Retirement Mistakes to Avoid

You’ve enjoyed the celebrations and a few days of “sleeping-in,” and now you’re ready to start your retired life. Evan T. Beach from Kipplinger recommends these easy steps to help start your retirement in the right direction and keep it on track for years to come.

Avoid purchasing big ticket items or taking extravagant trips. See if you can actually plan these investments while you are still working in order to preserve retirement funds. It will also keep you from tapping into social security and retirement funds too quickly which can help with your tax rates later in life. Be sure to work with your financial planner to adjust your investment strategy, be careful not to lose touch with former co-workers and other acquaintances, and create a daily schedule for yourself. All of these things are an important part of maintaining an active life in retirement.
Read more here: Five Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year of Retirement

Make the Most of Your Money

Want some creative ways to save money, preserve your savings, and even earn extra cash?
Try these tips:
Use a debit card that pays you for every purchase.
Be sure you’re not overspending on items.
Comparison shop for car insurance twice a year.
Invest in the stock market. It doesn’t take as much money as you might think.
Earn extra money with InboxDollars.com.
Purchase life insurance.
Add points to your credit score.
Try the real estate business.

Read more here. 8 Strange Money Moves to Make Before Tomorrow Ends

Portfolio Planning

Wondering about Bitcoin?  Consider first if it fits within your investment portfolio.  Carl Richards for the New York Times reminds us that investing is very different than speculating.  Our decisions should be based on the process and not the outcome, which no one can actually predict.  Plan your goals and focus on diversification and then decide if Bitcoin or any other investment opportunity is right for you.

Are you a Gambler?

water-coolerConcerned about the current state of the market?  Not sure is you should hold ’em or fold ’em?
Walk away or run?

David Yeske, a financial planner in San Francisco, recently sent out a calming note to his clients explaining that downturns are inevitable, but he offered another strategy. He offered some “fun and uplifting” distractions from the scary headlines, and he provided links to videos featuring a rendition of “Stand by Me,” and a flash mob.

Read the full story here:

Market Turbulence Serves as Reminder to Tread Lightly