Financial Freedom and Wealth Trailblazers Podcast Feature: Financial Guidance and Planning

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the Financial Freedom and Wealth Trailblazers Podcast.

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Andrew discusses the importance of finding an advisor that aligns with your needs and who understands your relationship with money. He also discusses the significance that proper financial planning can have on multi-generational wealth.

Click the Links Below to Watch or Listen to the Full Episode:

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

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How Much Should You Invest for Retirement?

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When it comes to investing, we all have to start somewhere. It can be easy to look for a set number or percentage of income to invest and stick with it. While that may be the simple approach, I believe more needs to be considered when choosing an amount to invest continually. With that being said, this should not be so complicated; it takes forever to figure out. While investing will look different for everyone, there are some helpful guidelines to establish what investing should look like for you.

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The Importance of Investing

We must first establish why you should invest in the first place before diving into how to invest. Investing gives you the advantage of putting your money into a vehicle designed to grow wealth. This is the classic case of risk vs reward. You could leave your money in a savings account but will get minimal growth, if any. The alternative is investing some of that money into the stock market strategically to take advantage of a multiple percentage return.

When investing, it is crucial to know your goals with that money. This could be anything from saving for vacation to retirement planning and anything in between. Knowing what you are investing for is one piece of the puzzle. The second piece to consider is the timeline of your investment. If you are investing money that you plan to use for a vacation six months from now, your strategy will look significantly different than the money you invest towards your retirement, which is 20 years away. The final consideration is the risk you are comfortable taking with your investment. The timeline plays a role in this, but a personal component needs to be considered and talked through with a financial advisor.

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How Much To Invest

When it comes to establishing the amount you are investing, it again depends on multiple factors. You must take into consideration the end goal as well as your own capacity to invest. The overarching recommendation is to invest 15%-25% of your income toward retirement. While this can be a helpful target to shoot for, this amount could be too little with the end goal. Instead of picking an arbitrary amount, I suggest doing a retirement expense inventory. Doing this will allow you to get a goal that is tailored to your cost of living and retirement expectations. This takes into account life expectancy, healthcare costs, and expected retirement lifestyle. From here, you can reverse solve to find a proper investment target using a compound interest calculator. Keep in mind that this target is going to move on you throughout your life. What makes sense at 30 years old will be different at 40 years old because you’ve gained more clarity on the components used to establish your target.

As great as it would be for everyone to understand their retirement expenses, it can often be challenging to project. What about someone with significant student loans who can't swing 15% of their income to retirement? This is where capacity comes into play. The above scenario is the goal, but it may not be feasible for your current financial situation. If that describes you, then the mentality you should have is to start small but start now. You will be better off by investing a little bit each month and building the habit of investing, as opposed to waiting until your circumstances are perfect to start. I recommend you find an amount that works with your budget and commit to investing that amount for a year. By doing this, you have built the habit of investing and allowed your money to start working through compounding interest.

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Where to Invest

Now that you have established your goals and an amount of money to invest, you can consider what investment vehicle you want to use. If this is new territory for you, read my article “The Order of Operations for Retirement Savings.” This can give you a baseline of where to begin with investing.

All the pieces we have discussed up to this point will influence the strategy you choose for investing. At the end of the day, diversification is one of the most essential components of retirement investing. You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” which holds true when investing. The stock market is volatile and should be approached with a well-thought-out strategy. Diversify your investment across multiple asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. This will help you have a robust strategy when the market is up and protect you from downsides when the market is down.

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Adjust and Review

I’ve mentioned it once, but it deserves to be revisited. The amount you contribute to retirement savings will be a moving target. It will change as you get closer to retirement, have income fluctuations, and gain clarity on your financial goals. This change is not something to shy away from. It creates the opportunity to revisit this topic regularly. If you work with a financial advisor, this conversation should be part of a standard cadence between you and them. Having a plan is important, but understanding how that plan should flex over time is equally important.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines around investing toward retirement. As I mentioned, everybody has a different situation and should consult a financial advisor to help consider all factors of your financial picture. If I can leave you with any piece of advice, it is that the best time to start investing was yesterday. The second best time is today.

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References

https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

https://smartasset.com/investing/how-much-money-to-invest-in-stocks-per-paycheck

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Yahoo! Finance Feature: How Much the Average Florida Retiree Should Have in Their Savings Account→

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Yahoo! Finance to talk to readers about the factors to consider if you want to retire to the sunshine state.

Andrew discusses the benefits to consider when retiring to a state without income tax as well as strategies that can be applied more broadly.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

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Recent Articles Written by Andrew:

Recent Articles Andrew Has Been Featured In:

GoBankingRates Feature: Net Worth for Baby Boomers: How To Tell Whether You’re Poor, Middle Class, Upper Middle Class or Rich→

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in GoBankingRates to talk to readers about gaining clarity on the blurred lines between classes in America.

Andrew discusses the differentiating factors in each wealth segment, and how to properly manage your assets based on the one you’re in.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

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Recent Articles Written by Andrew:

Recent Articles Andrew Has Been Featured In:

The Order of Operations for Retirement Savings

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One of the most common questions people ask me is how to determine the best way to save for retirement. It’s a fair question because there is no one-size-fits-all retirement saving and investing approach. Each person’s unique financial situation can impact how they save for retirement. So, before we jump into a general recommendation for the order of operations in retirement savings, consult a financial advisor-–like myself-–to discuss your individual financial considerations that can influence your retirement outlook.

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Step 1: Work-Based Retirement Plan

Employer retirement plans, such as 401k, 403b, or 457, are often the best and simplest way to begin retirement savings. Not all plans are created equal, depending on your employer, but these plans contain some significant benefits worth taking advantage of.

Minimal Barrier to Entry

Employer-sponsored retirement plans typically have low to no barriers to entry. In most cases, employees are auto-enrolled in the company plan, with some employers requiring a small contribution from each employee. If not automatically enrolled, opting into the plan is often as simple as filling out a few forms. 

Matching Incentive

One widely recognized benefit of employer plans is the associated company match. While not mandatory for all employers, a company match is becoming a common addition to benefits packages. I like to call this “free money”. By contributing a percentage of your paycheck, your employer agrees to match your contribution up to a specified limit. For example, “Employer agrees to match 50% of employee’s contribution up to 6%”. This means that if you contribute 6% of your paycheck, your employer will add an additional 3% to your contribution. This is a key reason why work-based retirement plans are so effective.

Automatic Deduction

The final distinction of these employer plans is that your contributions come directly from your paycheck before you receive it. This makes the process of saving for retirement very simple and automated. Automatic deduction enables you to save for retirement before recognizing that money as income.

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Step 2: Emergency Fund

I know what you’re thinking—having an emergency fund has nothing to do with retirement savings. While it doesn’t directly count as retirement savings, it’s a necessary step in the equation. To fund your retirement, you need to ensure that your current financial situation is under control. The control starts with having a safety net in place. An emergency fund allows you to manage your current financial picture before addressing your future financial picture. By establishing an emergency fund, you can stay on track with your retirement goals when unexpected expenses arise rather than halting retirement contributions to cover unforeseen costs. Once you’re contributing to your work-based retirement plan and have an emergency fund established, we can move on to other retirement savings accounts.

Step 3: Individual Retirement Accounts

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are often the next step in retirement savings. These accounts are separate from employer plans but still hold numerous benefits. There are two main types of IRAs, each effective depending on individual financial considerations. While this won’t be a deep dive into these accounts, here is a quick overview of their function and benefits.

Traditional IRA

A traditional IRA is a pre-tax retirement account. Contributions are made pre-tax, resulting in a current-year tax deduction. The money invested in the account grows and is taxed at an ordinary income rate when withdrawn. This is often referred to as tax-deferred, meaning that you defer your taxes until withdrawal.

Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is considered a post-tax retirement account. Contributions happen after taxes are taken out of your income. Since you pay taxes upfront, that money grows tax-free. Regardless of your tax bracket at withdrawal, you won’t have to pay taxes on the money in your account, assuming you follow proper withdrawal guidelines.

Which One?

This is where a professional comes in handy. Many individuals benefit from utilizing both IRAs at different points in their careers, often dictated by their current income. In most cases, ask yourself, “What is my current tax bracket compared to my retirement tax bracket?” If your current tax bracket is higher than your projected retirement bracket, it might make sense to contribute to a traditional IRA over a Roth. But a Roth could be the most efficient option if your current tax bracket is lower than your projected retirement tax bracket. The maximum contribution for an individual in 2024 is $7,000 for those under 50 years of age and $8,000 for those 50 and above.

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Step 4: Health Savings Account

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are great financial tools for some individuals. An HSA is primarily a form of health insurance an employer could offer. It’s a high-deductible plan that allows you to put money into an account for qualified medical expenses. HSAs often have an employer contribution attached. Due to the high deductible, these plans are great for healthy individuals with lower medical needs.

There’s a point where an HSA can secondarily be used as a retirement savings account in addition to its primary use as a health insurance plan. This is when you have unused money in the plan to be invested. This allows you to utilize the “triple-tax advantage” of using an HSA as an investment vehicle. Contributions are tax-deductible, while the earnings and withdrawals are tax-free when used for medical expenses. After the age of 65, withdrawals can be taken from your HSA account for non-medical expenses and taxed like a traditional IRA. For many individuals, the HSA functions as a great tool for wealth accumulation after maxing out your IRA.

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Step 5: Taxable Account

The final piece of the puzzle for retirement savings is a taxable account or brokerage account. This account does not offer the same tax benefits as the previously mentioned accounts, which is why it is last on the list. Contributions to these accounts occur after taxes, and the growth or income produced each year counts towards your taxable income for the year. With that being said, the benefit of this account is that you can contribute and withdraw as you please. Because the money is likely invested, it may take a few days to sell and withdraw, but there is no age limit to take the money out. What you lose in tax benefit, you gain in liquidity.

These accounts have multiple purposes but are commonly used to create a “bridge account” for retirement. Because work-based retirement plans, IRAs, and HSAs all require you to be a certain age before making withdrawals, you can use a taxable account to save and invest money if you decide you want to retire early. This account functions as the “bridge” to fund your life from when you retire until you start collecting Social Security or retirement account distributions.

As I mentioned at the start, this is not a blanket approach to retirement savings for everyone. While the structure may work for some, it is important to talk with an investment professional to consider how your income, retirement plan, and goals will impact your strategy. What’s universal about this information is that everyone can contribute to retirement savings in multiple ways to ensure their financial picture is on track.

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References

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Prioritizing_investments

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Health_savings_account

https://thecollegeinvestor.com/1493/order-operations-funding-retirement/

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Yahoo! Finance Feature: Six Ways to Mitigate a Sudden Job Loss→

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Yahoo! Finance to talk to readers about the importance of being prepared at all times for the possibility of a job loss.

Andrew discusses why it is important to have a dedicated emergency fund along with tax efficient ways of further upskilling and educating oneself.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

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What is a Backdoor Roth IRA?

If you're a high earner, you might have come across the term "Backdoor Roth" - it's often hailed as a strategy to outmaneuver heavy tax burdens imposed by Uncle Sam. Yet, despite its popularity in conversation, it remains largely misunderstood. Let's delve into a clear explanation, one that's easy to digest.

So, what exactly is a backdoor Roth?

It's a tactic used by high earners to contribute to a Roth IRA, even when their income surpasses the limits set by the IRS for direct contributions.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Make a Nondeductible Traditional IRA Contribution.

2. Convert to a Roth IRA: After contributing to the traditional IRA, you convert it to a Roth IRA. This conversion, crucially, is allowed regardless of your income level.

3. Tax Implications: Because the original IRA contribution was made post-tax, there are generally no tax implications from the conversion.

4. Things to Consider: Before proceeding with a backdoor Roth IRA, it's important to understand the pro-rata rule. This rule can impact the tax treatment of the conversion if you have other traditional IRAs with pre-tax contributions.

For years, there have been discussions in Congress and the presidency about closing this perceived tax loophole. Therefore, a backdoor Roth may not always be an option. It's wise to determine sooner rather than later whether you can participate in this strategy and how to do so effectively.

 Fiduciary Financial Advisors is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

An X-ray of Grand Rapids Hospital Retirement Plans: Which One is Best?

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Employer Retirement Plan Details: Why Should You Care?

Employer retirement plans — such as 403(b)s and 401(k)s — are usually a large part of the financial plan for providers, nurses, and other medical professionals. The details of these plans can be confusing so I thought it would be helpful to compare and contrast the plans of the four larger hospitals in Grand Rapids, MI for you.

• Corewell Health-Empower

• U of M Health West-Principal

• St. Mary’s Trinity Health-Fidelity

• Mary Fee Bed-Empower

Understanding the details of your employer plan can lead to a huge difference in your account value at retirement. It should also be factored in when deciding where to work, as it is part of your compensation package. Different aspects of these plans can make them better or worse, I will assign them a Heath Biller score ranging from 0 to 10 — since that is the range used for pain assessments. 10 will be excellent and 0 will be horrible. Let’s X-ray the plans.

*Full disclosure, I have previously worked at Corewell Health & Mary Free Bed

Eligibility

This is when you are allowed to start participating in your company’s retirement plan. Due to compounding interest, the sooner you can start participating the better.

Automatic Deferral

This is when a company automatically enrolls you into the plan at a certain contribution rate when you get hired. The other option is having you opt into the plan yourself, which sometimes doesn’t happen. Automatic deferral is usually much better since it helps you start investing sooner. Life can get busy and procrastination is real.

Employer Matching Contributions

This is the amount of money that your employer contributes to your account on your behalf. It can be matching contributions which is usually a percentage of what you contribute. They can also make a non-elective contribution which means they contribute money to your account even if you don’t contribute anything. A higher rate here is better since that is more money towards your account.

Vesting Schedule

This is the length of time you have to stay working at the company before you are eligible for their matching contributions. If you leave the company before this period of time, they will take their matching contributions back from your account. The shorter the vesting schedule the better.

Roth Option

For a long time, most companies only offered Traditional contributions as an option for their plans. This means you get a tax deduction now but will have to pay taxes down the road when you take the money out. More companies are now offering a Roth contribution option. This means you do not get a tax deduction now but when you take the money out down the road, it will be tax-free. Sometimes Traditional contributions are better and sometimes Roth contributions are better. Having a Roth option is beneficial as it allows flexibility for your specific situation. If you want to learn more about Traditional vs. Roth contributions, read this blog post.

Plan Fees

These are the fees charged to your retirement account by the plan providers for helping set up and manage the retirement plan. Lower fees here mean less money is coming out of your account.

Investment Options

These are the range of investment options the plan offers inside the account. You want to make sure you are contributing to your account, but you also want to be aware of how the money is invested inside your account.

And the Winner is…

Saint Mary’s-Trinity Health with a score of 60/70 (86%). The aspects of their plan that stood out the most compared to the competition were: their employer contribution, their plan fees, and their investment options.

The other plans are pretty decent, I have seen much worse. I would have liked to have seen more automatic deferrals, higher employer matching contributions, and more target date funds as the default investment option. Hopefully, this has helped you better understand the plan where you work or evaluate the plans of future employers you are considering.

Please reach out if:

• You work for one of these hospitals and have more questions about your plan and what you are invested in

• You work for a different medical facility and would like me to help you review the retirement plan they offer

• You work for a facility that currently does not offer a retirement plan but would like help setting one up

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Yahoo! Finance Feature: Why Your Idea of Retirement May Be Wrong: And What You Can Do To Better Prepare→

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Yahoo! Finance to talk to readers about the importance of preparing for expenses in retirement.

Andrew discusses why retirees must plan on having similar, if not greater expenses in retirement to those they’re experiencing in their working years and how they can maximize their cash flow to support their financial independence.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

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MoneyGeek Feature: Women’s Guide to Financial Independence

Leanne Rahn had the privilege to be featured in MoneyGeek to talk to readers about “Women’s Guide to Financial Independence”.

Leanne discusses challenges women face when it comes to their finances and how they can maximize their cash flow to support their financial independence.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

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Recessions Aren't Always a Roadblock - Consider These Benefits

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Defining a Recession

Let’s begin by clarifying what a recession entails. “Most commentators and analysts use, as a practical definition of recession, two consecutive quarters of decline in a country’s real inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP)- the value of all goods and services a country produces.” (Source: International Monetary Fund; link below) According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), it’s a broader concept involving, “a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in production, employment, real income, and other indicators.” (Source: International Monetary Fund; link below) Both definitions show the negative outcomes so let's dive deeper into what some of the positive outcomes could be.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Views

Why would a decline in economic activity be considered a positive factor? The answer lies in the window of time you view it. In a free-market economy, businesses compete for customers. During a recession, consumers tend to spend their money more wisely, favoring businesses with lower prices or higher quality to make their money go further. While this may lead to short-term challenges such as job losses and business closures, it encourages efficiency. In the long run, recessions help eliminate less efficient companies from the market, allowing more efficient ones to thrive and take their place. In the long run, this helps improve the economy's overall strength.

How to Navigate a Recession by Being an Opportunist?

Instead of being scared of a recession, why not consider it an opportunity for growth and improvement?

• Failed businesses can make way for new enterprises, offering better jobs, products, services, and prices.

• Individuals facing job loss can use the opportunity to learn and grow new skills, making a more significant economic impact on society and for themselves.

• Asset value declines can create opportunities for strategic financial moves like Roth conversions, portfolio rebalancing, or tax loss harvesting.

A recession could be a great time to invest in yourself. Warren Buffett famously said, “Whatever abilities you have can't be taken away from you. They can't actually be inflated away from you. The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and it's not taxed at all.”

Navigating Recessions with Confidence

When news of a recession emerges, it's vital to resist succumbing to fear. Much like weightlifters intentionally break down muscle fibers for greater strength or home renovators tear down outdated designs for improved homes, recessions play a role in eliminating inefficiencies within our economic system.

Avoiding the pitfalls of political rhetoric is equally crucial during these times. Recessions often trigger frustration and political finger-pointing so it can be beneficial to remember that the benefits of a recession could be better than the harm of government intervention trying to prevent the recession from happening. Echoing one of my favorite quotes by economist Thomas Sowell, "The first lesson of economics is scarcity: There is never enough of anything to satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics."

While recessions may bring short-term challenges, they are pivotal for maintaining a robust and growing economy in the long term. A recession might not fulfill every immediate desire, but it acts as a catalyst, paving the way for efficient businesses to address more needs at lower prices over time.

Sources:

International Monetary Fund https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/recess.htm#:~:text=Calling%20a%20recession&text=Most%20commentators%20and%20analysts%20use,and%20services%20a%20country%20produces.

International Monetary Fund

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/recess.htm#:~:text=The%20NBER's%20Business%20Cycle%20Dating,real%20income%2C%20and%20other%20indicators.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Invest Like a Sales Professional

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Investing is confusing for many people. You are stuck trying to find the best strategies and performance, while still minimizing risk. On top of finding a strategy that is in line with your situation and goals, you have to be willing to ride the rollercoaster that is the stock market. If you work in sales, you have the added complexity of managing your variable income. Everyone has their opinions, but I firmly believe that there’s more than one way to achieve your financial goals. In this article, I aim to offer some principles that can simplify investing for sales professionals.

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Employer Match

Many employers offer a contribution matching program, and taking advantage of it can feel like getting free money. For this reason, it is likely to be the first step in maximizing your investments. Nowadays, many plans even provide a Roth option, which can be a great perk to take advantage of. The employer contribution will be pre-tax, so putting your contribution into the Roth bucket allows for tax-free growth of your retirement assets. If you find yourself in a high-income position, make sure to keep your contribution below the annual limit, so that you can invest any additional money outside of your employer plan. The current employee contribution 401k limit for 2024 is $23,000 with a catch-up contribution of $1,000 if you are 50 or older, although the limit can change annually.

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Tiered Approach

Once you’ve maximized the employer match, you should have a strategy for your next investment contributions. Your next step is likely to maximize your Roth or traditional IRA contributions. If you still have funds you want to invest, then this is where your options expand, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Whether you plan to fund a taxable account or invest in real estate, this is the time to do it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so I highly recommend consulting a professional to walk you through the pros and cons of each option and help you find an approach that is aligned with your goal. One way to keep track of your tiered approach would be to follow the method I outlined in “End-of-Year Financial Checklist: 7 Steps for a solid Financial Plan”. This allows you to automate your plan and ensure everything is in order towards year-end.

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Dollar Cost Averaging or Lump Sum

Most individuals enjoy the consistency that accompanies dollar cost averaging (DCA). This is an excellent approach for someone with a consistent income. During my time in sales, my income was never truly “consistent”, and I find that to be the case across the board for most sales professionals. Let me also be clear that the approach you should take is the one you will stick to. Research has shown that lump sum investing can be superior to DCA due to the time in the market, but DCA is still very effective and useful for risk-averse investors. Working in a heavily commissioned role will often result in using a lump-sum approach, and it is important to not shy away from it. Nobody has a crystal ball when it comes to the stock market and can know the best day to invest. With that being said, you are typically better off letting your money start working for you as soon as possible.

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Tax Considerations

Tax-efficient strategies should be a key element of every sales professional's investment strategy. This could involve using a Roth IRA, doing backdoor Roth conversations, or tax loss harvesting. While being tax-conscious, you will still want to maximize investment performance. This is truly a balance and should be considered when deciding on an investment strategy. I recommend working closely with a certified public account (CPA) who works in tax preparation and can give advice on your tax efficiency.

While many investing principles are synonymous with most individuals, these are a few strategies to keep in mind for sales professionals who often have high, fluctuating incomes. These guidelines are intended to provide clarity to investing. If you want specific advice on investment strategies, consult a financial advisor that is willing to take your entire financial picture into account, and help you find an approach that is in your best interest.

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References

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-22500-for-2023-ira-limit-rises-to-6500

https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/news/lump-sum-investing-versus-cost-averaging-which-is-better

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

West MI Woman Feature: Saving for Your Child’s Future

Leanne Rahn had the privilege to be featured in West Michigan Woman’s Magazine to talk to readers about “Saving for Your Child’s Future”.

Leanne dives into some of her favorite savings vehicles and the details parents need to know. Want to know how you can create a solid financial foundation for your children? You won’t want to miss this piece.

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How to Budget on a Sales Income

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How can I budget when my income is variable? If you’ve asked yourself this question, you are in good company. Most sales professionals experience the challenge of figuring out how to plan for their fluctuating income. Let’s walk through tips on the basics of budgeting off of a variable income.

I’ve had the joy of working in sales and experiencing this firsthand, and now working with sales professionals as their financial advisor. Variable income will present itself in one of two ways; employees will be compensated with full commission on sales or a mixture of base salary plus commission. These principles will pertain to both individuals, with an added emphasis on those with fully commissioned roles.

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Step 1: Estimate Minimum Expenses

Start by listing your monthly expenses, distinguishing between necessary and discretionary expenses. Necessary expenses would include housing, utilities, insurance, food (groceries, not eating out), and transportation. You can do this on paper, excel, or through an app. This will give you a budget that is broken down by normal expenses and bare minimum expenses. Understanding your bare minimum expenses is crucial when developing a safety net.

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Step 2: Establish Safety Net

This amount will be different for everyone but ultimately is based on the security of your job, income, and lifestyle. If you feel like you have a very secure job and a lower-cost lifestyle, you could stretch this amount to a low end of 3-4 months' worth of expenses. If your job is highly competitive and your company has been known to frequently replace underperformers, it might be a good idea to have closer to 6 months' worth of expenses.

The other piece of this safety net revolves around how easily you can find another job, should you leave or be let go from your current role. If you have confidence in your ability to get a new job within a month, then we can stretch to the lower end. If you work in a specialty sales market with a longer timeline to hire. I always recommend that you take whatever you think makes sense for your current situation and add a 1-2 month buffer. This safety net is in place so that you have options in case of job loss.

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Step 3: How to Budget

You should have already created a complete budget in step one. If not, add the rest of your non-essential expenses to your bare minimum budget. This is what you can plan to live off of once your safety net is established. If you have a base salary as part of your compensation structure, I recommend making sure your salary covers your entire budget. This way you won’t depend on sales commissions and will have massive financial flexibility.

This can be a bit more challenging if you’re someone who is in a 100% commission role. First things first, I would attempt to have a 6-9 month safety net. Sales can be a rollercoaster of a profession, and the compensation tends to follow. Even if it rarely comes, you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. To create a budget off an entirely fluctuating income can be done in two ways. The first way is to take your previous year's income and budget off of that. This can be a useful strategy, especially if your previous year was more of an “average” year. The method I prefer to use is based on forecasting. To do this, you need to have a good understanding of your company's payout structure and project forecast. Take your projected sales target and assume you will hit exactly 100%, or 90% if you want to be conservative. Multiply the amount of sales by your commission percentage to get your yearly income, and don't forget to take taxes off of that number. Either way, it's crucial to add some extra room when making these estimations.

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Step 4: How to Manage When You Get Off Track

While I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, I understand that volatility of sales doesn’t play favorites. On the rare occasion that you hit a major dry spell with your commission, don't panic and remember the safety net you established. Although it can be challenging, temporarily reducing your expenses to cover only the essentials might be necessary. This will ideally be a short-term adjustment, and that is why it is important to have your bare minimum budget.

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Balancing a variable sales income can be challenging as every year is different. However, utilizing this approach will provide the necessary safeguards to protect you and your family. Along with financial protection, implementing these suggestions will come with a level of stress reduction that can often be associated with a fluctuating income.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Is Your Financial Plan Overlooking This Vital Element — Your Health?

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered "Man! Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

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What Your Financial Plan Might be Missing

Your financial plan encompasses numerous facets of your life, covering emergency funds, income, debt, savings, budgeting, financial goals, risk tolerance, investment allocation, retirement, and tax planning. However, there's one critical aspect often missing from financial plans that can significantly impact your economic well-being – your health.

Understanding the Link Between Health and Finance

Health influences nearly every dimension of your financial plan in distinctive ways. For instance:

• Income and Productivity: Poor health or frequent illnesses can lead to reduced overall income due to missed workdays. Maintaining good health can help you keep a stable income.

• Emergency Fund: Health status affects the size of your emergency fund. Individuals with health challenges may require a larger fund to mitigate increased risks associated with medical expenses.

• Budget and Savings Rate: Increased healthcare expenses can strain your budget and potentially result in a lower savings rate. Prioritizing health can positively impact your budget and allow a higher savings rate.

• Retirement Planning: Planning for potential healthcare costs during retirement becomes crucial. An unhealthy lifestyle now may require a larger nest egg for future medical needs.

The Cost of Ignoring Health in Your Financial Plan

Neglecting health can have significant financial consequences, especially in the United States where lifestyle-related conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol are prevalent. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by the coexistence of three or more of these conditions, increases the risk of expensive health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious health problems. (Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, link below)

Average cost per year in the United States

• Heart Disease & Stroke $19,110

• Diabetes $8,837

• Obesity $1,405

Considering that 1 in 3 American adults has metabolic syndrome, the financial implications are substantial. However, the good news is obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol are all modifiable risk factors. That means, if You change YOUR lifestyle YOU can reduce or eliminate these conditions. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, link below)

Taking Action for a Healthier Lifestyle

Recognizing the integral role of health in financial planning, here are actionable steps to improve both your health and financial future:

• Nutrition: Eat more whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Cooking at home and avoiding processed foods can contribute to better health and financial savings. You cannot out-exercise a poor diet.

• Physical Activity: Find a sport you enjoy and exercise regularly. Try to meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death. Quitting not only improves health but also saves money that can be directed toward financial goals.

• Quality Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Good sleep promotes overall well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

• Hydration: Opt for water over sugary drinks and alcohol. This simple choice positively impacts both your health and your budget.

• Mental Stimulation: Challenge your mind by continuously learning new skills. A sharp mind contributes to overall health and longevity.

(Source: American Heart Association, link below)

Advice from Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett once told a story about what he would do if a Genie appeared and granted him a wish for a brand-new car. Being a wise man, Warren knew there would be a catch, so he asked the Genie what it was. The Genie responded that this would be the only car he would have for his entire life. Warren said he would accept that stipulation to get the car. Knowing that it would be the only car he would have for his entire life though, he would take very good care of it. He would read the entire manual front to back. He would get the oil changed on time or early. He would get the recommended preventative maintenance completed. He would fix any dents to prevent rusting. He would keep it clean inside and out.

Then he broadens the analogy by equating our mind and body as the one vehicle that has to last our entire lives. Our minds and bodies are much more important than vehicles, yet we do not always treat them as such. The decisions we make today will determine how well our minds and bodies operate many years from now. 

Your health is a vital component of your financial well-being. By prioritizing your health, you can secure not only a healthier and more fulfilling life but also a more robust and resilient financial future. If you have any specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out.

Sources:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/metabolic-syndrome#:~:text=About%201%20in%203%20adults,that%20it%20is%20largely%20preventable.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/costs/index.htm

American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.