High Inflation…It’s a Good Thing

By
Jim Young
July 21, 2022
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Ok now that you’ve recovered from falling off your chair after reading the tile of this blog, let me explain.

Inflation is one of the biggest challenges in achieving, and maintaining, financial independence. The low inflation we have experienced for decades has made many of us lazy when it comes to spending.  Now is the time to put some great habits into place that will reduce your spending now and will help even more when inflation get’s back to historical norms.

Here are some tips:

  1.  The days of clipping coupons seems to be a thing of the past.  Time to resurrect this time-tested way to save money.  Now it’s done electronically.  Click here for a great article on coupon apps.
  2. Bargain shop.  The meat department is the best place to shop for deals.  Supermarkets would rather greatly reduce the price on meat than throw it away.  I’ve seen bargains at 50% off.  And not to worry, the meat is still good.
  3. Dump the name brands.  I am a big name-brand guy however that is changing.  You can save 30-50% on certain items by going with the store brand such as Kroger at Ralphs.  Just today we saved 30% on peanut butter and couldn’t tell the difference.
  4. Use those credit card miles.  If you fly Southwest use their Chase Rewards Card.  This year alone I flew two of us to Hawaii roundtrip and flew myself to NY and used my miles.  Pretty much all carriers have credit cards they use for miles.
  5. If you shop at Ralphs use their Ralph’s Reward Card.  They have a great app that shows you year to date savings.  We have saved $500 so far this year.  You also get fuel points that you can used at Shell Stations.  I’ve saved as much as $.50 per gallon!
  6. This one is real hard for me but try to walk out of restaurants with a doggie bag.  I’m the type of person that if something is real good, I’ll clean my plate (thanks mom!).  But with portion sizes so big you should have no problem making two meals out of one.  Your wallet and belly with thank you!

 

These are just a few habits to help get you through this time of high inflation that could help your plan when inflation gets back to “normal”.

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By Trilogy Financial
February 20, 2024

In today's dynamic financial landscape, achieving robust financial growth necessitates more than just earning; it demands smart management of your wealth. Trilogy Financial Services exemplifies this ethos, providing a conduit to “amplify wealth” through professional financial planning.

 

 

How Are Financial Strategies Tailored to Individual Needs?

Trilogy's financial planners excel in tailoring strategies to your unique financial objectives. They ensure your money works smarter, not harder, covering areas such as:

  • 401k Retirement Planning
  • Wealth & Asset Management
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • Investment Strategies
  • College & Education Planning
  • Insurance Services

This holistic approach embodies the essence of “amplify wealth management”​1​.

 

What Expert Insights Are Offered for Investment Strategies?

Jake Claver, a finance expert, emphasizes the need for simplicity in investment strategies. He suggests having a diverse portfolio to reach long-term financial goals ​2​.

 

What Makes the Journey to Amplified Wealth a Collaborative Venture?

The journey to “amplified wealth” is a collaborative venture with skilled advisors.A Visual Capitalist survey reinforces this idea by revealing:

  • 74% of Americans engage in financial planning.
  • Only 29% work with a professional planner, emphasizing the potential for enhanced wealth management with professional guidance​3​.

 

How Does Trilogy Help in Bypassing Investment Pitfalls?

Investing in Trilogy’s expertise means bypassing common DIY investment pitfalls. Andrew Lokenauth, a seasoned financial planner, reinforces the significance of professional guidance in achieving financial security through smart investing​4​.

 

How Does Trilogy Contribute to Wealth Preservation and Growth?

With Trilogy, you're not merely preserving wealth; you're propelling it to new heights, embodying the essence of “amplify my wealth.” Did you know the alarming statistic that 42% of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement ​5​?

 

What Does the Signature Process and Professional Advisors Offer?

 

Trilogy's signature process and professional advisors offer:

  • Independent competitive portfolios
  • Tax-smart strategies
  • Real-time portfolio adjustments
  • Risk mitigation approaches

This tailored guidance fast-tracks your financial independence, allowing your money to work tirelessly towards pursuing your financial objectives​1​.

 

 

What Is the Track Record of Success Among Financial Professionals?

The Forbes/SHOOK Top Wealth Advisors have a strong history of success. Utilizing financial professionals who have trusted advisors can have a big impact on your wealth management. It also highlights the advantages of using professional financial planning services, like those provided by Trilogy Financial Services ​6​.

 

How Does Technology Optimize Financial Management?

Technology is important in changing finance, and Trilogy Financial Services uses advanced technology to increase wealth.Trilogy has personalized digital platforms that give you real-time insights on your finances, helping you make quick informed decisions.

 

  • Personalized Digital Platforms: Trilogy offers personalized digital platforms that provide real-time insights into your financial portfolio, enabling you to make informed decisions swiftly.
  • Robust Data Analysis: Utilizing advanced data analytics, Trilogy's financial planners can dissect complex financial data to unearth lucrative investment opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
  • Secure Digital Transactions: With a focus on security, Trilogy ensures that all your financial transactions are conducted securely, protecting your wealth from potential cyber threats.
  • Virtual Consultations: In an era where digital interaction is paramount, Trilogy facilitates virtual consultations with financial experts, ensuring that you remain on the right financial track, irrespective of regional constraints.

 

These technology-driven approaches not only streamline the financial management process but also provide a seamless, interactive experience. By integrating modern technology, Trilogy Financial Services demonstrates a forward-thinking approach in helping clients “amplify their wealth.” Combining financial advice and technology helps people grow their wealth. Trilogy is a great option for investors who want to succeed in today's digital financial world.

 

 

How Can You Embark on Your Pathway to Amplified Wealth?

“Amplified wealth” with Trilogy isn’t a distant dream, but a tangible reality awaiting your action. Engage with Trilogy Financial Services and set the cornerstone for a financially secure and affluent future.

 

 

By
Windus Fernandez Brinkkord, AIF®, CEPA
May 24, 2018

When planning for retirement, you need to look at multiple sources of income and be sure that some of the income sources are tax-free. The more, the better. So, how do you plan for a retirement income stream that minimizes overall taxation?

Four Instruments that Provide tax-free Retirement Income

Here are four great ways to provide yourself with tax-free.

  1. Roth IRA is a great retirement investment that can result in a steady stream of tax-free retirement income as long as they are considered qualified. However, you must qualify for an IRA and the requirements are adjusted year by year as is the amount eligible for savings. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change.

If you do qualify, money put into a Roth IRA is taxed when you receive it, so it is not taxed again when it is withdrawn. In 2018, the eligibility requirements are:

  1. Single or head of household, earning less than $120,000 to fully contribute to a Roth IRA.
  2. Married filing jointly or a qualified widow(er) earning less than $189,000 to fully contribute to a Roth IRA.
  3. Married filing separately earning less than $10,000 to fully contribute to a Roth IRA. (Note that those married but filing separately can use the limits for single people as long as they have not lived with their spouse in the past year)
  4. Municipal Bonds and Funds provide income distributions not taxable by the federal government though they are may be subject to state income tax. Because they are not subject to federal income tax, interest paid on these bonds is typically less than taxable bonds.

There is no income limit to investing in tax-free municipal bonds and funds.

  1. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available if your employer offers health insurance using an HSA. Combined contributions by the employer and employee to this account as of 2018 can be as high as $6,900.00 for qualifying plans.

Following the rules about which expenses are reimbursable, no taxes are paid on withdrawals.

In addition, the HSA funds and earnings can be held until retirement then uses to provide tax-free income by reimbursing the holder for past and current allowable expenses which include Medicare premiums.

  1. Roth 401(k) or 403(b) allow Roth contributions inside these accounts making those contributions and their subsequent retirement earnings, tax-free. These accounts are not subject to income eligibility limits but they are subject to taxes in the year that contributions are made.

Making the Most of Your Home

Another way to make a smart investment for your retirement is to pay off any mortgage that you have on your home before you retire which allows you to live in your home for the cost of property taxes and home insurance alone.

For many retirees, this is a huge reduction in their monthly expenses allowing the money be used elsewhere.

Get Started on Your Financial Life Plan Today