Have you ever asked yourself, “What’s it all about? Why am I working so hard?” Hopefully part of the answer is so you can enjoy life and have a nice lifestyle. So why do we sacrifice and save along the way? To have a safer tomorrow? And the more we add to the pile the more comfortable we should be down the road. All correct! So what exactly does that look like for you? Are you 100% clear on what I refer to as the “end game” and what it has in store for you? Are you clear on the life and lifestyle you will be able to actually have?
As human beings we are very focused on what we do everyday to generate income. When it comes to our finances we typically do not like dealing with the world of investing, insurance or the thought of actually reaching retirement one day. Our jobs and businesses create the “income” needed to do everything, including long-term financial planning. Why is it then that everyone is so focused on the wealth accumulation part of the equation and not on the wealth distribution side? Two questions: Do you plan on retiring one day? If so, what’s your plan for turning your assets into income?
From having the opportunity to meet with so many different people and reviewing their current plans it is evident to me that most are not 100% clear around that side of the equation. Having spent for 29 years in both the insurance and the investment industries I would say that 95% of the financial advisors out there are focused primarily on the accumulation (investing) side of the story, and that is perfectly fine to the extent of building wealth. They try to grow your number to a bigger number at some point in the future and to get you to the “top of the mountain” so you can retire and live off the pile, and yet there is very little discussion or calculations that address the “income during retirement” phase. (or the end game)
Unfortunately, upon reaching that point in time the reality is a rude awakening for many as it pertains to turning your accumulated assets into a stream of income. So doesn’t it make sense to figure out that part of the financial story as early as possible? Beginning with the end in mind – or properly packing your bags in pre-retirement – can set the stage for a much more comfortable lifestyle. And while financial products can do what they do by themselves, it is the incorporation of a comprehensive “strategy” that combines the right balance of both risk & guaranteed products, scientifically coordinated in the proper ratios, that can assure a much greater income stream in the future.
How much bigger you ask? I have personally helped clients boost their projected retirement income streams anywhere from 10% to 75% by making a tweak here and there to their current plan. And all this is attained without increasing their current savings or taking on any additional risk. Imagine how this could impact your future lifestyle, Best of all, you can do this and retain your current advisor if you like.
Just ask yourself one question: If what I just described above is remotely possible and you could be more efficiently and effectively structured, with extra assurance and “guarantees” built-in, with the end result yielding the highest future income stream and lifestyle possible “forever” and without the risk and fear of running out of money during retirement, all with the peace of mind that comes at no additional charge, wouldn’t you at least want to know how this can be achieved? The main criterion required is that you must be open to time-traveling into “your” future financial life. I can show you, with conservative projections, just how your future is looking now and how much brighter it could be (i.e. with the highest income stream possible)