Transitioning into Retirement

The retirement "zone"
If you're considering retirement within the next five years or so, you're in the retirement "zone." This is a critical time period during which you'll be faced with a number of important choices, and the decisions you make can have long-lasting consequences. It's a period of transition: a shift from a mindset that's focused on accumulating assets for retirement to one that's focused on distributing wealth and drawing down resources. It can be confusing and chaotic, but it doesn't have to be. The key is to understand the underlying issues and to recognize the long-term effects of the decisions you make today.


Tip: If you've recently retired, you're also in the retirement zone. You'll want to evaluate your financial situation in light of the decisions that you've already made and consider adjusting your overall plan to reflect your current expectations and circumstances.

Are you ready to retire?
The first question that you should ask yourself is: "Am I ready to retire?" For many, the question isn't as easy to answer as it might seem. That's because it needs to be considered on two levels. The first, and probably the most obvious, is the financial side. Can you afford to retire? More specifically, can you afford the retirement you want? On another level, though, the question relates to the emotional issues surrounding retirement--how prepared are you for this new phase of your life? Consider both the financial and emotional aspects of retirement carefully; retiring before you're ready can put a strain on the best-devised retirement plan.

Tip: There's not always a "right" time to retire. There can be, though, a wrong time to retire. If you're not emotionally ready to retire, it may not make sense to do so simply because you've reached age 62 (or 65, or 70). In fact, postponing retirement can pay dividends on the financial side of the equation. Similarly, if you're emotionally ready to retire, but come up short financially, consider whether your plans for retirement are realistic. Evaluate how much of a difference postponing retirement could make and then weigh your options.

Transitioning into retirement: Financial issues
Start with the basics:

• If you do not already have a projection of the annual income you'll need in retirement, spend the time now to develop one. Factor in anticipated costs relating to basic needs, housing, health care and long-term care. If you plan to travel in retirement, estimate a corresponding annual dollar amount. If you're financially responsible for other family members or plan to make monetary gifts, you'll want to include these commitments in your calculations.  Be as specific as you can. If it's been more than a year since you've done this exercise, revisit your numbers. Consider and account for inflation.
  • Estimate the income you'll be able to rely on from Social Security and any benefits from a traditional employer pension, and compare the result with your projected retirement income need. The difference may need to be funded through your personal savings.
  • Take stock of your personal savings. Are your personal savings sufficient to provide you with the annual income that you'll need?
  • When will you retire? The age at which you retire can have an enormous impact on your overall retirement income situation, so you'll want to make sure you've considered your decision from every angle. Why does the timing of your retirement make such a difference? The earlier you retire, the sooner you need to start drawing on your retirement savings. You're also giving up what could be prime earning years, when you could be making substantial additions to your retirement savings. That combination, even for just a few years, can make a tremendous difference.
  • The longer the retirement period that you need to plan for, the greater the potential that inflation will eat away at your purchasing power. That means the earlier you retire, the more important it is to account for inflation in your overall plan.
  • You can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, your benefit may be as much as 20 to 30 percent less than if you waited until full retirement age (65 to 67, depending on the year you were born). Weigh your options, and choose the start date that makes the most sense for your individual financial circumstances.
  • If you're covered by a traditional employer pension plan, check to make sure it won't be negatively affected by your early retirement. Because the greatest accrual of benefits generally occurs during the final years of employment, it's possible that early retirement could reduce the benefits you receive. Make sure that you understand how the plan calculates benefits and any payout options under the plan.
    Other factors to consider:
  • If you plan to start using your 401(k) or traditional IRA savings before you turn 59½ (55 in the case of distributions from a 401(k) plan after you terminate employment), you may have to pay a 10 percent early distribution penalty tax in addition to any regular income taxes (with some exceptions, this includes payments made due to disability). Consider as well the order in which you'll tap your personal savings during retirement. For example, you might consider withdrawing from tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s last. If you postpone retirement beyond age 70½, you'll need to begin taking required minimum distributions from any traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans (other than your current employer's retirement plan), even if you do not need the funds.
    • You're not eligible for Medicare until you turn 65. Unless you'll be eligible for retiree health benefits through your employer (or have coverage through your spouse's plan), or you take another job that offers health insurance, you'll need to calculate the cost of paying for insurance or health care out-of-pocket, at least until you can receive Medicare coverage.
      
      Working in retirement
      Many individuals choose to work in retirement for both financial and non-financial reasons. The obvious advantage of working during retirement is that you'll be earning money and relying less on your retirement savings--leaving more to potentially grow for the future and helping your savings last longer. But many retirees also work for personal fulfillment--to stay mentally and physically active, to enjoy the social benefits of working, or to try their hand at something new. If you are thinking of working during your retirement, you'll want to make sure that you understand how your continued employment will affect other aspects of your retirement. For example:
    • If you continue to work, will you have access to affordable health care through your employer? If so, this could be an incredibly valuable benefit.
    • Will working in retirement allow you to delay receiving Social Security retirement benefits? If so, your annual benefit when you begin receiving benefits may be higher.
    • If you'll be receiving Social Security benefits while working, how will your work income affect the amount of Social Security benefits that you receive? Additional earnings can increase benefits in future years. However, for years before you reach full retirement age, $1 in benefits will generally be withheld for every $2 you earn over the annual earnings limit ($15,120 in 2013). Special rules apply in the year that you reach full retirement age.
    Tip: Some employer pension plan programs allow for "phased retirement." These programs allow you to continue to work on a part-time basis while accessing all or part of your pension benefit. Federal law encourages these phased retirement programs by allowing pension plans to start paying benefits once you reach age 62, even if you're still working and haven't yet reached the plan's normal retirement age.
    Caution: Many people who count on working in retirement find that health problems or job loss prevents them from doing so. When making your retirement plans, it may be wise to consider a fallback plan in case everything doesn't go as you expect.
    
    
  
  

What is a payable on death (POD) account?

What is a payable on death (POD) account?

A bank account can be designated as payable on death to someone of your choice. The bank pays these funds to this person almost immediately at your death, and the funds will generally not be subject to probate.

The payable on death designation is very simple and flexible. You can change the designation until your death and the individual you designate has no right to the money until your death. Indeed, the individual will not receive the account unless he or she outlives you. A POD designation can also be used with U.S. savings bonds.

A typical bank account would be subject to probate at your death. Property subject to probate generally incurs fees, such as attorney's fees, and the transfer of probate property may be subject to delays of one to several years. A POD account usually avoids probate, and the named beneficiary can generally access the funds immediately after your death, without significant delays.

The requirements for a POD account may vary somewhat under state law, and state laws determine what is subject to probate. Ask your bank, attorney, or financial advisor to make sure that the account won't be subject to probate. A POD designation used with appropriate U.S. savings bonds will not be subject to probate in any state.

You do not make a gift for gift tax purposes when you name the beneficiary of a POD account. You remain subject to any income tax on funds in a POD account while you are alive. And funds in a POD account are subject to estate tax upon your death. Of course, if your spouse is the named beneficiary, the funds would qualify for the estate tax marital deduction. If the named beneficiary is two or more generations younger than you (e.g., a grandchild), the funds may also be subject to generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax at your death. Substantial exemptions ($5,250,000 in 2013) are available to protect property from estate tax or GST tax.

A similar provision, transfer on death (TOD), is available for the transfer of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to a named beneficiary at your death.

I just bought a vacation home. Do I need to purchase a specific type of insurance?

Insuring a vacation home is different from insuring a primary residence. As a result, you'll

want to purchase insurance that is specifically geared to provide coverage for this type of property.

When insuring a vacation home, the type and cost of coverage will vary, depending upon the insurance company and the state in which your vacation home is located.

Most insurers offer at least some type of insurance that is specifically designed for second/vacation homes. Coverage under these types of policies can range from standard coverage that protects against certain named perils, to more comprehensive coverage that protects against all perils unless specifically excluded in a policy.

Keep in mind that, depending on what is covered under the policy, you may need to obtain additional protection (e.g., property or liability coverage) through either an endorsement or separate policy. In addition, if your vacation home is located in an area that is susceptible to flood damage--which is not covered under a standard vacation home policy--you'll want to look into obtaining separate coverage for that peril as well.

Due to some of the unique circumstances surrounding vacation homes (e.g., high-risk location, not being occupied for long periods of time), vacation home insurance premiums are usually much higher than those for a primary residence.

However, you may be able to save money by insuring your vacation home with the same company that provides coverage for your primary residence (some insurers may require this). In addition, you may be eligible for other discounts, such as those offered for newly built homes, nonsmokers, and homes that have a security system installed. Policy discounts will vary by state and insurer.

Because of the vast array of vacation home insurance products on the market, you'll want to be sure to shop around for the best coverage and rates. You may also want to contact the state department of insurance where your vacation home is located for additional information on the coverage and rate options that may be available.

15 Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation

Whether your vacation budget is big or small, no one likes to spend more than necessary

when traveling. Here are some tips that can help you save on your next trip.

Air travel

Pick your travel times wisely. Popular wisdom holds that Tuesday and Wednesday are the least expensive days to travel, but this isn't necessarily the case in all markets or at all times of the year. If possible, search for airfares within two or three days of your ideal departure date, and consider off-peak flight times.

Search for flights at more than one airport. If you're willing to depart from any airport near you or arrive at any airport relatively close to your destination, you'll have a better chance of snagging a lower-cost flight.

Sign up for fare alerts. Online travel agencies, travel websites, or the airlines themselves can notify you when airfare hits a low price point or drops by a certain percentage.

Compare baggage charges. Don't settle on a fare before seeing how much extra you'll pay to check your luggage.

Save on parking. At many airports you have the option of parking in an economy lot. At larger airports, you may be able to save even more by parking offsite at private lots. Some hotels offer packages that allow you to spend the night before your flight and leave your vehicle there until you return.

Lodging

Check hotel websites. Many list their rate calendars on their reservations page so you can see for yourself when rooms are available (and at what price).

Look for freebies. For example, does the hotel offer complimentary transportation to the airport, restaurants, or local attractions? Does the rate include breakfast (having a meal included can save you a bundle, especially on longer trips or family vacations).

Share amenities. Love the amenities at a luxury resort but not the price tag? Book a room at a lower-priced hotel that allows you to use the facilities of a higher-priced sister property.

Watch out for taxes. Though you can't avoid them, lodging taxes vary by location and are based on the room rate, so you can save money on taxes by booking a lower rate or, in some cases, by choosing a different location (a property outside the city, for example).

Compare extra person charges. Will your kids stay for free? Hotel chains often allow up to two adults and two children age 17 and younger to stay in one room for the same rate, but policies vary, and smaller properties may require you to pay more or book extra rooms.

Rental cars

Look for coupon codes or discounts. These are available through many sources, such as your road and travel plan, your insurance company, and your credit card issuer.

Choose the vehicle class that offers the best value. Smaller cars are often less expensive, but not always. Rates vary widely, so check out all rental companies before settling on one. And although you can't count on getting one, it never hurts to ask for a free upgrade at the rental counter.

Pay attention to fuel costs. If you're going to be driving long distances, make sure the rental vehicle has good fuel economy. And decide whether you want to pay for a full tank of gas up front, with the option of returning the vehicle on empty. The per-gallon price is usually posted at the rental counter and may be more or less than what you'll pay if you fill it up yourself off-property.

Consider insurance before you get to the rental counter. Avoid buying duplicate coverage by checking with your insurer to see how your auto policy covers you in a rental vehicle. Some credit card companies also offer some insurance protection for rentals.

Compare extra driver fees. You may pay a surcharge if you add an extra driver, and fees and terms vary by company and location.

Coping With Seasonal Allergies

As many as 35 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies. During the spring, summer and fall months, seasonal allergies are typically caused by the body’s reaction to pollen and mold spores that are in the air. Here are some tips to avoid being exposed to pollen and molds:

·          Control your environment. Knowing what you are allergic to and avoiding those environments will help.

·          When pollen and mold levels are reported to be high, stay indoors.

·          Avoid hanging clothes or sheets outside to dry.

·          At night, keep windows closed and use air conditioning if needed.

·          Washing your pet clears them of irritants they may have picked up outside.

·          Keep windows closed while driving a car.

·          Steaming your face refreshes and soothes irritated sinuses. 

·          Saline solution can help remove irritants that become lodged in the nose.

·         Drinking peppermint tea provides relief for clogged-up nose and irritants.

Are You Prepared If a Natural Disaster Strikes?

Question: Are You Prepared If a Natural Disaster Strikes?

 

It seems as though there's always a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, blizzard, or mudslide happening somewhere in the United States. A storm or other natural disaster could destroy your home, business, or workplace and put you in financial straits, but there are things you can do both before and after the event to help you recover quickly.

Pre-disaster

Create a financial emergency kit. Put together a kit that contains some cash and checks, a list of important contacts (e.g., your insurance agent), and copies of important documents, including identification cards, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies and inventories, wills, trusts, and deeds. Make sure your kit is stored in a safe and secure place in your home.

 Protect your assets. Take some commonsense precautions to safeguard your home, business, car, boat, and similar assets against damage from wind, water, fire, or other risks.

Take inventory. Create and maintain an inventory of your valuables, including appliances, electronics, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and artwork. Record models and serial numbers, and take pictures or a video of the items. This will help when it comes time to file insurance claims and purchase replacements.

Check your insurance coverage. Make sure your insurance policies (e.g., homeowners, auto) include all the coverage you need, and understand that damage caused by natural disasters may not be covered under general types of policies. You may need to consider buying separate coverage for hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or other disasters

Post-disaster

In the immediate aftermath, proceed with caution. While the disaster may have passed, health and safety hazards still may exist. Be aware that any building you're in, including your home, may not be structurally sound, so carefully look for any apparent damage. Also, report contamination from spills of oil, gas, chemicals, or any hazardous substance.

Assess your property for damage. Take pictures of damaged areas both inside and outside your home, including trees, landscaping, and yard structures such as sheds.

File insurance claims immediately. Contact your insurance agent and file claims as soon as possible. The quicker you do so, the sooner you can get back on your feet.

5 Anti-Aging Foods

You can add years to your life by making smarter food choices! There are many variables involved in how long you live but by following a healthy lifestyle, staying active and eating a nutrient-packed diet, you can help slow the aging process and perhaps even stave off age-related diseases, included osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease. Start now by adding these super foods to your diet. Here’s to a good diet!

1.        Olive Oil – contains powerful anti-oxidants to prevent age related diseases.

2.        Yogurt – Rich in calcium and contains “good bacteria”.

3.        Fish – an abundant source of Omega-3 fats which help prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries and protect against abnormal heart rhythms.

4.        Chocolate -  Rich in flavanols that help preserve healthy function of blood vessels and lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

5.        Wine – Red wine contains resveratrol, a compound that likely slows the genes of cellular aging.

Key Estate Planning Documents You Need

There are five estate planning documents you may need, regardless of your age, health, or wealth:

1.       Durable power of attorney

2.       Advanced medical directives
3.       Will
4.       Letter of instruction
5.       Living trust

The last document, a living trust, isn't always necessary, but it's included here because it's a vital component of many estate plans.

Durable power of attorney

A durable power of attorney (DPOA) can help protect your property in the event you become physically unable or mentally incompetent to handle financial matters. If no one is ready to look after your financial affairs when you can't, your property may be wasted, abused, or lost.

A DPOA allows you to authorize someone else to act on your behalf, so he or she can do things like pay everyday expenses, collect benefits, watch over your investments, and file taxes.

There are two types of DPOAs: (1) a standby DPOA, which is effective immediately (this is appropriate if you face a serious operation or illness), and (2) a springing DPOA, which is not effective unless you have become incapacitated.

Caution:   A springing DPOA is not permitted in some states, so you'll want to check with an attorney.

Advanced medical directives

Advanced medical directives let others know what medical treatment you would want, or allows someone to make medical decisions for you, in the event you can't express your wishes yourself. If you don't have an advanced medical directive, medical care providers must prolong your life using artificial means, if necessary. With today's technology, physicians can sustain you for days and weeks (if not months or even years).

There are three types of advanced medical directives. Each state allows only a certain type (or types). You may find that one, two, or all three types are necessary to carry out all of your wishes for medical treatment. (Just make sure all documents are consistent.)

First, a living will allows you to approve or decline certain types of medical care, even if you will die as a result of that choice. In most states, living wills take effect only under certain circumstances, such as terminal injury or illness. Generally, one can be used only to decline medical treatment that "serves only to postpone the moment of death." In those states that do not allow living wills, you may still want to have one to serve as evidence of your wishes.

Second, a durable power of attorney for health care (known as a health-care proxy in some states) allows you to appoint a representative to make medical decisions for you. You decide how much power your representative will or won't have.

Finally, a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) is a doctor's order that tells medical personnel not to perform CPR if you go into cardiac arrest. There are two types of DNRs. One is effective only while you are hospitalized. The other is used while you are outside the hospital.

Will

A will is often said to be the cornerstone of any estate plan. The main purpose of a will is to disburse property to heirs after your death. If you don't leave a will, disbursements will be made according to state law, which might not be what you would want.

There are two other equally important aspects of a will:

1.        You can name the person (executor) who will manage and settle your estate. If you do not name someone, the court will appoint an administrator, who might not be someone you would choose.

2.        You can name a legal guardian for minor children or dependents with special needs. If you don't appoint a guardian, the state will appoint one for you.

Keep in mind that a will is a legal document, and the courts are very reluctant to overturn any provisions within it. Therefore, it's crucial that your will be well written and articulated, and properly executed under your state's laws. It's also important to keep your will up-to-date.

Letter of instruction

A letter of instruction (also called a testamentary letter or side letter) is an informal, non-legal document that generally accompanies your will and is used to express your personal thoughts and directions regarding what is in the will (or about other things, such as your burial wishes or where to locate other documents). This can be the most helpful document you leave for your family members and your executor.

Unlike your will, a letter of instruction remains private. Therefore, it is an opportunity to say the things you would rather not make public.

A letter of instruction is not a substitute for a will. Any directions you include in the letter are only suggestions and are not binding. The people to whom you address the letter may follow or disregard any instructions.

Living trust

A living trust (also known as a revocable or inter vivos trust) is a separate legal entity you create to own property, such as your home or investments. The trust is called a living trust because it's meant to function while you're alive. You control the property in the trust, and, whenever you wish, you can change the trust terms, transfer property in and out of the trust, or end the trust altogether.

Not everyone needs a living trust, but it can be used to accomplish various purposes. The primary function is typically to avoid probate. This is possible because property in a living trust is not included in the probate estate.

Depending on your situation and your state's laws, the probate process can be simple, easy, and inexpensive, or it can be relatively complex, resulting in delay and expense. This may be the case, for instance, if you own property in more than one state or in a foreign country, or have heirs that live overseas.

Further, probate takes time, and your property generally won't be distributed until the process is completed. A small family allowance is sometimes paid, but it may be insufficient to provide for a family's ongoing needs. Transferring property through a living trust provides for a quicker, almost immediate transfer of property to those who need it.

Probate can also interfere with the management of property like a closely held business or stock portfolio. Although your executor is responsible for managing the property until probate is completed, he or she may not have the expertise or authority to make significant management decisions, and the property may lose value. Transferring the property with a living trust can result in a smoother transition in management.

Finally, avoiding probate may be desirable if you're concerned about privacy. Probated documents (e.g., will, inventory) become a matter of public record. Generally, a trust document does not.

Caution:   Although a living trust transfers property like a will, you should still also have a will because the trust will be unable to accomplish certain things that only a will can, such as naming an executor or a guardian for minor children.

Tip:   There are other ways to avoid the probate process besides creating a living trust, such as titling property jointly. Caution:   Living trusts do not generally minimize estate taxes or protect property from future creditors or ex-spouses. 

Question: Can I deduct premiums paid for long term care insurance (LTCI)?

Answer: It depends on several factors. Your LTCI contract must be a qualified one, and the total of your medical expenses (including your LTCI deduction) must exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Qualified LTCI premiums are deductible as medical expenses (subject to the 7.5 percent of AGI floor) within certain limits, based on your age.

Note: Starting in 2013, the threshold to deduct medical expenses will be raised from 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income to 10 percent. The threshold increase will be delayed until 2017 for those age 65 or older. If you bought your policy before January 1, 1997, and it met the requirements of the state in which it was issued, it is automatically considered a qualified policy. LTCI contracts issued subsequently are only considered qualified for a tax deduction if they meet certain federal standards. In 2012, qualified LTCI premiums are deductible as medical expenses (subject to the 7.5 percent of AGI floor) within the following limits, based on your age at the end of the tax year. For more information, consult a tax professional.

Age:	Limit on Deduction:
40 or less	$350 (up from $340 in 2011)
41-50	$660 (up from $640 in 2011)
51-60	$1,310 (up from $1,270 in 2011)
61-70	$3,500 (up from $3,390 in 2011)
71 and older	$4,370 (up from $4,240 in 2011)