Plan To Retire

3 Steps to Retire Rich

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 09:52:00 PDT

Most people can retire rich. I am convinced of this. And it’s not a complicated process either. In fact, it’s very simple... not easy... but simple. You’re going to have to spend time and work hard. You might learn that you’re going to have start a weekend job or 2nd job. But I guarantee if you follow these steps, you will absolutely positively retire rich. Here are the crucial tips, as

Got Today's Coupon Card?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:38:00 PDT

There’s a subtle danger involved with the use of these cards: That the discount will tempt you into buying more cards than you need. Don’t buy anything that busts your budget. Even if it’s on sale. Enjoy and apply some juicy money saving advice, extracted from a great article originally published by Donna Freedman on Most Important Factor in Retirement Savings. Discounted gift cards are as good

1 in 4 Retirees Have NO Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:06:00 PDT

After record job losses, falling home prices and devalued investment portfolios, the recession has taken a toll on many Americans' financial well being. But retirees and those close to retirement, with little time left to rebuild their savings, face particular hardship. One in four Americans age 50 or older said they had exhausted all of their savings during the recession, while 67% at least

Making Your Will Quick and Legal

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:46:00 PDT

Your will tells people left behind who should get which assets. If you’ve decided that you need a will rather than a trust, it’s best to write it up sooner rather than later. If you don’t and die anyway, you’ll die intestate which means, without a will. If that’s the case, the Courts will decide everything and eat up lots of your assets in fees and costs in the process. You don’t want that to

Organizing a Profitable Garage Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:27:00 PDT

Garage sales, yard sales, junk sales... whatever you call them, they’re a great way to make extra money while ridding your home of unwanted Stuff. A well-organized and well-stocked garage sale can bring in hundreds of dollars, so it’s important to plan them out properly. Here's a sharp overview, written by Katy Wolk-Stanley of The Non-Consumer Advocate, a blog about frugality, food waste,

Luxury Investment?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sun, 29 May 2011 13:44:00 PDT

It never fails. Whenever I venture into a store, especially a clothing store, I inevitably hear the phrase that makes me want to stage an impromptu personal-finance intervention: “It’s an investment piece.” As in, “This jacket is a little pricey, but it’s a classic — an investment piece.” Or, “I need to invest in a pair of versatile black dress shoes.” I hear it in stores, I read it in

A Better Budget?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:33:00 PDT

For most people, budgeting is about as fun as a trip to the dentist. But using a budget doesn’t have to be a chore, and it can have huge benefits. If you pick a budget that fits the way you live, it can help you meet your goals more quickly. The key? Don’t think of a budget as a constraint. Real Life is a constraint; a budget helps you break free so that you can spend on what’s important to you.

Your Financial Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sat, 21 May 2011 13:28:00 PDT

Recently, I’ve gotten into indoor rock climbing. It’s a challenging activity, and frightening when you first begin. You need to really push the edges of your strength and flexibility. Once in awhile, if you happen to glance down and see how far off the ground you are, it can be terrifying. Which is to say, it’s a lot like managing your personal finances. Building Your Financial Safety Gear by

Worst Places to Retire

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:21:00 PDT

Worst Places to Retire for Weather and Natural Disasters by John Brady When it comes to selecting your best place to retire the weather, climate, and exposure to natural disasters can have a major impact on your retirement enjoyment. We think these are important factors to consider, along with cost of living, taxes, culture, proximity of friends and family, and recreational opportunities.

Investment Losses?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Fri, 13 May 2011 13:17:00 PDT

Investment Losses – When To Call A Securities Attorney You are a reasonable person. You know that even the best investments lose money at times. But there are times when broker fraud, scams and/or incompetence result in major hits to your financial position. That should not happen. Here’s an overview of those situations and what you can do about it. Mistakes, Errors and Omissions Your broker

Best Place to Retire?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Mon, 09 May 2011 10:17:00 PDT

Why Your Best Place to Retire Might Be… 2 Places Like most of our members you are probably working very hard on finding your best place to retire. Deciding whether your retirement destination will be where you live now, in the same community, or far away – there are so many possibilities it is hard to make a decision. This article is dedicated to another idea – that your best place to retire

Best Retirement Advisor?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sat, 07 May 2011 01:02:00 PDT

Why… and How to Pick the Best Financial Advisor for Retirement Most of us find it hard to admit the truth: when it comes to skills that require any degree of expertise, like financial advice, we are amateurs. Just like our skills in plumbing, electricity, architecture, medicine, software programming, or teach golf; it’s best to have an expert doing the work for us. This article will explain why

Is Renting A Good Investment?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Thu, 05 May 2011 05:55:00 PDT

“Should We Sell Our Home and Become Renters?” Selling your home now and becoming a renter might be a good move. I personally have a few clients who have done this and they love it. There are three main benefits and they are biggies: 1. Free Up Capital This won’t work happen if you upside down on your home and are putting together a short sale package. But if your home has equity in it, it’s

Romance on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:47:08 PDT

We all know times are tough and sometimes it's just easier to stay home than squeeze out a few bucks for your special someone. You don't have to miss memorable moments just because your wallet's a little light. 5 Cheap Date Night Ideas for Romance on a Budget Every couple appreciates some good date night ideas. These days, times are hard as we struggle just to pay the bills and keep up with

Estate Planning Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:49:28 PDT

Estate Planning Basics: What You Need to Know Knowledge of estate planning basics is not just for those with high net worth and the wealthy; planning for the future is everyone's business. The importance of a basic estate plan is that when you die without one (legally known as intestate), the courts will appoint an executor that will distribute your assets and who shall take care of your

Individual Retirement Accounts

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:47:57 PDT

6 Types of Individual Retirement Accounts There are a lot of individual retirement accounts to choose from. It is always wise to understand each of them to know which one suits you and your financial situation the best. Here are the more common types of IRAs: 1. Traditional IRA This kind of IRA is kept by a custodian, such as a bank or brokerage. It can be

How Will You Spend Retirement?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:48:28 PDT

PERSONAL FINANCE: Are you prepared for retirement? How would you like to spend your retirement years? Will your nest egg be able to provide the kind of lifestyle that you have become accustomed to and how much will it cost? Sadly, many people end up impoverished in their later lives or are totally dependent on their children or other family members. Yet other retirees are redefining retirement

Top Myths About Retirement Finances

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:48:52 PDT

Top 5 Retirement Myths 1. Your spending will decrease as you get older. Mainstream financial planning advises that you should use 75-85% of your pre-retirement expenses to figure out how much you will need in retirement. The reality is that, for most, expenses in retirement remain about the same. Sure, your grocery bill may go down a little because your kids have moved out, but more often than

How Much Is Enough Money To Retire?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:47:32 PDT

Do I have enough money to retire? My wife and I are 62 years old, have about $1.6 million in retirement savings and $250,000 in discretionary funds. We have no mortgage or debt payments. I get $12,500 a year from a pension and we both work part-time. We plan on taking Social Security at 64 and each should receive about $20,000 a year. Still, she worries about our finances and I can't convince

Retirees Scammed

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Clutton) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:07:22 PDT

Retired bus drivers lose everything in Ponzi scheme Bobby Bradley, a 70-year-old retired bus driver, was duped out of $215,000 -- his entire life savings. Now, he's desperate for any work he can get. The Gilberts were on track for a comfortable retirement until they lost their savings to a Ponzi scheme. "I've been looking for jobs but I'm too old, nobody wants to hire you at this age so it