word Count: 525 | Page Views: 1044 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.00
    The credit crunch coupled with a recession means that access to capital has become scarce for most businesses and individuals alike. The crashing home prices have wiped away the ability of most individuals and small business owners to obtain cash from home equity withdrawals or in refinancing their house.

    Consolidating of High Rate Credit Card Debt with a 401K Loan
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-04-23 | Word Count: 406 | Page Views: 1924 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.29
    Banks are putting the squeeze on even their best long term card holders at a time when other sources of credit, such as home equity loans for example, are harder to come by. A lot of people are shocked to receive notices that their credit card rate has jumped to as high as 28 percent even though they've kept good credit and an excellent payment history.

    Using a 401K Loan to Stop Foreclosure
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-02-11 | Word Count: 465 | Page Views: 5588 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.29
    A bankruptcy or foreclosure can cripple one's ability to obtain decent credit for many years. In addition, some employers and landlords won't hire or rent to a candidate with terrible credit history. Thus, it is a good idea to discuss all options with a financial planner before ending in bankruptcy or foreclosure.

    Starting A Business After Retirement
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-23 | Word Count: 565 | Page Views: 1516 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.33
    For a lot of people retirement is but a transition that frees them to live their dream of running their own business. Census figures show that about 20 percent of those in their 50s were self-employed. But, twice that, a whopping 40 percent of those working past age 70 are in business for themselves.

    Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 6840 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.65
    Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans. While the regulations generally don't take effect until January 1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.

    401K Loans for Emergencies
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-10 | Word Count: 343 | Page Views: 1469 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.00
    For many people the quickest way for them to access an emergency loan quickly is to tap their credit cards, or their retirement account. But these methods have their drawbacks. Credit cards generally carry high double digit interest rates and wicked fees. On the other hand, early withdrawals from an IRA or 401K can trigger tax and penalties of up to 45% of the money withdrawn.

    Tax Free Retirement Income with the Roth IRA and Roth 401(k)
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-09-26 | Word Count: 435 | Page Views: 1679 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.56
    Under this year's new tax rules it's possible to have a Roth 401(k) in addition to a Roth IRA for Tax Free Retirement Income.

    The Individual 401k - BIG Business Benefits For The Home Business
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-04-18 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1
    Major mutual fund and investment management companies now offer self employed individuals 401k plans that are easy to install and administer at very low cost. What's more independent contractors and small business owners can borrow part of their retirement savings tax-free and penalty free by taking advantage of a loan provision in these new plans.

    Unemployment May Require a 401(k) Defensive Strategy
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-04-11 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1
    We all plan and prepare for what lies ahead of us, but can we truly know what our future holds? In all of our planning, we never seem to account for that Mack truck barreling down the freeway, out of control and on a direct path for our vehicle.

    Finding Debt Relief in Stressful Financial Times
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-03-01 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1
    With consumer debt at this all-time high, debt consolidation may be a good move for a large number of American consumers.

    All of Author's Articles on this site:

    Most Recent "Finance" Articles

    Understanding Your 401(k), IRA and Other Pre-Tax Investments
    Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-08-03 | Word Count: 1005 | Page Views: 1130
    What does all of the bad economic news mean to you, the average investor. Well, if you are still working and contributing to your pre-tax 401(k)'s, 403(b)'s, or IRA savings your strategies for salvaging your retirement will include reviewing all of the investment options found in your 401(k), etc.

    Xerox Follow Apple on the Comeback Trail
    Written by: Jennifer Robinson | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 1238 | Page Views: 1591 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
    In many ways the companies share similar fortunes. Apple (founded by Steve Jobs, Stephen Wozniak, Ronald Wayne) produced the first successful personal computer with a graphical operating system. Xerox (founded by Chester Carlson, Joseph C Wilson) were the inventors of Xerography (later called the photocopier).

    Payday Advance Loans Are Now Only One Toll Free Call Away
    Written by: Tom Tierney | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 599 | Page Views: 894
    A friend of mine recently went through financial troubles and asked me, knowing that I'm a finance writer, if I could push him in the right direction for a short term loan to help out with his expenses. Here's his story:

    Stock Market Falls Sharply
    Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 879 | Page Views: 1026 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 1.00
    The stock market has been having a bad week. Wednesday the market ended the day down over 300 points. I heard reports that this was the result of investors taking their profits. Happens all the time. Then within a few days, the prices on many great stocks is so low that the investors are buying the stocks right back up.

    Finding the Best Credit Card Applications
    Written by: Jeffrey Weber | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 403 | Page Views: 825
    Online credit card applications can be confusing. That's the way the banks want them. This article will help eliminate some of the confusion.

    Do You Know the Difference Between an Investment Advisor and a Broker?
    Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2010-03-11 | Word Count: 408 | Page Views: 1129 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 4.25
    As an fee-only investment advisor I come across clients from all walks of life. Lately I have noticed something in common with many of these investors. Many do not know the difference between an investment advisor and a broker who manages and/or makes securities recommendations for their clients' investment portfolios. With the almost unprecedented volatility in the securities markets, you cannot afford to dig your head in the sand when it comes to whom is managing your assets.

    Understanding Term Life Insurance and Getting Quotes
    Written by: Brian Greenberg | Distributed: 2010-01-13 | Word Count: 520 | Page Views: 1114 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 2.00
    Buying term life insurance can be a scary process but understanding the different types of life insurance can remove the fear. What you should know about term life and how requesting life insurance quotes online can be easy and very convenient.

    The Decline in the Personal Savings Rate - What Happened to the Discipline?
    Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2009-12-15 | Word Count: 873 | Page Views: 974 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 3.50
    As more and more American baby boomers are nearing and entering their retirement years, many of them are concerned about whether their retirement savings will last them long enough to ensure their current quality of life, and rightly so.

    What My Mother Taught Me About Credit Cards And Family Finances
    Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2009-12-01 | Word Count: 1285 | Page Views: 1617 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.74
    My mother is an amazing woman. She made some of the hardest jobs imaginable look easy. No matter how hard her day was, she always had a smile and perfect hair.

    Student Credit Cards Can Help Lay The Foundation For Prosperous Adult Living
    Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2009-11-24 | Word Count: 948 | Page Views: 1533 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.82
    Credit is one of the most fundamental aspects of the financial structure we have built our society. In fact, a great credit score can be one of the most valuable assets an individual will ever have in his or her life.

    Most Viewed "Finance" Articles

    Using a 401K Loan to Stop Foreclosure
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-02-11 | Word Count: 465 | Page Views: 5588 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.29
    A bankruptcy or foreclosure can cripple one's ability to obtain decent credit for many years. In addition, some employers and landlords won't hire or rent to a candidate with terrible credit history. Thus, it is a good idea to discuss all options with a financial planner before ending in bankruptcy or foreclosure.

    Why Over 3,000 US Companies Have Chosen the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to Go Public
    Written by: Ron Crowe | Distributed: 2008-07-31 | Word Count: 786 | Page Views: 4009 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.38
    The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest trading centers for securities, has over 3,000 United States companies listed. North American and other foreign companies are choosing Europe, over the United States, to go public because of the punishing Sarbanes Oxley Act introduced in the United States in 2002.

    A Better Way To Sell A Structured Settlement - Via Auction
    Written by: Clayton Frantz | Distributed: 2007-11-30 | Word Count: 1342 | Page Views: 3810 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.75
    Structured settlements were introduced in Canada and the United States in the 1970's. They were introduced as an alternative to lump sum payments, common in insurance settlements and lottery winnings. In the decades since, they have also been accepted as legal financial instruments in England and Australia. In a nutshell, a structured settlement by legal definition is a statutory agreement to pay a specified sum of money over a period of time, on a payment system.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual and Group Health Insurance
    Written by: Kevin Kielty | Distributed: 2009-04-01 | Word Count: 639 | Page Views: 2878 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.78
    The cost of individual and group health insurance coverage varies greatly as does the type of coverage they both offer. Making the switch can bring some surprises.

    How to Hide Assets
    Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-19 | Word Count: 507 | Page Views: 2711 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.00
    How to hide your assets by repositioning your assets through an irrevocable trust with an independent trustee.

    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Why Your Broker May Not Be Recommending The Most Competitive Annuity
    Written by: Tom Hamlin | Distributed: 2006-05-12 | Word Count: 1036 | Page Views: 2606 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.90
    There are over two thousand life insurance companies offering over fifteen thousand different annuities, and they run the gamut from horrific (I wouldn't offer it to an enemy) to outstanding...

    Identity Theft: The New Threat to Your Credit
    Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-24 | Word Count: 363 | Page Views: 2457 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.00
    When we think of thieves, images of burglars creeping into homes and apartments come to mind. However, there are new thieves that can take much more than your money or possessions. If your personal information falls into the hands of an identity thief, your credit and finances can be ruined.

    Micro Lending: Find Your Voice And Inspire Others To Find Theirs
    Written by: Robert Thornton | Distributed: 2008-04-23 | Word Count: 748 | Page Views: 2437 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 2.57
    Many, many thousands of people in the third world have achieved economic independence through the pioneering work of internationally revered Nobel prizewinner Muhammad Yunus. As the founder of the Grameen Bank, the world's first lending institution to focus solely on providing unsecured start-up capital for the working poor, Professor Yunus has gained world-wide recognition and a slew of awards for his extraordinarily effective efforts.

    9 Questions To Answer Before You Prepay Your Home Mortgage
    Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-08-02 | Word Count: 1257 | Page Views: 2406 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 2.25
    We are all different. At different times in our lives we have different goals and needs. You can ask different experts in financial planning, Texas mortgage brokers, and your banker "should I prepay on my home mortgage?" and you will get answers from "that is the greatest idea" to "that will be the worst financial mistake you will ever make". So what is a person to do? Let us look at 9 things you need to consider and have answered before you "prepay your home mortgage".

    Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs
    Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-24 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 2338 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.44
    About protecting senior/elder assets before entering nursing home. Planning for your retirement by reducing your nursing home costs has to be done early and definitively 5 years before you plan to get sick. If offering is a taxable gift then taxes are paid on the gift by the transferor; oppositely, the receiver obtains the gift tax-free.

    Highest Ranked "Finance" Articles

    Identity Theft: The New Threat to Your Credit
    Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-24 | Word Count: 363 | Page Views: 2457 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.00
    When we think of thieves, images of burglars creeping into homes and apartments come to mind. However, there are new thieves that can take much more than your money or possessions. If your personal information falls into the hands of an identity thief, your credit and finances can be ruined.

    A Recipe for Good Credit
    Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-17 | Word Count: 369 | Page Views: 1315 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.57
    If your credit is not as good as you want it to be, take action now! It's easier than you think to improve your credit.

    Why Should I Invest In Mutual Funds?
    Written by: Eric Krammer | Distributed: 2008-01-29 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 1338 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.50
    Hoping that the lottery will make you rich is as unreasonable. However, mutual funds have proven that they are a good investment tool that has been successfully used by many, which has resulted in accumulation of a real fortune.

    Equipment Financing and The Five Cs of Credit Evaluation
    Written by: Sean Marten | Distributed: 2007-10-17 | Word Count: 698 | Page Views: 1363 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.50
    Equipment financing lenders, as well as banks, use the Five Cs to evaluate loan applications: Character, Credit, Cash Flow, Capacity and Collateral. However, while banks look at small-to-medium size companies from a Fortune 500 perspective, equipment financing companies see applicants from a small business perspective, which highlights a sixth C: Common Sense.

    Reverse Mortgage Costs Are Not Too High
    Written by: N. Sioris | Distributed: 2008-07-29 | Word Count: 1120 | Page Views: 1073 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.50
    Reverse mortgage costs are repeatedly cited as one of the main reasons for seniors not to get a reverse mortgage loan. However, the same folks that harp on costs as being a reason not to use this financial resource rarely offer a less expensive option or an alternate proposal. Don't fall into the trap of listening to the negative hype without doing your own research. Find out what the true costs are and whether they are justified or not. Compare the cost of a reverse mortgage to the cost of selling your home, downsizing or moving into assisted living. Pull back the curtain and take a good look, then make your own determination. Don't base your decision on an uninformed friend, relative or media reporter.

    Taking Advantage of the Stock Market
    Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-07-09 | Word Count: 738 | Page Views: 1008 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.50
    Is the market rebounding? The Dow, leveling out each week because it gets a rise in the market one day and a pullback the next day, comes from investors' taking their profits. This will probably continue for a year or so until the really large investors such as Hedge Fund Managers, Institutional Investors like Mutual Fund and 401(k) managers start purchasing the really great stocks at lower prices for the longer term. You may have questions... This article will show you how you can take advantage of the current stock market conditions...

    Medicaid Asset Protection
    Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-23 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 1427 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.43
    Learn how to include senior Medicaid asset protection as part of your senior tax planning strategies. What are the tax implications of Medicaid and why it needs to be planned carefully? About seniors Medicaid asset protection as part of the senior tax planning strategies. Explains the new 5-year look back provisions for seniors to qualify for Medicare assistance into nursing home program.

    How to Invest in a Rough Economy: Investment Advice from the Experts
    Written by: Sarah Simmons | Distributed: 2009-07-08 | Word Count: 692 | Page Views: 865 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.38
    The stock market crash of 2008 lost many investors a lot of money, and had many other investors bailing out of stocks for the safety of savings and checking accounts, treasury bills and gold. However, it is still possible to invest - and yes, even make money - during the current rocky economy.

    Section 179 - 4th Qtr Tax Saving Strategy for Small Business
    Written by: Sean Marten | Distributed: 2007-12-05 | Word Count: 345 | Page Views: 2051 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
    Use the power of available deductions to boost your business's bottom line in 2007. Purchase new or "new to you" used business equipment now. Then place it in service by December 31st to realize exceptional tax savings.

    Why You Should Buy a Home Now
    Written by: Clint Wooley | Distributed: 2007-01-09 | Word Count: 588 | Page Views: 1418 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.22
    These days there is literally too much information for first time homebuyers to make a decision sometimes. Fear can prevent first time home buyers from ever acting on their dream of home ownership. When you look at facts, though, buying a home makes as much sense now as it ever has.







    Article Reprint Rights
    Creative Commons License

    This work is
    licensed under a
    Creative Commons
    License


    You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
    Article Publishing Tools
    Print Article
    Email-to-Blog
    HTML Source Code
    Text Newsletter Format
    Link Back HTML

    Blog Publishing Tools

    Internal ID: #6017
    Article Statistics
    Word Count: 646

    Total Views: 1286
    Views This Month: 25
    Views Last Month: 35

    Article Rating: 3.86 of 5
    Votes Cast: 7

    Author Overall Stats:

    Times Viewed Overall: 20299
    Author Rating: 2.64 of 5
    Votes Cast Overall: 80

    More Articles By Author:




    Article Title Search:

    Widow Search
    Right Blinker
    Google
    Yahoo!
    Zuula
    Bing
    Cuil

    Last Distribution Date:
    2008-05-08 11:12:00






    All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2012 of the Defined Authors.

    All other material and images on this site are:
    Copyright © 2001-2012, ThePhantomWriters.com

    Local Marketing Consultant