Frazier Allen: Are You Ready for an Encore Career?
September 24, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Four and a half million. That’s how many retired Americans, over age 50, decided to go back to work or take on part-time volunteer roles after retiring. And there are another 21 million who say they’re ready to join them, according to a 2014 Encore Career survey.
The reasons vary. Some want to make the most of their talents; some want social interaction; still others seek to keep their minds sharp and their bodies busy. The extra money doesn’t hurt either, especially since there are several unknowns that can cloud your retirement picture (e.g., longevity, inflation and long-term care needs).
More and more Americans are going back to work or volunteering after retirement.
Frazier Allen: Four Smart Withdrawal Strategies
September 5, 2016
Clarksville, TN – It’s official. You’re retired. As in, your days are yours alone. No early morning meetings. No deadlines. No paycheck.
Wait. What?
Without a job, you’ll no longer receive a salary. Something you’ve likely relied on every couple of weeks for the past 40 to 50 years.
It’s unlikely that Social Security alone will be enough to replace that flow of income and fully support your standard of living in retirement, which means it’s time to start drawing down the retirement income you’ve saved so diligently over the years.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance gives tips to protect you savings.
Frazier Allen: Social Security Myths and Misconceptions
September 3, 2016
Clarksville, TN – There’s no doubt about it. Filing for Social Security can be daunting.
On top of all that, there’s a ton of information – and misinformation – to weed through, as well as the need for some calculations based on several variables. Your benefits depend on your age, how long you’ve worked, what you earned, your marital status and number of dependents.
Seems like you have to factor in everything but your IQ. So to help, we offer some common misconceptions as well as some guidance on ways to get the most from your hard earned retirement benefits.
What you don’t know you don’t know and what you can do about it.
Frazier Allen: Are your estate and financial plans shock-proof?
August 23, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Retirement is a time to enjoy family, hobbies, travel, volunteering, and maybe even taking a job that sounds fun and keeps you active. You may be in great health today and can’t imagine a time when you wouldn’t be able to do all the things you’ve dreamed about.
While we all hope to live independently throughout retirement and plan to take care of ourselves, it’s still wise to put contingency plans into place, to shock-proof our financial and estate plans just in case.
Don’t wait until “what if?” becomes “what is.”
Frazier Allen: Declutter Your Retirement
August 22, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Leonardo da Vinci called simplicity the ultimate sophistication. Bruce Lee called it the key to brilliance. And Gandhi, who many believe was the definitive minimalist, said the secret of life lies in never missing material things.
What’s no secret is having less seems to be bringing more peace and happiness to those who have embraced this way of life. From small cars that counterpunched the SUV to tiny houses with their own television shows, it’s an increasingly popular choice.
Downsizing and minimizing clutter can be liberating when you make more room for your future.
Frazier Allen: Can Taxes Scramble Your Nest Egg?
August 20, 2016
Clarksville, TN – When it comes to retirement planning, we typically tally up our daily expenses – housing, transportation, utilities, food, insurance, healthcare, entertainment – and budget accordingly for enough income to cover those wants and needs.
But we may not factor in an annual expense we can’t avoid: taxes. One reason may be that our complex tax code treats various sources of retirement income differently, so it can be hard to estimate what you’ll have after taxes using back of-the-envelope calculations.
Proactive tax planning can help your retirement income last longer.
Frazier Allen: Where Your Retirement Money Goes
August 19, 2016
Clarksville, TN – As you consider a long, happy retirement, give some thought to the largest aspects of your budget.
Where your money actually goes may surprise you.
Wealth alone cannot buy a quality retirement any more than it can buy happiness – but having a solid financial foundation can make those years more enjoyable.
Where Your Retirement Money Goes
Frazier Allen: Your Retirement Plan B
July 12, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Imagine this. You’ve spent decades working, saving and planning for your version of the ideal retirement.
But life decides to throw a little kink into your plans. Your company was just acquired, and your boss is now strongly encouraging you to take an early retirement – five years before you’re ready.
Take the time to design an alternative retirement plan should retirement come earlier than expected.
Frazier Allen: Will Retirement Require a Passport?
May 26, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Retirement means different things to different people. Some envision their next chapter taking place abroad. Some want to stay at home for as long as possible. Others worry they may not have saved enough, so retiring elsewhere represents a way to stretch their dollars in areas with lower costs of living, as well as a way to experience other cultures.
Still others may see a retirement move as a new adventure. Whatever the reason, there are many things to consider when deciding whether to unwind in another country or right here in the States.
Frazier Allen: The new Social Security claiming rules
May 18, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Growing up, many of us viewed Social Security as a continuation of our work income, something we’d automatically receive upon retirement. Then reality struck, and we learned there’s more to claiming and receiving Social Security benefits.
So much more. And the strategies to maximize this important source of retirement income can be complicated.
One strategy, known as “file and suspend,” became popular among married couples. The higher earning spouse would file for Social Security benefits once he or she reached full retirement age (FRA) – and immediately suspend them.
Goodbye, File and Suspend. Now What? New rules eliminated this Social Security claiming strategy, but there are other options.
