Build loyalty by helping identify the retirement income sweet spot
And living will and trust planning as retirees age, their satisfaction with lifetime income sources only increases. Even high-net-worth retirees report greater happiness and financial peace of mind when they receive approximately $3,000 in additional guaranteed monthly income. This threshold creates an income floor that allows retirees to spend more freely without the fear of depleting their savings. But how much additional guaranteed income provides the greatest boost in retiree confidence and well-being? Wade D. Pfau, Ph.D., CFA®, RICP®, Professor of Practice, The American College of Financial Services Michael Finke, Ph.D., CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services
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American workers of all ages are in need of a retirement plan that grows with every dollar earned—whether in long-term jobs or freelance work, at small businesses or large—and that provides steady income that lasts for the duration of retirement. Guaranteed Retirement Accounts (GRAs) are universal, affordable, and portable accounts that provide workers with a monthly paycheck in retirement that lasts the rest of their lives. Whereas 90 percent of workers at establishments with 500 or more employees have access to a retirement plan, only half of workers at establishments with fewer than 50 employees do (BLS 2018). Guaranteed Retirement Accounts bridge the gap for workers who lack employer-provided retirement benefits and can change workers’ lives for the better. These investment portfolios could include passive funds modeled on the Federal Thrift Savings Plan Lifecycle Funds as well as actively managed funds designed to take advantage of the potential for improved risk-adjusted returns available to long-term investor


State plans are unable to ensure that employers contribute toward their employees’ retirement. Ten states have enacted laws designed to improve retirement security, and many more have introduced legislation (AARP 2019). The push for a federal retirement plan builds on activity in the states. By keeping things simple and leveling the playing field, the GRA plan helps small businesses remain competitive while still providing a retirement benefit for all employee


Select an agent or agents to help make medical and financial decisions for you in the event you become incapacitated. The same guardian or a designated guardian of the property can manage any assets intended for your children until they reach a certain age. You should name a trusted individual who can care for your minor children. If you have children under the age of 18, you should name a guardian in your wil


In general, estate planning involves creating legal documents like a will and living will and trust planning power of attorney that can help prevent a drawn-out legal battle. This guide, complete with an estate planning checklist, walks you through the basic steps in creating a comprehensive estate plan. But it’s an important step in ensuring your wishes are carried out after you die or become unable to speak for yourself. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Though they may be able to get access without your logins and passwords, providing them with this information in advance can allow them to access information much more quickl


Our attorneys can assist in reviewing and updating your estate plan to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. If you own a business, our attorneys can help you develop a comprehensive succession plan to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and management. We can advise on the appropriate use of trusts and other legal structures to shield your assets and safeguard your wealth for future generations. Our attorney can assist in protecting your assets from potential risks, such as creditors, lawsuits, or divorce. We will ensure that your estate plan complies with California laws and maximizes the available benefits and protections. Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s specific laws, regulations, and tax consideration

Create your personal financial statement
Or maybe you’re concerned about a daughter-in-law having access to your hard-earned wealth. For example, do you worry your son would blow his inheritance within a short period of time? In our survey, participants indicated concerns about how the money might be spent and who might have access to i


It's a good practice to review your estate plan every 3 to 5 years to ensure it still aligns with your current circumstances and goals. By setting up these documents, you ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones aren't burdened with unnecessary stress. An advance directive outlines what kinds of care you wish to receive or decline in certain situation

Choose the right executor or trustee
It's important to keep it in a safe, accessible place, like a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box, and to let your executor know where it is. Your will is a physical document that you create and sign, often in the presence of witnesses. A complex will, on the other hand, is used for living will and trust planning larger estates or those with more intricate financial situations, such as multiple properties or business interests. Your will is a set of instructions explaining how property owned in your name should be distributed after your passin