WOW. Who else can’t believe there are only about 2 weeks left in 2017?? As I’m still marking items off all my Christmas to-do lists, I’m also starting to think beyond surviving the final days of the holiday rush and toward my New Year’s resolutions for 2018.
Having just spent nearly $200 tonight on a Target run for “just” 3 gifts for weekend parties ($20 limit each . . . you do the math!), financial goals for the coming year are once again top of mind! You, too? Great. So . . . lucky for me and for you guys, an opportunity recently came my way to partner with a savvy Atlanta wealth investment firm for some great inspiration to get all of us moving down the right path. As they say, “It’s okay if you’re not old money.” . . . neither are they! The following post is sponsored, but I wouldn’t share unless I believed it is definitely worth the read on why, how and where you should be investing in your future now. Here’s to our best 2018!
Regardless of where the future takes you, it is always easier to travel there when you are financially prepared for the trip.
No one knows what the future holds. If the stories foretold in science fiction novels manifest into reality, we will soon be zipping through the skies in floating, car-like vehicles, sleeping in devices that look something like a pod for a time span measured in light years, and eating food made solely with molecular gastronomy. We can sit back and speculate about future politics and world order, the social implications of our current actions and attitudes, the financial outlook and the environmental landscape but we would be grasping at straws. What we can do is to plan and prepare as best we can for the future’s impending arrival.
During the holidays many of us busy ourselves with shopping, wrapping, baking, buying, celebrating and cheerfully ringing in a new year (see above!). We might sit down and create a list of priorities for a renewed spirit, a healthier disposition or a more studious attitude as January 1st gets closer and closer. How are you going to resolve to be the best version of yourself in 2018? Instead of looking at the short-term objectives — lose 10 pounds, read five books or disconnect from social media. Or maybe you take a more long-term approach. Why not resolve to start saving for your future? Consider starting and growing a retirement account which will be viable for many New Year’s Eve celebrations to come.
Why should I start saving now?
It is never too early to think about your future! In fact, according to AARP, “The typical advice is that you should aim to replace 70% to 90% of your annual pre-retirement income through savings and Social Security. For example, a retiree who earns an average of $63,000 per year before retirement should expect to need $44,000 to $57,000 per year in retirement.” Putting aside a sum of money of such size means the sooner you start saving, the more likely you are to achieve your goal. Plus, the earlier you approach your saving strategy, the more aggressive you can be with your investments.
How much should I save?
The answer to this question is different for each person, but a good rule of thumb is to set aside as much as you can, shooting for a savings of at least 10-15 percent of your annual income. It is also ideal to begin saving in your 20’s. If you are late to the investment game, you will naturally want to set aside more to make up lost ground. Lifestyle and habits also play a role, determining how much money you’ll nee to live comfortably after you retire from work.
Where should I invest my money for the maximum returns?
Do you put some or all of your money in a company-matching 401(k), a Roth IRA, a bank-offered CD, a mutual fund, bonds, or do you bury cash in a tin somewhere in your backyard? Diversifying your investments is always wise, but it can also be arduous and confusing. When it comes to investing, there are so many different options available. It may seem like you have to take on a new, full-time job in the financial industry just to understand it all. However, there is help available to guide you through all the smoke and mirrors.
Who should I trust?
When it comes to selecting an investment professional you want to ensure you are choosing a company or individual who has a track record of success and a reputation for integrity. The boutique wealth management firm of Benedetti, Gucer & Associates (BGA) is a great option, especially if you are in the Atlanta area.
Jaime Benedetti and Bob Gucer are the firm’s managing principals, and they have established a company culture of honesty, hard work and a commitment to clients. This is what they believe sets Benedetti, Gucer & Associates apparent from the competition. They work tirelessly to guide their clients through the financial landscape and its myriad of investment options. They take a holistic approach to protecting and maximizing clients’ wealth and they are committed to customizing an investment strategy to fit your goals, timeline and risk tolerance.
Let’s all ring in the New Year by resolving to create the future of our dreams and stop settling for someone else’s reality! Take the reigns to your destiny and manifest your ideal retirement, complete with financial freedom, by committing to invest now with the help of the financial advisors at Benedetti, Gucer & Associates.
DISCLOSURES
The views expressed represent the opinions of Benedetti, Gucer & Associates and are subject to change. These views are not intended as a forecast, a guarantee of future results, investment recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be construed as investment advice or to provide any investment, tax, financial or legal advice or service to any person.
Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on Benedetti, Gucer & Associates’ Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
The use of the term “RIA” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.