Ilona Josiane

What to Expect in Your First Retirement Planning Meeting? There’s something nerve-wracking about a first-time meeting with a retirement advisor. Maybe it's the fear of judgment over not saving “enough.” Maybe it’s the spreadsheets, unfamiliar terms, or just the anxiety of stepping into the unknown. But here’s the truth: the first meeting isn’t about perfect numbers—it’s about starting the conversation. Whether you’re approaching retirement in five years or fifteen, that initial session lays the groundwork for a plan built around you . Not a generic checklist, but your goals, your lifestyle, your future. So, what really happens in that first sit-down? Let’s break it down, so you walk in feeling confident, not confused. 1. It Starts With a Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch     Forget the image of someone in a suit pressuring you into investments you don’t understand. A good retirement advisor in Fort Worth, TX knows this isn’t about selling—it’s about listening. Expect them to as...

Understanding the 4% Rule in Retirement Planning Retirement planning requires strategies that balance your need for steady income with the preservation of your savings over the long term. One of the most commonly cited strategies is the 4% rule , a guideline designed to help retirees determine how much they can withdraw annually from their retirement savings without running out of money. While it offers a helpful starting point, the rule is best used in combination with personalized advice from a retirement advisor. What Is the 4% Rule? The 4% rule is based on a study conducted in the 1990s by financial planner William Bengen. It suggests that if you withdraw 4% of your retirement savings in the first year of retirement and adjust that amount for inflation in subsequent years, your savings should last at least 30 years. For example, if you retire with $1 million, the rule recommends withdrawing $40,000 in the first year. In year two, you would increase the $40,000 by the rate of inflat...

Should You Pay Off Debt Before Retiring? As retirement approaches, many people wonder whether they should prioritize paying off debt before they leave the workforce. The answer depends on the type of debt, interest rates, your retirement income, and your overall financial goals. Eliminating or minimizing debt can provide peace of mind and reduce financial stress during retirement, but it’s not always the best move in every situation. With guidance from a retirement financial advisor in Fort Worth, TX , you can make a decision that supports your long-term stability and lifestyle. Understanding the Types of Debt Not all debt is created equal. High-interest debt, such as credit card balances or payday loans, should be addressed as a top priority before retirement. These types of debt can quickly erode your income and savings due to steep interest rates. On the other hand, low-interest debt, like some mortgages or federal student loans, may not pose an immediate financial threat and could ...

Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Investments in Retirement Planning When preparing for retirement, selecting the right mix of investments is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Understanding the difference between low-risk and high-risk investments—and how they impact your financial future—can help you create a retirement plan that balances security with growth. The appropriate balance depends on your age, retirement goals, risk tolerance, and the stage of life you’re in. Low-Risk Investments: Stability and Capital Preservation Low-risk investments are ideal for preserving capital and generating consistent, though modest, returns. These options typically include government bonds, high-grade corporate bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, and fixed annuities. While these investments won’t offer high returns, they are far less likely to experience sharp declines in value. This makes them suitable for individuals approaching retirement or already retired, as they...

The Benefits of a Solo 401(k) for Small Business Owners For small business owners and self-employed individuals, planning for retirement can be challenging without access to employer-sponsored plans. A Solo 401(k) is a powerful retirement savings tool designed specifically for business owners without full-time employees, offering significant tax advantages, high contribution limits, and investment flexibility. Understanding its benefits can help small business owners maximize their retirement savings while minimizing tax liabilities. What is a Solo 401(k)? A Solo 401(k), also known as an Individual 401(k), is a retirement savings plan available to self-employed individuals and business owners with no employees other than a spouse. It operates similarly to a traditional 401(k) but allows the business owner to contribute both as an employer and an employee, significantly increasing the potential savings. Key Benefits of a Solo 401(k) 1. High Contribution Limits One of the biggest advanta...