Focus on You: Strategies You Can Control for A Better Financial Future

By Trilogy Financial

January 7, 2019

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When we look outwards, most of our world can seem like chaos. Political events impact the market. Technological changes create new employment opportunities and put others to rest. Illness and misfortune affect those we love. It is easy to fall under a sense of helplessness in these moments. The key to weathering these storms is to focus on the elements you can control to make for a better financial future.

The first step is to create a solid plan. Many hope for a good outcome, but hope is not a strategy for a sound future, financial or otherwise. Your plan should reflect personal and financial goals. If you have created a personal mission statement, the goals in your plan should be inspired by that. The key aspect to a plan is that it identifies possible issues and gives you concrete steps to take to weather any storms.

Part of your plan should always include paying yourself first. There are going to be numerous obligations and goals to funnel your finances towards. Be sure that saving for your financial independence is one of them because there aren’t any do-overs when it comes to retirement savings. Just as important as saving is how you save. Make sure to fill your three buckets for more financial flexibility when you retire. The more options you have, the more control you have over your financial future.

After all that work, make sure to protect your plan. Life insurance will cover your debt and obligations, should you pass. Other forms of insurance can also provide during retirement or should you become disabled. Preparing for unfortunate or far-off events is a difficult thing for many to do, but a little planning in this area can protect everything you’ve worked so hard for, for your loved ones and your legacy.

None of us can see the future or know what tomorrow will bring. With a little forethought and planning, though, you can make sure you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way. Be sure to focus on what you can control and those strategies will help you build a better financial future.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Have you ever noticed when you turn on the news, the media is either panicked because the markets are down or celebratory because the markets are up? This may make for fun entertainment, but it can also impact people’s emotions, which are dangerous when they affect investment choices and financial decisions.

While you shouldn’t hide your head in the sand when it comes to the news, there’s a fine balance between staying up-to-date and obsessively following every market change.

The Problem with the News

Many people think watching the news will help them decide what financial or investment decisions to make. The problem with this is that the news is late, especially in terms of investing.

Capital markets efficiently price in all widely known information. As soon as news is available to the public, it becomes reflected in share prices. Therefore, looking at the same things as everyone else doesn’t give you a leg-up on other investors.

Additionally, we know that most news stations have a bias or slant. Many major networks tend to lean either right or left, and this can actually impact the type of actions they suggest in terms of financial decisions. Furthermore, when their guest is the head of a bank or works for a credit card company, you’ll want to be aware that their advice may be biased.

The Information to Turn to Instead

One of the best solutions is to ignore the pundits and spend more time sticking to your personal financial strategies and investment plan. It may sound crazy for me to suggest this, but I’ve found that it helps my clients feel less stressed and less likely to make emotionally driven decisions.

It takes training to tune out the media noise levels and focus on your long term plan. It is tough to do, but with a little coaching, you can feel less stress from media influence and more focused on your plan.

Let Your Advisor Do the Heavy Lifting

While working with a financial advisor is a collaborative approach, requiring work on both ends, it can be helpful to rely on your advisor for staying up-to-date on financial news and investment trends. Part of an advisor’s job is to stay current with financial news and changes in the markets. Your advisor will then suggest changes, if needed, based on your personal goals and needs.

Stick to Financial Wellness Tips

While listening to the news and recommendations of pundits can lead to emotional decision-making, reading general articles and blogs about financial health and wellness can be beneficial, and even motivating. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of blogs out there that share tips on sticking to a budget, savvy ways to save money at the grocery store, and how to find the best credit card rates. These sources of information can help you maintain a healthy outlook regarding money and keep you motivated to stick to your financial goals.

How I Can Help

As an independent advisor, my personal goal is to provide my clients with guidance that can help them understand and better define their financial goals. I stay up-to-date with the latest financial news, trends, and market shifts so my clients don’t have to. I hope to allow them the time to focus on their passions in life knowing I am here proactively monitoring their investments and financial strategies.

To learn more about how I can help you focus less on media noise and more on your passions in life, contact me for a no-strings-attached meeting. We can discuss your goals what strategies can help you pursue them. Call my office at (949) 221-8105 x 2128, or email me at michael.loo@lpl.com.

Investment Insights

High Net Worth Retirement Planning: Why is Age 59½ a Crucial Milestone?

By Trilogy Financial

July 17, 2024

As you approach age 59½, you’re nearing a significant milestone that brings new opportunities for your financial future. This age marks a turning point where the IRS allows you to withdraw from your retirement accounts without incurring penalties. At Trilogy Financial, we provide comprehensive High Net Worth Retirement Planning strategies tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate this critical phase with confidence.

Understanding the Importance of Age 59½

Reaching the age of 59½ is a pivotal moment in your retirement journey for several reasons:

Penalty-Free Withdrawals: The IRS permits penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, providing greater flexibility in managing your retirement funds.
Catch-Up Contributions: If you’re over 50, you can make additional contributions to your retirement accounts, helping to boost your savings significantly.
Approaching Social Security: You are within a few years of being eligible for Social Security benefits, allowing you to plan more effectively for your retirement income.

Building Your Retirement Savings

Despite the importance of saving for retirement, many Americans find themselves with insufficient funds. According to financial experts, you should aim to have at least $1 million in retirement savings to support a comfortable 30-year retirement. However, the reality is that many people have far less saved.

Strategies to Enhance Your Retirement Savings:

Catch-Up Contributions: If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute additional amounts to your retirement plans. For example, you can make $6,000 in catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans and $1,000 to IRAs annually.
Prioritize Saving Over Spending: Shift your focus from spending to saving, ensuring you allocate a portion of your income to retirement accounts at the beginning of each pay cycle.
Seek Professional Advice: An Executive Financial Planning advisor can provide personalized guidance to help you maximize your retirement savings and take advantage of all available options.

Staying Healthy in Your Golden Years

Maintaining good health is essential for enjoying a fulfilling retirement. As you age, your health needs change, and it’s important to stay proactive about your well-being.

Health Tips for Older Adults:

Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with medical appointments and screenings to catch potential health issues early.
Healthy Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help maintain your vitality and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Mental Health: Staying socially active and engaged can improve your mental health and overall quality of life.

Seeking Professional Financial Advice

Navigating the complexities of retirement planning requires experienced guidance. At Trilogy Financial, we offer Customized Retirement Solutions and Private Wealth Services to help you pursue your financial goals. Our services include:

401K Asset Management

Investment Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Estate and Inheritance Planning

Life and Long-Term Care Insurance

Philanthropic Financial Planning

Our team of financial professionals is dedicated to helping you pursue financial independence and secure a comfortable retirement.

What might a Custom Retirement Solution include?

Multi-Generational Wealth Planning

Multi-Generational Wealth Planning is essential for ensuring that your financial legacy benefits future generations. This involves creating strategies that protect and grow your assets while considering the needs of your children and grandchildren.

Trust Fund Management

Trust Fund Management plays a critical role in managing and distributing your assets according to your wishes. This professional ensures that the trust operates smoothly and that beneficiaries receive their designated assets without delays or legal complications.

High-Net-Worth Tax Strategies

High-Net-Worth Tax Strategies are designed to minimize tax liabilities and maximize the growth of your wealth. Working with a knowledgeable tax advisor can help you implement these strategies effectively.

Customized Wealth Management Plans

Customized Wealth Management Plans provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. These plans consider your specific financial goals and circumstances, offering a personalized approach to managing your wealth.

Legacy Planning for High-Net-Worth Families

Legacy Planning for High-Net-Worth Families ensures that your wealth is transferred according to your wishes and provides for future generations. This includes creating comprehensive estate plans that address your family’s unique needs and goals.

The Takeaway –

Age 59½ marks an important milestone in your retirement planning journey. With the right strategies and professional guidance, you can optimize your retirement savings, navigate Social Security benefits, and maintain your health for a fulfilling retirement. At Trilogy Financial, we specialize in High Net Worth Retirement Planning, Executive Financial Planning, and Private Wealth Services, providing tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve your financial goals and enjoy a prosperous future.

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Schedule a Meeting: Reach out to us to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our financial professionals.
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Schedule a No-Strings-Attached Portfolio Review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards achieving financial security and growth. This way, you're not just dreaming of an ideal retirement but actively working towards making it a reality.