8 Top Benefits Of Gold Investment

Have you recently considered making a gold investment? Besides investing in stocks and bonds, many investors decide to diversify their portfolios with this precious metal. It is well-known for its value and rich history, respected by people throughout centuries. 

Gold is a commodity that investors fall back on when currencies are volatile. Consequently, gold provides insurance during tough times. 

Have a look at the top eight benefits of making such an investment in gold precious metals. 

Inflation Hedging 

In the course of the past fifty years, gold has proven itself as an excellent inflation hedge. Its price rises along with the cost of living. Whenever the economy is unstable, or the stock market is highly volatile, investors turn to this commodity, looking for safety. 

During periods of high inflation in the past, this precious metal demonstrated more power than paper currencies. When the stock market crashed, the gold price only soared. Paper currencies tend to lose their purchasing power against this commodity during periods of inflation, shrinkflation, and stagflation like today. 

Nevertheless, like any type of investment, investors must be aware of the risk of loss, which is especially high for individuals not familiar with how this asset works. 

Price Stability 

Another benefit of investing in gold is the price stability this commodity provides. In comparison with the other market options, the price of this precious metal remains stable even during crises. Make sure to check out a review of a precious metal dealer. When a crisis hits the financial market, individuals immediately shift to gold investments while the prices keep on soaring. 

The stock market, on the other hand, is much more volatile. Stock prices can drop to zero whenever negative news is shared about companies. Such a drop in price isn’t likely to happen to this precious metal, as it has a stable market value. This is why most investors have preferred it over stocks for centuries. 

Moreover, price fluctuations can be tracked easily by checking the rate of this popular commodity multiple days in a row. By comparing the prices over a certain period, you will notice that fluctuations are minimal. Additionally, you can go back in history to check the price of gold over the years, which proves incredible stability even in times of global economic crises. 

Relation With The US Dollar 

The US dollar and gold have a long-term relationship that moves in an inverse direction. Consequently, their prices move in opposite directions. When the US dollar is weak, this precious metal and other fiat currencies increase in value. As a result, when the dollar value drops significantly compared to the other currencies, such as during the period from 1998 to 2008, investors flock to gold investments. Gold is great in 2025 as well due to record-breaking inflation.

Sometimes, there are exceptions in view of price movements, like in the event of systematic risk periods. In such periods, the value of the US dollar and gold move in an almost identical direction. The decline of this currency occurs for different reasons, including trade deficits, a large money supply increase, etc. This year, the US dollar has been incredibly volatile because of the uncertainty imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the somewhat struggling US economy. Recent actions by the Fed haven't fixed the issue, making gold and crypto even more viable hedges. 

Portfolio Diversifier 

You've heard the wise phrase "don't put all of your eggs in one basket" and that applies directly to diversifying your investment portfolio. That means not investing in only stocks, only bonds, only real estate, only cryptocurrency, or only precious metals. The gold commodity is believed to be a remarkable portfolio diversifier, as it moves in a different direction than stocks and bonds. The peaks and dips on the stock market seem to have no negative effect on the gold’s value. Investors are encouraged to consider portfolio diversification, meaning they should spread their investments out over various asset classes. 

Furthermore, portfolio diversification prevents investors from losing all their assets. For instance, if one of the assets drops in value, the others will compensate for the decrease. Nevertheless, in the case of gold, diversification is usually addressed in a different way. 

It is important not to invest all your money into this commodity to protect yourself from a sudden decrease in price. Just a portion of the investment capital should be invested in this precious metal, while the rest of the capital should be a combination of other assets. It pays to learn why gold still matters in the new age of investing. 

Safe Haven 

Another benefit of gold investments is the role this commodity acquires as a safe haven. Economic and political uncertainties have become a reality in the modern world, which is when investors look for a safe haven. 

By taking a look at history, you will notice investors holding gold managed to protect their substantial wealth and even escape from regions of turmoil with its help. Any news events that predict economic uncertainty on a global level increase the value of this precious metal. 

Soaring Demand 

Gold investments benefit investors owing to the increasing demand for this precious metal. The increase in the wealth of leading market economies has boosted the demand for this commodity. In some counties like China and India, this precious metals asset is highly associated with their culture. In China, bars are considered a traditional saving form, which makes demand stable for Chinese investors. 

In contrast, India is the second-largest nation known for its gold consumption, especially for jewelry. The highest interest for this precious metal occurs during the Indian wedding season taking place in October. 

Protection Against Deflation 

Another advantage of making such investments is the protection against deflation. This term describes a period when prices decrease, business activity is slower, and the economy copes with excessive debt. Deflation hasn’t been experienced on a worldwide level since the 1930s during the Great Depression. Probably slight deflation has also happened in 2008 during the financial crisis in certain regions of the world. Gold always maintains its price and power.

Maintenance Of Value 

The value of gold has been maintained throughout centuries, unlike the value of paper currencies. It is a way of passing on and preserving wealth from a generation to the following one. The specific properties of this metal have been valued since ancient times. It is resistant to corrosion and melts easily over a flame. There are many industrial applications of the precious metal gold that will keep its value high during all eras. Gold also enjoys scarcity so a limited supply means a higher demand.

Final Thoughts On Gold Investing

Investors cannot go wrong by adding this commodity to their portfolios. Gold provides financial coverage in times of financial and geopolitical uncertainty! Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to add the top precious metals option to your profitable portfolio.

The 5 Best Investments During Inflation

Without earning compounding interest, your money's value is wasting away each year at an alarming rate. Your one dollar today will not be able to buy the same goods in the next few decades (or months at this point), and this is because of inflation. It is inflation that is measuring the services in the economy and the measures of average price levels in a country. This is the increase in price at a given point in time. Because of inflation results, the currency that you are holding today will buy less than before. With your buying power and savings at a loss, especially in a time of increasing inflation and wage stagnation (stagflation), you have to start planning to minimize it the best you can. 

Inflation is running rampant across the United States and many parts of the world right now due to many factors with prices skyrocketing. In fact, the U.S. and other countries just printed more money in the past 2 years than they have in the previous 200! The Fed continues to keep the printing press going for now. And with rapidly growing national debt adding up each year, things on the horizon don't look very promising. While inflation needs to be lowered down to a normal 2-3%, it has been hovering around 4% for awhile in 2025! Even mortgage rates are now at record highs, although they won't last forever since the red hot housing market will eventually cool. Clearly the inflation is not "transitory" as it was called for many months, and could contribute to an upcoming global recession. 

Now in 2025 it looks like inflation is starting to cool off slowly along with home prices, and eventually mortgage rates will start falling a bit. But nobody is home free yet.

Inflated pricing a complicated issue with many moving parts. The record-breaking inflation is blamed by many on Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Powell, The Fed, Russia, or China. But the truth is that no one single person or country or industry or political policy is to blame after the Coronavirus pandemic fallout that has wreaked havoc on the economy.

Nowadays just going to the grocery store or buying building materials is costing a fortune at this point, if you can even get the products you are looking for at all in our new inflation nation. There is a noticeable shortage on all items, and prices are reflecting it. Empty shelves and panic buying are occurring even now, especially around the holidays. Even the almighty Dollar Tree will be raising prices on some items above $1 soon! Some products don't increase prices but instead just reduce size or quantity to cut costs.

This is why it is essential to have a hedge against inflationary price increases. When prices go up, you need an investment that will go up in value, and your portfolio should be able to keep up with the costs as you age. In addition, the economy of a particular country can rapidly contribute to inflation. This can be in the form of a rise in wages or rapid processing of oil and other raw materials. 

It is natural to have inflation in the market. However, who wants to lose money over time? It helps to lower your bills and save more money, but what you really need to do is invest in things that give you a return higher than the level of inflation. This is why many disciplined investors are going into other asset classes when they notice that the markets are going to turn into a climate of inflation. Some of the top assets that you may consider to fight inflation include the following: 

5 Top Investment Options To Fight Inflation

1. Gold 

Gold bullions or coins are always considered a hedge when the prices are soaring. This is because gold has not lost its value over centuries, and it’s still considered by many as an alternative currency. Gold bars and specific coins are helpful when a native currency of a country is losing its value as the people’s trust in the government becomes lesser. This is a physical asset that one can hold in their hands, and the value tends to hold for the most part. 

2. Bond Portfolios 

Bond portfolios with 60/40 stock are a traditional mix of bonds and stocks, and they are considered the safest investments. They are conservative, and if you’re unsure about how to do the work on your own and are reluctant to pay for an advisor, you can consider the dimensional DFA Global Allocation instead. This can be a straightforward strategy, and like any other investment plan, it has its cons. 

If you compare them to equity portfolios, they won’t perform well over a significant period of time. There are also the effects of compounding interest to consider. It is essential that the 60/40 is only a hedge that will keep the overall portfolio safe. However, you will likely be missing out on a few returns compared to the stocks with a high percentage. Some bonds have been booming, but no investment is guaranteed in a volatile economy filled with inflation. Bonds have also been having a moment in 2025.

3. Real Estate Investment Trust 

The REITs are known to be real estate companies that operate and own some income-producing properties. These houses tend to rise with inflation, and you can invest in one that consists of a pool of other like-minded people. The pool will pay out the dividends to the investors. Of course, if you want more exposure to this but want a lower expense ratio, you can always consider Vanguard Real Estate ETFs. 

However, know that there are disadvantages when you put all your money into a real estate investment trust. They are very sensitive to the changes in high-yielding assets. As the interest rates are rising, some people find it attractive to invest in treasury securities, and the result is a lower share of prices because the funds were withdrawn away from the REITs. 

Another thing is that REITs need to pay property taxes, and this can be more than 20% of their total operational costs. If the council or municipal authorities suddenly pass a law that increases the taxes for the budget shortfalls, the shareholders may find themselves strapped for cash. 

There are certainly high yields in general, but the taxes are imposed on the dividends. Most of the rates fall at about 15%, and the dividends are currently taxed according to the higher percentage of REIT. They are considered a personal income that can raise the rates and potentially put you in a higher tax bracket. 

4. S&P 500 

Stocks are still the best choice when you want to invest for the long term. Businesses usually have gained from inflation, especially if they require little capital as a start-up. Those that are often dependent on natural resources are considered losers. 

Today, the S&P 500 has a high enough concentration when it comes to communication services and technology businesses. They can account for more than 35% of the stake in the Index. Overall, the communications and technological developments serve as capital-light for many companies, and they can emerge as winners afterwards. 

If you are going to invest in the S&P 500, you need to look into the SPDR ETF for the S&P 500 that will be a watch list on your behalf. However, like any other investments out there, specific disadvantages may be present in the S&P 500 Index. One of the significant drawbacks includes giving a higher priority to many companies with a lot of market capitalization. The stock prices for the larger companies will influence the Index in no time. Also, there are no exposures with the small capital companies that historically provided the best returns. 

But when it comes to the very basics, you can get around a 9% growth per year investing in the stock market compared to a 3% loss to inflation each year. And all the compound interest from dividends really adds up.

5. Income From Real Estate 

The income from real estate comes with rentals. The amount and cash flow you receive every month can beat inflation. When the inflation rises, expect that your home will also increase in value. This is because the landlord can charge a higher amount each month. The result is that there will be a higher rental income that keeps up with the inflation. This is one of the best reasons you should consider investing in real estate if you want diversification. 

However, know that there are cons to real estate investing. First, you have to cough up a considerable amount of money for the initial investment, and the transaction costs are higher than what you may have anticipated. Additional costs like insurance, repairs, and maintenance can't be forgotten as well.

The second thing is that houses and real estate are not liquid, so you can’t quickly sell them without substantial losses in their value. Purchasing a home will require maintenance and management, and you also have a great deal of financial liability if you don’t research this industry before getting into it. And don't forget about other costs like property taxes or condo HOA fees!

In addition to rental income real estate or flipping properties, you can also invest in land if you speculate that it will increase in value over time.

Ignore Inflation Increases 

Inflation can be tough on your personal finances, small business, and retirement planning. But utilizing the above investment options, potentially along with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or other precious metals like silver, will ensure that your investing goals aren't inhibited. With a smart strategy including the tips above, you can inhibit the inflation inflammation!

7 Retirement Savings Goals To Retire Right

Are you in your early 20s and just starting to make your own real money? Or are you already in your mid-40s with kids starting to grow up? Regardless of your age, you need to consider planning for your retirement to achieve ideal results. Without a retirement plan, you may be working into your late 60s or even early 70s! This is not a scare tactic or an attempt at financial shaming. It is an unfortunate reality, especially with social security at risk of being gutted in 2025 and tariffs wreaking havoc on the global economy. 

It is sad to note that a quarter of Americans do not have savings for their retirement. Younger people aged 18 to 29 make up 45% of Americans who do not save up much or anything for their future retirement. The retirement numbers, however, improve as people age. 

Nevertheless, millions of Americans do not know how to save enough money. The key is to set retirement savings goals so you can retire right and before you get too old or frail to enjoy life.

You must take your retirement planning into your own hands because nobody can guarantee Social Security, Medicare, and your investments will remain fully intact when you reach age 65 or 67. If you want to retire even earlier, you must be even smarter and more aggressive with your earnings, savings, and investing.

Continue reading below as we discuss seven important goals for your retirement planning done right for 2025.

The Need to Save Up Early

We see it in the media and we hear it from senior citizens we know: An elderly person ending up dirt poor upon reaching their retirement age or very shortly after. 

Though many are aware of the risks of not having a retirement fund, they still do nothing about it until they are all too close to being retired.

The only time they will scramble to save money for retiring is when they are too old or weak for a 9 to 5 job. Sometimes, they will only realize the importance of a retirement plan when it is all too late.

Hence, you need to start somewhere with your retirement planning. In case you feel that you cannot keep up with the savings, there are options like the Secure Act to give you a boost. 

But the best way to kick-off your retirement plan is to come up with retirement savings goals. And you need to start working on them as early as today if you want to retire right tomorrow.


Retirement Savings Goals

When it comes to financial goal-setting, there is a lot to consider. However, some money goals are non-negotiable. Furthermore, you need to realize that these retiring financial goals come with a timetable.

You need to attain specific retirement goals once you reach particular age brackets. These financial goals should also take into account inflation and taxes, since both are on the rise.

Let’s take a look at seven of the most important savings goals you should focus on to retire right.


1. Start with an Emergency Fund

The best time to start working on your retirement goals is in your early 20s. This is the time when you are on your first or second job. Thus, your first goal is to have a fully-funded emergency fund by age 25. 

An emergency fund will serve as the backbone of your retirement plan. In case an emergency happens, the fund will cover the expenses. You want to create a fund that is equivalent to at least three to six months’ worth your salary.

Also, consider securing personal health insurance. By age 26, you will be living on your own. Hence, you don’t want to get sick without any coverage or it could cost you a fortune for treatment.

Finally, this is also the stage where you need to start your contributions to your retirement fund. Try to go for an IRA or 401(K). You can start a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA free at most banks or brokerages. If you start your contributions while you are young, you will maximize the power of compound interest. When it comes to investing, sooner is better! 

Another option in 2025 is opening a high yield savings account (HYSA) now that interest rates are 4-5% or even a little higher. An HYSA is a secure and liquid account with minimal or no restrictions that can safely grow the money you save. Just be hesitant to invest in regional banks and don't invest more than $250,000 into any one account, so you can maintain FDIC insurance on your balance.


2. End Your Student Loan Debt

Once you reach around 30 years of age, your focus must be beefing up your financial foundation. You don't want to be paying huge student loans into middle age. Thus, your first goal is to settle your student loan debt as fast as you can. This is crucial considering you will soon need to save up for your kids’ college tuition. To pay off your own student loans sooner, consider a debt consolidation company.

Once you put to bed your student loan debts, start working on your home down payment or improving your existing mortgage. You want to have a home you can truly call your own, right? Then save around 20% for the down payment and aim for a 15 year fixed mortgage if possible to minimize interest paid. 

If you already have a family, consider buying a life insurance policy. Also, establish a last will and update it every year to protect your family finances.

Lastly, increase your retirement contributions to 15% of your income to ensure you can retire securely.


3. College Plan for the Kids

By the time you hit your 40s, your main goal is to work on your kids’ college expenses. Don’t be like other parents who only start worrying about their kids’ college when they are a year away from it.

But first, make sure to eliminate all your consumer debts. These are debts that are outside your mortgages.

Moreover, make it a goal to save an amount that is twice your annual income. This is the amount you want to put into your retirement fund.


4. Reach Your Maximums

While still in your 40s, you also want to hit your savings maximum. Doing this will help you reach a target of having $1.5 million worth of savings by the time you reach 67. 

The computation is to save $10,000 every year with a 9% interest rate in effect. Sounds hard right? This is doable if you fund your 401(K) up to the maximum limit.


5. Mix and Maintain

Another important goal for aspiring retirees is learning how to mix and maintain your investments. 

The key to maximizing the gains of your investments is diversification. This means not placing all your eggs in one basket. 

People in their 40s still have a relatively high-risk appetite. However, they must also be wise where they put their money. 

Consider investing in stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. But make sure to leave some of your investment eligible money for more conservative options like bonds or even gold.

Additionally, you need to learn how to make tough financial decisions when necessary. Make some financial compromises with your purchases if needed, but not at the expense of your retirement savings.


6. Go the Extra Mile

By the time you hit your 50s, your goals must be solidifying your financial foundation. Do this by paying extra on your home loans or mortgages. This is doable now that you already eliminated your consumer debts.

If you finish securing your children’s college fund, channel some of your extra dollars toward your home mortgage.

Additionally, consider buying long-term care insurance when planning for retirement savings goals.


7. Apply the Finishing Touches 

Once you reach your 60s, your goal is to fine-tune your retirement goals. Talk to a financial adviser and ask for guidance if you need to make any tweaks in your finances.

Also, revisit your life insurance and last will. Update these financial policies if necessary to improve your final financial plans. 

It is also about time to transition your investment portfolio to being more risk averse. Consider transitioning some of your stock holdings into bonds or annuities if it makes more sense.


Increase Your Financial Knowledge

By working on these retirement savings goals early, you will save up more money without feeling much pressure. Furthermore, you will get to secure the future of your kids and avoid becoming a financial burden in retirement. Retire right!

But financial knowledge and budgeting isn’t all about retirement. Hence, we invite you to increase your knowledge by checking our other articles to help you retire securely. We provide guides and tips to help you become a wiser manager of your financial and retirement resources.

5 Tips To Choose A Premium Broker

You can't always go it alone in the investing world without professional brokers. Choosing the right broker is an essential step in successfully investing. The wrong choice could easily mean you lose money rather than gain it from your investments. 

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There are plenty of premium online brokers to choose from these days for your investment needs. Newer companies provide premium brokers at an affordable rate. Check them out to learn more about their brokerage services! 

Here are five top tips for choosing a premium broker that can set you on the path towards success. 

5 Tips For Selecting The Best Brokers

1. Know Your Needs 

Take a few moments to consider what is most important to you in a trading platform before you start clicking on brokerage advertisements. The answer will vary based upon your investment objectives and where you are along the learning curve. 

If you are just getting started, essential instructional resources, comprehensive glossaries, simple access to support personnel, and the ability to place practice trades first are all excellent options. 

When selecting a broker, the kind of account they provide is crucial. Some firms give a variety of accounts, including traditional cash accounts, margin accounts, options accounts, IRA's, and other sorts of rollover or 401k accounts. While some brokers only provide one account with limited capabilities, others offer many types with more customization when managing your assets. 

2. Test The Broker's Platform 

A test drive is always a good idea, particularly if you are looking for a new broker. Any brokerage should have a decent description of the tools and resources available through their trading platform, but it is often the case that the best way to evaluate quality is to give it a try. It may even be worth going through the signup procedure to use the trading platform if that is what it takes. If you are short on time, a broker chooser has many in-depth guides and reviews where they review the best stock brokers so you don’t have to.

3. Figure Out The Fees 

While fees may seem unimportant, other factors are more important to you than they are to other people. To begin with, establish how much you will spend on any given brokerage such as Schiemer Financial. If the site offers features that its cheaper rivals lack, some may be willing to pay a small premium. However, you generally want to minimize as much of your investment returns as possible before taxes and trading costs. 

You can quickly determine which stockbrokers are too pricey to consider and which aren't appropriate for the sort of investment activity you are interested in by starting with the bottom line. 

You should also look at how they charge fees because even small changes such as $9.99 a trade add up very quickly. The commission they charge will be one of the most critical factors in your decision-making process because that is where you can potentially save money over time. Broker commissions can eat into the overall ROI of your investments long-term.

4. Narrow The Field 

Now that you know your investment goals and what essential services you will desire in your ideal brokerage, it is time to narrow down your choices a bit. While certain broker services will be better suited to some investors than others, there are a few things any reputable online broker should have. With so many alternatives available, assessing these fundamental factors is a fantastic approach to narrow things down quickly. 

Also, think about whether the broker offers a variety of investments such as mutual funds, annuities, and individual equities. It will allow you to diversify your portfolio more efficiently and add new investment possibilities to your portfolio. 

5. Smaller Might Be Better 

Smaller online brokers may not have a large staff able to provide a high level of customer service, but larger firms should offer even better service. You want a broker with an excellent reputation who can answer your questions quickly and accurately whenever you need them. 

Finding the right broker ultimately depends on what type of investment experience you are looking for. If you are starting with limited capital, then a lower commission may be the better option. However, if you have over $100,000 in investments, you might want to look into firms that offer more services because your account will be worth more and therefore should receive special treatment. 

The Bottom Line On The Best Brokers 

The bottom line is that while all brokers are doing the same job, some do it better than others. Finding a broker who offers different accounts and has low fees plus excellent customer service will likely give you the best chance at success. Choose the best broker, or risk going broke! 

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By using these tips when choosing a premium broker, you can start investing quickly and efficiently while getting the most value for your investment dollars. 

Work With Schiemer Financial Today

Risks And Benefits Of A Gold IRA

The In the past few years, gold and other precious metals have proved to have stability and growth during recession and stock market crashes. They can be safe havens for many investors in the volatile world of the stock market. For this reason, various investors are turning into precious metals as a hedge against inflation and sudden downturns in stocks and other paper assets. 

For example, people who are nearing their retirement would want to go to other more stable investments as a way to diversify their portfolios. This would enjoy some level of protection against stock market crashes in the form of gold. This is because the value of gold tends to go up when the stocks go down. This will ensure the retiring investor that their accounts won’t lose so much in value on the day of their retirement, and they will also have a tangible asset that they can sell at any time. 

While investors tend to go with mutual funds, bonds, stocks, ETFs, and other paper assets, know that others may like unconventional ones. The tax code and the IRS permit investors to park their money in silver, gold, platinum, palladium, real estate, cryptocurrency, and other assets with the help of a specialized self-directed individual retirement account.

This is not similar to the traditional IRA that many custodians can easily set up and maintain. Setting up these specialized accounts may involve a lot of processes. In this case, an investor should look for an IRS approved depository to store the gold bars and coins that he wants to add to his portfolio. The purchased gold bars should be transferred directly by the custodian in the depository within a specific number of days. This is why the investor needs to work with a trustworthy network of experts who can facilitate the entire process smoothly. There are over seventeen companies today in the US that will offer these kinds of services. Some of them were screened by the Business Consumer Alliance and the Better Business Bureau for consumer ratings. 

Other factors that were considered include their product offerings, educational resources, price transparency, fees, ease of account registration, customer support, and the acquisition of gold bars and coins. 

What to Look For In A Gold IRA 

A Track Record Of Excellent Services 

Many companies have proven through the years that they are trustworthy and transparent in all of their transactions. The best gold IRA company have competitive prices and superior customer ratings. They can give you advice and guidance on opening your self-directed individual retirement account, and the prices are usually low. 

Choose the ones that have been in operation for at least a decade. This way, they have already forged a record of being a secure financial company that can help you store your gold bullion and bars in an IRS-approved facility. The older ones have competitive pricing, and they know a lot about the precious metals industry. You can find them to have top marks and stellar reputations when you check the consumer rating platforms like AAA or BBB. Some have even earned 5-star with Consumer Affairs because of their untiring services to their clients. Some of them have been direct dealers for almost two decades. 

This is when the clients avoid fees typically charged with platinum, silver, palladium, and gold coin and bullion purchases. With investor-direct pricing, you will get your money’s worth in no time. Call or visit the company’s website first before signing up with them for other information like account minimums, fees, and further various details. The best ones can help you through the process of account set-up, and others can even complete this over the phone. Always go with a company with a long track record of providing excellent customer service in the industry, so you will be served better. 

Extensive Educational Resources 

If this is the first time investing in a gold IRA, know that many companies will make sure that you know what you are going into before you start opening an account. This way, you will be able to make a wiser and more informed decision, and you will have someone who can help you throughout the process. Choose the ones that undergo great pains in presenting information and other investment advice for their clients. These are the ones that are often objective and organized so their customers will have complete confidence in the investment that they are about to make. 

Many of these companies have built their reputation by showing a portfolio of customers who have succeeded in their investments. You will have in-depth information about the most recent transactions and other white glove services. This is where a specialist will guide you throughout the process. The customers will be able to take advantage of the articles, blogs, video tutorials, and other educational materials present on the website. There is also a comprehensive list of videos for references, ebooks, and expert talk shows that will cover a wide range of topics. If possible, get more information about the custodians, account minimums, and storage that you will need to get started. Some will send you a guide for free when you provide them with your name and email. The account set-up can be done quickly online, and they may even offer to do the rollover of funds from your existing retirement account to your new gold SDIRA. 

Low Minimum Investment Requirement 

If you are just testing the waters, choose companies that have a low level of entries. Some may be newcomers in this industry but know that they can be a quick favorite for many investors because they know about opening a self-directed IRA and obtaining more gold bars and coins through these companies’ help. When choosing a relatively new company, ensure that they have excellent ratings from Consumer Affairs or the BBB. They will also need to have zero complaints within the last four years. Aside from the comprehensive educational resources, many of the current customers could get their needs taken care of without being pressured into other sales tactics. The fees can be lower, and you will be able to afford the minimum investment amount. This will allow you to try the performance of precious metals. As with any others, the new startups may also charge annual maintenance costs, administration fees, and storage. 

Going For The Gold IRA Conclusion

Some may have an extensive network of suppliers and partners to make it more affordable for customers to purchase gold bullion and coins. There is also a buy-back service with no questions asked, so you might want to take advantage of these as well if your gold IRA allows it.

Is A 401K Enough To Retire On?

Answering the question of whether or not “401k is enough to retire” is rather dicey since it is influenced by many financial factors. However, I can assure you that it is better to plan than no plan at all, as the cost of the latter is always greater than the former. 

For those you may be wondering what a 401k retirement plan is, let’s give a brief introduction as to what it is, what it entails, its influencing factors, risks involved, and finally conclude if or not a 401k retirement plan is enough to sustain an individual after retirement. 

Definition 

A 401k retirement plan is an employer-sponsored retirement scheme that allows an employee to invest a percentage of their pre-tax salary (this process is usually automated) into a retirement account. Employees have the luxury of selecting their preferred form of investment from a variety of choices such as; stock, bonds, material funds and cash.  It is a tax-advantaged and is named after a section of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Employers can also decide to make matching contributions which would greatly increase the revenues of the employee. 

Types Of 401K 

There are basically two types of 401K plans, there are traditional and Roth and they differ primarily in how they are taxed. 

1. TRADITIONAL 401(K) 

In the traditional 401k retirement plan, the employee’s contributions would reduce their income taxes for the years they remain in the program, but their withdrawals would be taxed. 

2. ROTH 401K PLAN 

In the Roth retirement plan, however, employees make contributions and their incomes are taxed, but their withdrawals are tax-free. 

Planning a 401k whether Traditional or Roth has many benefits for retirement- savings employees. It allows them to make wage deductions on a pre-tax basis, it could also be in the form of tax in other cases. In addition, all proceeds from scheme 401k are based on taxable income. 

Some Facts About The 401k Retirement Plan 

Since every investment may have its downsides, let’s look at some facts that may not be so great concerning the 401K plan; 

1. Although a 401K plan is a brilliant way to save in view of your retirement, it may not be enough to set aside a comfortable amount of funds, in part because of IRS restrictions (seeing they are limited to what an employee and employer can invest). 

2. Inflation, and tax on 401(k) allocations, undermines your savings (According to research, a 1% inflation rate could cost the retiree up to $34,406 of his benefits. If the inflation rate were to increase to 4%, it would cost more than $139,000), and the value rises t is a massive advantage to the retiree (but the latter case are typically rare). 

3. If you want to withdraw from your 401k early, you will have to pay a fine - plus taxes - on the amount, you intend to withdraw. This is because 401k accounts are closed accounts and are not accessible to retirees until the appointed time. 

Restrictions On The 401k Retirement Plan 

We have reviewed that limits are placed on how much percentage of salary is meant to contribute. For example in2021, IRS regulations limit the percentage of salary contributions to a maximum contribution of $ 19,500. For someone making more than $ 150,000 a year, investing a higher income will give him a savings rate of only 12.67%. And when a person makes more than $ 150,000, their percentage of the contribution will be less. 

The problem is that the 12% savings rate might be too low to achieve a comfortable retirement. There are also restrictions on the way in which employees can dispose of these items and that they are allowed to do so without having to pay tax. 

Given these 401Ks basics, even if you save a lot, your 401k is probably not going to be enough to retire, as you can never save too much for the future. Here are some factors that may affect this;  

Fees And Cost Consolidation 

The effect of administrative fees on 401K accounts and associated funds can be severe. These costs can be swallowed up by more than half of a person’s savings. 401k usually consists of more than twelve undisclosed amounts, such as trustees' funds, bookkeeping fees, acquisition fees, and legal fees. It is easy to become downhearted after a relapse. 

Mutual funds within 401K usually take 2% off the top. If the fund increases by 7% per annum but takes 2%, you are left with 5%. It sounds like you are earning a lot of money, but the magic of the wallet business makes part of your profit disappear because a 7% compound will bring back hundreds of thousands more than a 5% return. A 2% withdrawal amount reduces the return on investment. When you retire, a mutual fund may take up to three of your profits. 

The best options would be to invest in lower indexes. Also, look at the easy-to-use daily targets, which find their way to more than 401k programs, but check out the fees as well. 

Inflation And Taxes 

The cost of living is constantly on the rise. The effect of long-term inflation is generally underestimated. Many retired people believe that they have enough money to sustain them from their 401k accounts and that they are in good health, only to discover after an extended period of time that they would have to reduce their living expenses else they would struggle to make ends meet. 

Taxes are also a big problem. Admittedly, 401k are tax-deductible and grow tax- free. But when you retire and start withdrawing money from your 401k account, the distribution will be added to your annual income which will be taxed on you by the current income tax rate. Like inflation, that price may be higher than you expected 20 years ago. Or perhaps the nest egg you have been building on your 401k for over 20 to 30 years may not be as large as you might expect. 

According to Marguerite Cheng, the chief executive officer of Blue Ocean Global Wealth; “All tax deducted dollars, which means that for every $ 1 you save today, you will have only about 63 to 88 cents based on your tax brackets. For those earning a lot, this is a very serious matter as they are in the top tax bracket. The $1 million balance is not the $ 1 million you can spend on retirement” after taxation from the IRS.

Funds Are Not Readily Accessible 

The income of 401 (k) is actually locked in a safe that can only be opened when you reach a certain age or if you have appropriate exceptions, such as medical expenses or permanent disability. If not, you will suffer fines and early withdrawal taxes. In short, 401K money is not readily accessible. So in cases of emergency, you would not be given any consideration as you may incur a penalty and tax of over 10%. 

Other facts that could be considered are; loss of job for 3 to 6 months, change of jobs (probably with lesser earnings), and ability to cope with the yearly deductions. 

401K Final Thoughts

In conclusion, whether a 401K is enough to retire is dependent on several factors. At the end of the day, this may be a conversation you want to have with a financial advisor. However, since a 401K retirement plan may not be sufficient to keep you afloat long after retirement, it is essential to take precautions by building in other means of investments, having a part-time job can also be a lot helpful. 

In all, one cannot save too much for the future considering the uncertainties our world is filled with. It is better to save more money for retirement than you think you will need, with your 401k and other investment or savings vehicles!

Why 401K Investing Is Right For You

Making The Right Financial Decision 

We are in the midst of an enormous financial crisis right now as inflation is eating up economies all over the world. From the United States of America to Sri Lanka, we are seeing people take matters into their own hands in an attempt to prevent themselves from slipping into serious debt and financial ruin. This is why folks are considering making investments that they never considered before and are opening their eyes to the possibilities available to them beyond what their traditional paychecks can do. If your parents raised you to earn an honest living, they genuinely believed that you could become wealthy as a result of simply taking home your monthly stipend as savings. But savings and frugality alone don't build wealth, especially with inflation running rampant and low savings account interest rates. Your uninvested savings and cash are losing value every year due to inflation.

Nowadays, the mere thought of becoming wealthy is a pipe dream for many, and we consider the chance to just survive as very important. Gone is the obsession with becoming ultra rich and present with us today is the chance to consider merely surviving before we can get the chance to thrive. Therefore the financial investments we make must be robust and considered, because we are not just building legacies, we are building life support rafts for ourselves in order to merely survive the next few decades. People simply make money to get by each day, and we want to make things less difficult for ourselves financially these days. 

This is why we have to make wise decisions with the 401K plans we have invested in over the years, as the cost of our labor is invaluable in a lot of ways. And so when you begin to make the investigation as to exactly how do you buy gold with your 401K, this is an investment vehicle where you can consider your own wants and needs as you take risks and follow your dreams as an investor. Every entry in your financial diary will be useful to you in this endeavor as the decisions you make going forward will rely on your faith in a market that is dependent upon precious metals like gold, platinum and silver. 

Financial Investments Are Critical 

You probably already have a general understanding of gold and how important it is as a commodity, specifically because for as long as you have been alive, you have likely had some sort of interactions with gold. Many people’s family heirlooms are made of this previous metal and as a result, the ideal that you can make an investment in something that is so sturdy in the face of fluctuating prices of commodities all over the world is an ideal position to be in. If you have ambitions of any kind, from political to social and economic, you are going to need the kind of capital that a wise 401k investment can offer you. 

Learning as much as you possibly can about the diverse financial instruments available to all of us these days can only help you in the long run. For example, you may want to diversify the portfolio that you have available to you, and precious metals can offer you a really simple but also very sophisticated way of accomplishing that as quickly as possible. Why is this the truth? This is because investment vehicles related to gold and other precious metals have already been built out due to the trust that the global market already has made an effort to build out our appreciation of gold and silver and other such items. 

401K All The Way

Some things will change over the course of time. For example, when our parents were children, people got dressed to the nines to fly aboard aircraft. The also smoked inside the planes and drank handles of hard liquor as they cruised ten thousand feet. Therefore before the oil crisis of the 1970s, it would make sense to any investor to spend as much money as possible on the airline industry. But if you spent all that money on airlines back then, you might have wished you would have been able to learn more about the stock market and invested in gold instead, as the investment in an airline would not retain its liquidity over the course of many decades. So putting your 401K in gold is probably a great idea instead, if you and your financial advisors approve of it!

What Financial Advisors At Cedar Smith Management Do

When the average person hears “financial advisor,” it is curious whether these services are for everyone or only the wealthy. The premise of a planner is that they offer guidance and investment advice for people who have difficulty with self-management. But that isn’t their only role. 

There are many facets to what a credentialed, established advisory like professionals at Cedar Smith Management can offer. These can include developing strategies meant to accumulate wealth over the interim and helping the average individual eliminate the potential for financial risks with the eventual purpose of meeting set goals. 

Not all financial advisors are created equal, with the potential for varied certifications and degrees. That means the diverse group of financial advising providers can offer a vast array of services, not all of which deem being clumped into a stereotypical box labeled as complex or confusing. 

Instead, these experienced CFA professionals can simplify processes, for instance, helping you plan for the future, perhaps with retirement, or deal with the intricacies of an inheritance. Let’s look at more of the areas that finance advisors concentrate on. 

What Are Some Things That Financial Advisors Do 

In organizations like Cedar Smith Management, financial advisors, each uniquely qualified, strategize with the average person to meet different goals. When selecting a certified financial advisor, it is vital to research someone who specializes in handling your specific circumstances. 

For instance, if you have decided it is time to work toward planning your estate, not all advisors work in that specific area. It will take someone with the training to be able to help you achieve the optimum outcome. Find traits for successful financial advisors and then check out a few of the areas the planners focus their attention on. 

● End-Of-Life Planning Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult 

Estate planning is one area that financial advisors concentrate their attention on. When you reach an age where you decide it is time to begin planning details for your will, it can become solemn, but it doesn’t need to. You can start to make arrangements at any stage in your life. It doesn’t have to come in the golden years. 

Some people choose to create a will when a baby is born or when they purchase a new home. Others decide to consider options after operating a successful company for a significant period of time. 

The idea is to consider what you intend to do with the assets or how you would handle custody of your child in the instance of your death. 

You might alter the contents of the document a few times over the years as circumstances change, but just having it outlined is often enough to give the client peace of mind. The financial advisor, perhaps a wealth manager depending on your estate, will help to strategize the ideal plan meant to ensure your wishes are met. 

● Planning For The Long-Term Can Be Simplified 

Along the same line of estate planning, healthcare costs for those over the age of 65 and retired can exceed $1 million. How does the average individual or couple prepare for these sorts of costs during that period in life? 

Fortunately, some financial advisors specialize in helping individuals in the area of long-term care insurance. 

You, again, don’t have to wait until the last minute to look into the services with fear that you will be able to make the necessary arrangements. It is possible to select a plan that you can afford currently and which will work for you when you will need it critically in the future. Click for details on when it is wise to loo k into getting a financial advisor. 

Final Thoughts On Financial Advisors 

Often a blessing can seem like a burden when a loved one leaves an inheritance. Still, a diverse group of financial advisors like those you will find at Cedar Smith Management can help you understand the tax implications and offer you guidance on the wisest ways to utilize the funds from a wealth manager’s standpoint. 

A financial advisor is someone you could spend a few years with if you find the right person. This is why the individual needs to be someone you mesh with in personality, compatibility, authenticity, and value, along with the critical logistics. Ideally, when you enter a career path, you will seek your financial partner to help you strategize the journey to a prosperous future.

Reasons To Invest In $TJX Stock For T.J. Maxx Dividends

Full Interview On Retail Stocks With Dividend And ETF Investor Mike Schiemer 

Although I have been an entrepreneur for the better part of the last 20 years, I have been investing in stocks for only 5 years. When I was younger I was a big saver that kept most of my money in a low interest paying bank savings account and checking accounts. About ten years ago I worked for one of the world's largest financial services companies and I learned more about the power of dividends, compound, interest, stock splits, diversified funds, foreign stocks, and tech growth stocks. 

When bank savings accounts started transitioning to almost non-existent interest rates, even on CDs, it made a lot more sense to invest in stocks and different funds. I accelerated my investing in 2020 when I saw there were many excellent stock bargains and becoming a retail investor was becoming easier as well. 

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I have owned $TJX for the most part of the last 4 years, sometimes in both of my portfolios (personal and IRA retirement). I have the additional benefit of living in Massachusetts where its headquarters is, and I have often lived within 30 minutes of their HQ building. It is a large diversified company that offers affordable products, has an ecommerce presence, and is recession-resistant unlike some higher price point or luxury retailers. 

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There are many aspects of #TJX that make it an appealing holding for me. I have years of experience in retail marketing and ecommerce sales, so I understand how profitable these businesses can be when done correctly, even in the modern economy. You often hear that retail is dead, but the best retailers still survive and thrive. TJX is a large cap stock with excellent long term growth and a steady dividend, all things I look for in my holdings. They are constantly posting positive earnings per share and positive cash flow each quarter while other retailers have struggled mightily. 

As I mentioned they have very affordable product lines that appeal to most shoppers, making it a smart pick in an economic recession or bear market. They have a strong ecommerce business that is continuing to grow and stay competitive. It is an international company as well with a variety of store brands such as Marshalls, HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, and HomeSense. Their versatility is crucial in a rapidly changing market with new customer trends because they can easily shift their focus to a more profitable brand, ecommerce vs brick and mortar emphasis, or popular product SKUs if needed. 

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Like any stock, if this T.J. Maxx company's net profits began to shrink then I would have to reevaluate its future in my portfolios. If $TJX canceled their dividend completely I would also be likely to sell the stock in favor of other options. I greatly appreciate passive income at least quarterly, even if the dividends or distributions are modest like TJX's. And if retail continues to struggle much worse in the face of ecommerce years from now, then I may trim my retailer holdings that don't keep up with their ecommerce channels in 2025. 

I have many retail stocks holdings aside from TJX including Wal-Mart, Target, Dollar General, CVS, Walgreens, Nordstrom (may be going private very soon), Macy's, Kohls, Home Depot, Lowe's, 711, and Arko. I am probably leaving some out as well, and I also own many retail-related stocks such as retail products, supermarkets, and retail property REITs. I may add Costco to that mix in the near future, which is another huge low-cost dividend paying retailer, but you can purchase a plethora of excellent retail stocks for less than the price of just 1 share of COST right now in 2025. 

I have bought and sold stocks through multiple platforms over the years including Robinhood, Computershare, Fidelity, Merrill Lynch, and even WeBull briefly. I would say Fidelity and Merrill Lynch are the best that I have dealt with, with Fidelity winning out overall in my humble opinion for 2025. 

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