Learn some of the secrets in our Freedom Fast Track coaching program to help you prosper and create true wealth in your life. Listen now to learn further about the following Five P’s of Prosperity:
1. Perspective
2. Purpose
3. Plan
4. Production
5. Progression
To further continue your path of progression to prosperity, sign up for our weekly money tips!
What economic principles will create the best peace of mind in your investing? How can LOWER risk create a high return? Create more certainty in your life! Learn some simple economic principles that can secure your peace of mind and change the way you invest for the rest of your life.
Is trading different than investing? Is Warren Buffett a trader or investor? Which one will make you money, and which one is gambling? Listen to learn what the difference is, and how you can dramatically lessen your risk with your investments to make a greater rate of return.
Best-selling author, Garrett Gunderson, teaches his “new rules to get rich” in today’s changing economy and lackluster investments. Learn how you can apply these new rules in your life to create change in your life today.
For more information on these rules, go to Garrett’s site - http://www.newrulestogetrich.com.
I have often heard many well-intentioned Americans tell me that they feel they are on track to their retirement goals merely because they have been saving a good amount in their 401(k)’s or similar qualified plans. Many believe this is their only option.
My purpose is to shed light on a critical factor that is one of the causes for dramatic disappointment to our 76 million Baby Boomers now entering retirement. This covert killer can leave one with LESS THAN HALF of the money when you retire than the financial calculators will show you. Worst of all, no one would ever know why because the 401(k) providers are not required to disclose it. This lurking enemy is commonly referred to as “fees.”
Hidden fees are one of the most misunderstood components of a 401(k). According to 2007 AARP survey, 83% of respondents said they did not know what fees they were charged, many of whom believed that there were no fees! The reason there is so much confusion is because the disclosure of fees are not required by law. In fact, if they are disclosed, they are often buried several pages in a document called “Statement of Additional Information.” At times, it is nearly impossible to even get the information from the 401(k) providers!
According to the US Dept. of Labor, 17 different types of fees can be applied to any 401(k) plan. Many of these fees are 12b-1 fees, soft dollar fees, brokerage fees, redemption fees, shelf space fees, etc. that are sometimes combined into a single fee called a “wrap fee.” The combination of these fees can be over 2% per year! This could cut someone’s retirement balances by more than half of the expected balance even if they get a certain projected rate of return and make the employer match obsolete. This occurs because fees are not factored in the fund’s historical performance charts that many view in the prospectus.
Some fees are so excessive that there are class action lawsuits against the 401(k) providers. One lawsuit in Washington State has a fund that charges 12.17% in fees each year!
Fees are not inherently bad, but ignorance is not bliss when time is no longer on one’s side. How are these fees affecting your retirement? What could happen if these fees are charged as your balance is declining? Do you realize that an annual fee as small as 1.35% can cut your end balance in half after 40 years of accumulation?
I invite you to watch this video to learn more about this critical issue.
This podcast is based on the Time Magazine cover story published in the October 19, 2009 issue. Listen to why many have begun to see, like many Americans, why the 401k isn’t all it was cracked up to be, and how we were test subjects that benefited financial institutions’ pockets more than our own. Also, see the video below for an interview with Time’s editor about this article.
If you are confused, like most Americans, on what you could be doing instead, listen to an earlier podcast “Fire Your 401k and Be the Bank.”
If you cannot play the video, click here to watch video online.
Standard Podcast [10:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Podcast Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadChris Miles discusses options with a 401k. If you cash out your 401k, what are your options? Is it wise to cash it out, or should you leave it where it is? Learn 3 strategies to consider with your 401k, whether you leave it in a 401k or could you do something else.
Remember, these are only options, not recommendations. This is not intended to be advice, but merely given for informational purposes.
What strategy could be better than using a 401k? Learn a strategy used by the wealthy that allows them to use their money like a bank does. This strategy can be used with a number of investment vehicles, but we will discuss one that works most effectively right now. Learn to use your same dollar 2 or 3 times.
Note: This is not intended to be interpreted as advice. The strategies discussed is for educational and illustrative purposes only. Results vary based on the investor’s knowledge.
For more specific details, register for our weekly money tips to get the next tip on September 17th.
The best investment for you is to invest in being a better investor in what you know best. Listen to hear more.
Listen to my previous blog about this as well.
Many believe that if they do everything they are taught by the financial industry, they will be financially free. From what I’ve seen and what common sense tells us, it’s a load of *%&@! Here’s a few reasons why:
1. Traditional savers still feel broke after years of saving. I have yet to meet someone in retirement that KNOWS their money will last for the rest of their life. Listen why. Some can do it for a certain number of years before they can’t enjoy retirement anymore. The only people I know that have peace of mind are those that invested outside of 401k/IRA’s, OR the financial advisers getting paid commissions on their clients hoping for better returns.
2. Numbers aren’t reality and people aren’t numbers. Just because some suave salesman pulls out his fancy calculator and tells you it’s going to be alright, doesn’t mean it will be. Can he/she foresee your future? What if something changes in 20 years? 20 minutes?
By the way, Mr. Adviser, stop looking at my financial assets to produce returns for you and look at me as the REAL investment!
3. Average returns are not actual returns. If they tell you “Historically, this ‘investment’ has done ___%…” ask them if they will guarantee it in writing. THEY CAN’T!
Also, you can have a positive average rate of return, and in reality, still be losing money. Watch this video to learn how.
4. Inflation is much higher than what many believe. This is the most subtle way to tax the poor and middle class so the politicians look better. Listen here.
5. Your taxes will likely be higher. Even if taxes don’t increase (which I’m sure they will), you will likely have to pay more solely due to inflation. Things get more expensive over time meaning you need more money each year.
Besides, if your retirement accounts actually succeed like your adviser crosses his/her fingers for, wouldn’t you be in a higher tax bracket? If not, it’s probably because your accounts failed.
6. You cannot accumulate enough to only live off of the interest. Like I mentioned in one of my recent podcasts, it’s nearly impossible for even the best savers to live off of 4-5% of their money each year.
7. Paying off “debts” early will shrink your nest egg. Although I am in favor of paying off liabilities, there’s a catch. If pay off your liabilities, it will take money away from your retirement. Unfortunately, you cannot eat a paid-off home. Paying off “debts” is more in the self-interest of the banks than for you. Many retirees are currently asset rich/cash poor which restricts their freedom. For alternative strategies, listen now.
Stop “planning” for retirement!!! Instead, make it happen by DOING THE OPPOSITE which gives you a better chance. Learn the “art” of investing to start becoming financially free today!
If you need further convincing, check out these scary stats!
