income, protection, retirement, risk management

Strategies to Help Avoid Running Out of Money in Retirement

A recent study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that “many younger baby boomers and members of subsequent generations who don’t have access to a traditional pension could outlive the funds in their 401(k) accounts.” (1)

In the 1980s 401k plans began to replace pension plans in the workplace. Workers became responsible for accumulating their own retirement savings. Of workers born in 1947, 52% had pensions. By comparison workers born only 10 years later, only 21% had pensions.

The study compared retiree spending for people who had pensions and those who only had a 401k. They found that “retirees with pensions often didn’t spend their savings at all. In fact, many saw their nest eggs continue to grow after they stopped working.”

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inflation, interest rates, retirement, risk management

“The Menace of Inflation”: Inflation in Perspective

In May 1974 Fed Chairman Arthur Burns gave a commencement speech to Illinois College. The speech was titled “The Menace of Inflation”.

At this point in the 1970s the nation had been struggling with high inflation for four long years… For perspective, we have been only dealing with high and rising inflation for one year so far. His voice offers a view of what to expect in the years to come.

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Climate change, environment, ESG, risk management, Socially Responsible Investing

Are all ESG funds “green”?

The question is one that is asked frequently, and recently came up in a conversation with a new client. The quick answer is no…

Even when funds are labeled “green” or “ESG” it is important to understand that these labels mean different things to different managers and investors. Some focus on corporate governance, some focus on diversity and labor issues, some focus on shareholder activism, some focus on environmental issues. It is important to look deeper into your investments to make sure they align with your expectations and demands.

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