Where is your financial attention focused on?

A Real Retirement Worry to Focus On

You may be asking yourself how can I afford my children's college? But consider that what you are really worry about is about how to help your kids by paying for college, co-signing loans or bailing them out in general.

Instead concern yourself with funding your retirement. You see, ask yourself how will you retire if you drain your cash to fund Junior's archeology degree at an expensive private school?, for example. If you have to pick, make sure you're OK for retirement first. People in their 30s sometimes pick their kids' education instead of themselves, thinking, "I'll make up for this later".

The longer you wait, the tougher it is to catch up. Remember, your kids have years to work -- you don't. So, do not put yourself in financial jeopardy because you want so badly to help your children financially; you could end up harming yourself greatly.

But you also do not forget the possibility of creating a College Education Fund for your children; first things first.

Give me a call to obtain a FREE financial evaluation of your very own financial situation in order to establish the best plan for you and your children.

Call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565 

How can you ensure retirement income?

Consider Getting "Liquid" Before You Retire

Having a substantial net worth and very little liquidity can greatly restrict the income you receive. This is particularly tough when interest rates rise or are high.

Make sure you are financially positioned on the right side of the game.

Give me a call to arrange for a FREE financial evaluation and to implement the best retirement plan according to your very own financial situation.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Do your financial decisions now! There is no better time!

THE BEST FINANCIAL MOVE YOU CAN MAKE EARLY...

If you are in your 20s, you're probably graduating from college, settling into a career and making some major life decisions. While you're thinking about who to marry, where to live and which career to choose, don't put your retirement on the back burner.

Sure, you have plenty of time to save for retirement - probably 40 years or more. But this decade is when you'll build the financial habits that will carry you through to a wonderful retirement.

With that in mind, give me a phone call to obtain a FREE evaluation of your financial situation now. From there, some retirement moves can also be considered to begin building those crucial financial habits now.

Give me a call,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Financial exercise like physical exercise has its rewards!

If you are not yet in your 30's, set yourself to meet smaller financial goals

 Financial discipline is like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Meeting small financial goals is a  great way to practice your financial discipline while rewarding yourself along the way. So make a habit of setting small financial goals, especially savings goals.

Whether you're saving for a new car, vacation or wedding dress, that feeling of sweet success when you meet your savings goal will spur on your long-term retirement savings goals.

Give me a call to go over your very own financial situation and set those small and also big financial goals in place and realistically reach them.

It's easy, don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Manage your debt the right way: Today -not tomorrow-,

What can be done about credit card debt?

The average household with credit card debt owes just over $15,000. And according to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 60 percent of women carry a credit card balance.

It is easy to let credit card debt get out of hand if we aren’t mindful about it. But with some simple strategies, you can gain, rather than lose, from your credit card debt.

Give me a call at (562)822-5565 to tell you specifically what can be done about your very own credit card debt; and, to analyze with even more extent your financial situation and set a debt solution plan accordingly.

This is a FREE financial evaluation without any compromises.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse  Alvarado

(562)822-5565

Financial know-how is all you need.

How to improve your life and your family's future?

I can specifically show you how you can protect your family's future by having the right life insurance protection; and, by doing so improve your own life with the best peace of mind you never thought you could get.

Call me at (562)822-5565

Jesse Alvarado

It's easier than you think and with amazing results.

The Importance Of Controlling Your Spending

The less you spend, the more you can save. That doesn't mean you need to live like a pauper, but it does mean that you should get in the habit of spending less money than you bring in each month.

Spending less may mean making some changes to how you spend money, although not necessarily. There are plenty of painless ways to save money. But when you look at the advantages of spending less than you earn, you'll see that the sacrifices are well worth your while.

Give me a call for a FREE financial evaluation and to make sure your controlled spending benefits are maximized.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Would you like to leave a sufficient estate to your kids?

How about naming correctly the beneficiaries (your children) on your retirement and life insurance accounts.

Unfortunately very often designations are wrong. Yes, paperwork gets filled out wrong, somebody drops the ball, children's names are confused with cousins's names, etc and the result is people ignore their beneficiaries and disinherit their own children.

Don't let this happen to you. Most people never do a follow up to their retirement and life insurance plans. Don't be like most people, give me a call to set everything straight and get peace of mind.

This a FREE -no compromise- phone call,

 Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Accounting for today's economy in your Retirement Plan

Do you want to pay off the mortgage before you retire?

However ask yourself this more important question: Do you have enough money to pay for property taxes, maintenance and general retirement expenses for the next 25 to 30 years?

Remember we are in a low-mortgage-interest environment so, it doesn't make sense to pay off your mortgage. You see, if in a corporate bond fund you can earn 4 to 6 percent and you're paying only 2.75 percent on your home mortgage plus you get a tax deduction, it is better not to pull out a lump sum from any savings to pay off your mortgage period.

Give me a call for a FREE analysis of your financial situation and to make sure a retirement plan is made (or is improved) accounting for all the most important economic conditions present today.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Successful Retirement as easy as you knowing these secrets...

A Secret For Successful Retirement Savers

Retirement and investment accounts often charge fees for trades, early withdrawals, failing to take withdrawals correctly, and other specific actions you might take. Get to know the rules so that you can avoid triggering fees and penalties.

A simple and still very powerful secret for success in your financial planning.

For more information give me a call to start a FREE evaluation of your financial situation and to establish a successful retirement plan today.

It doesn't matter if you think your financial situation is good or bad; the important thing to do is to get started!

Give me a call,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Easy financial planning; and how to do it.

What to do to ensure retirement income?

The best is to save more and plan achievable and realistic rates of return during retirement. Three to six percent is reasonable.

But consider this when planning your retirement: Tax rates vary. Drawing principle from a taxable account with no realized capital gains costs nothing, individual retirement accounts and other retirement distributions are taxed as ordinary income, and Social Security and real estate have their own tax ramifications, so look at after-tax or net income not pretax.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation of your very own financial situation and let's analyze how best ensure your retirement income according to your situation today.

Call me, don't postpone it,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Retirement planning is easier than you think.

Determine Where Are You And Your Retirement Right Now

Draw up a net worth statement listing your assets and liabilities now, as well as an income and expense statement for the previous year. Try to determine what assets you have available now for a future retirement.

Start somewhere, anywhere, it doesn't matter if it looks good or bad; just get the ball rolling. You will not be disappointed.

Then, I invite you to call me so that I can share with you what options are available according to your present financial condition. And believe me there are some amazing ones you would like to know about.

This is a FREE evaluation of your present financial situation; make sure you do not miss it.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

I can Help You Eliminate Credit Card Debt!

Financial retirement planning today. Don't forget to subscribe!

 Scary Retirement Planning? IGNORE THAT! 

Fortunately, you don't have to be doing any scary retirement planning, why? Because it is not scary; you see, all you need to do is to take the time to do some retirement planning today. Yes, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to have what you need. But the more you know, the better off you'll likely be.

In your retirement planning, examine all the angles, including Social Security. It plays a key role in your financial security, no matter how much you end up collecting from it -- and by making smart decisions, you can position yourself to collect as much as possible.

I invite you to give me a phone call to let you know about the amazing opportunities that exist today for creating the best retirement plan for you.

This is the opportunity for you to get a FREE financial evaluation and for you to decide what to do.

Don't put off this great opportunity to tackle your financial retirement planning,
(If the line is busy please keep trying)

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Retiring at some point in time is inevitable!

Did you know 20% plan on never retiring?

Many Americans have found that they simply must keep working for as long as they can, due to insufficient retirement planning and saving. "Never" is an extreme word, though. You may keep working past age 65 and even be working at 75, but at 85 or before that, it may just be impossible. Your health may not permit working, or there may just not be a job to be had.

Be realistic an take a look at your situation. Give me a call for a FREE financial evaluation so that a well designed retirement plan can be constructed according to your very own financial circumstances.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Plan for the reality of retiring one day.

SO YOU THINK YOU WILL NEVER RETIRE...

It has been estimated that 33% of retirees became so due to circumstances beyond their control. This is critical to consider for those planning to never retire. The choice may not be yours. You may end up downsized or may develop serious health problems, or may have to leave the workforce to care for a loved one.

The little silver lining here is that while you might lose your job, you can probably generate some income without it, either by finding acceptable part-time work somewhere, or perhaps by taking matters into your own hands: preparing taxes, tutoring kids, dog-walking, consulting, taking in a boarder, selling items on eBay, knitting, being a handy-person for hire, and so on. In your financial planning, include some contingency plans.

Get a FREE overall analysis of your very own financial situation today. Then you can securely plan for the reality of retiring one day; it doesn't matter where you are today financially. The important step to take is the first one to get you started.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Saving the smart way for an effective retirement plan

Automate Your Retirement Savings

When you are saving for retirement, it is often a good idea to have the money automatically withheld from your paycheck so that you are not tempted to spend it on something else. If payroll withholding is not an option at your job, consider setting up a direct deposit from your checking account to a savings or investment account that occurs immediately after you receive each paycheck.

Simple techniques, as this one, do work; even something as simple as $10 a week over a period of time can add up pretty quickly.

Give me a call to learn more details on how to set up an automatic retirement savings plan considering your very own financial situation. This is a FREE evaluation you want to take advantage of.

Call me,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Don't look for a job, get yourself a business!

Financial planning later is always better than never.

Even in your 50's you can start your retirement plan

Yes, the earlier you start your retirement planning the better. But, consider the following: if you're 45, you might be hoping to retire in 20 years; if you're 54, you might expect to work just 11 more years or so. And if you don't have a sizable nest egg under construction, you're probably in trouble.

The good news is that all isn't lost. A little retirement planning and some actions taken now can have a profound effect on your financial situation. You might work some additional years, for example, or take on a second job for a few years. You could reallocate your investment money, if it's not deployed effectively. You might even decide to downsize your home and perhaps even move to a less expensive region in retirement.

There are in fact many things you can do to maximize your retirement.

Give me a call for a FREE analysis of your very own financial situation. And learn about the many things you can do today to create a better retirement plan.

Call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Don't underestimate the value of a financial education.

Get a Financial Education

Think of it this way, you are never too old to learn something new. When it comes to retirement, it's better to educate yourself about your options now. While you can afford to take more risks in an early age, major financial and retirement savings blunders early or later in life could put a serious ding in your long-term retirement savings.

Make it a point to learn about retirement savings options, your investment portfolio and other essential financial information. Then you can begin making decisions now that will boost your retirement savings for life.

Give me a call to begin your financial educational plan about retirement savings,

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565

Make it a habit, the greatest Financial habit.

Pay yourself first

This is the old adage which is crucial to savings success, especially when you're in your 20s. One excellent option is to open a retirement account; have a set dollar amount or percentage of your paycheck sent straight to your retirement account every payday.

You'll start a savings habit, and you'll never even miss the money that never hits your checking account.

For more details give me a call to establish this type of retirement account for you today.

Don't delay it, call right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565 

It's REAL it's on the financial news! Don't miss this and futures updates, register.(Follow by email)

Latest Financial News

According to a new study, the 401(k) savings account isn't adequately providing for people's retirement and is adding to the nation's growing wealth inequality.

The report from the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal-leaning public policy think-tank, illustrates how the shift from pensions to individual savings accounts has affected retirees.

This is not good news, it is really bad news.

This is your future. Please there is still time to resolve this problem at least at the individual level. Your individual level.

You need to call me for a FREE financial evaluation of your situation. This evaluation will determine the best way to organize and create a valid retirement plan for you.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

I can Help You Eliminate Credit Card Debt!

A good financial question to get the answer and act on.

How many dollars do I need to accumulate for my Retirement?

There are all kinds of rules of thumb about what level of your current net income you'll need to sustain yourself in retirement, generally ranging from 60% to 80% to even more. But if you're new to retirement savings, don't be paralyzed because you won't reach those goals. Simply do the best you can and keep in mind that you're not starting from zero.

For example, even if your current employer doesn't offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan--one that pays a set amount each month--you may well have earned a monthly stipend from a previous job. This is a good time to paw through your old files and find records of any pensions from ex-employers you may be entitled to.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation of your very own financial situation. These FREE evaluations get booked pretty soon after these blogs are posted so, don't postpone it.

Give me a call right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Simple financial tips for an empowered retirement plan

An Idea To Help You Put Together A Strategy For Retirement

Assess where you stand. Count up your assets.

With the past year's stock market increase, the average pre-retiree now has a balance of $250,000 in a retirement plan. If you have a pension, it's probably worth more than that.

Then look at your debts. Is your mortgage paid off, or nearly so? Now is not the time to take on new debt. If you need to get a big loan to buy a new car, keep the old one and fix it up instead.

Preparing your strategy for retirement does not have to be complicated. Give me a call for a FREE evaluation of your financial situation and to explore further how to play your strategy for retirement.

Call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

How to solve the debt problem

Debt is one of the biggest threats to our retirement

And, it's endemic to Americans. The average U.S. household has nearly $150,000 of mortgage debt, $35,000 of student loan debt and over $15,000 of credit card debt. That adds up to a whopping $200,000 of total debt!

How to break the debt cycle and start saving?

Give me a call for a FREE analysis of your very own financial situation in order to create a plan that confronts and eliminates debt out of the equation.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Life Insurance. When Should You Get It?

A little planning for your Financial future

What exact amount of $'s do I need for my retirement?

If you're going to live off 4 or 5 percent of your nest egg annually, ideally you will have plenty of cushion built in, so you can only take, say, 3 percent if you need to. That's because your retirement fund needs to be robust enough to withstand the Great Recession of 2039 or the Great Depression of 2051 or whatever the economy dishes out.

It's impossible to offer up an actual number on what someone needs for their retirement. Some people are better at living on less than others.

Your retirement fund needs then to be constructed on a good foundation. Give me a call to determine the amount you need for your very own retirement according to your financial situation.

Dont't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

So what is this important Financial number?

What should your yearly income be when you retire?

Many  factors impact this calculation, such as lifestyle, culture and cost of living. Once retired, an American investor should withdraw no more than 4 percent or 5 percent from retirement savings each year.

For example, if an investor anticipates needing $100,000 per year - not a large amount, considering inflation - during retirement, the investor needs to save over $2 million.

Give me a call to make this calculation and create a plan according to your specific financial situation.

This is a FREE evaluation; so, take advantage of it.

Call me,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Learn how to save right.

Are you Saving money?

If you are not, it  is critical that you start building the habit of saving money. There are many areas where you can save money. And many ways to do it correctly.

Give me a call. I can help you with a FREE financial analysis to determine the best way for you to save money.

Don't postpone it, give me a call right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Education is not cheap! And it is worth planning for it

How much do I need to start saving for college education?

It is important to consider what kind of career you may want your child to pursue in life in order to look into what it would cost achieve that goal.

Education is not cheap if you don’t know how much you need to start saving I can help you plan accordingly.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Do you have a saving plan?

It is important to have a saving plan and also a plan on how you can maximize your savings ability on any purchase you make. Yes on PURCHASES!

Give me a call to discuss further about these saving plans,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565
 

Do this now, for your children best financial and educational outcome.

When do I need to begin saving for college?

It is important to start saving as soon as your children are born, that way you have an early start on their college education savings.

If you are not saving already call me I can show you how you can get started.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

A litttle savings now means a lot later...

How much should you be saving?

It is important that you pay yourself first from every pay check that you get. If you save 10% or more for your retirement, you have the opportunity to one day retire and be financial independent.

Call me to give you more information and set a savings plan for your retirement,

Yes, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Learn the habit of saving money.

Are You Saving Money?

If you are not, it is critical that you start building the habit of saving money; there are many areas where you can save money.

Give me a call, I can help you with a FREE financial analysis of your situation as it is right now just to get you started in the right path.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

The value of an education for your children should never be ignored.

What is a college saving Plan?

It is a specific saving plan where you start saving money for your child college education.

Call me now to set up one for your children. It won't be long before that little beautiful baby of yours ask you in your face: "I'm ready for college, how can I get in that or this college?..."

What are YOU going to do?  The answer is simple, what you are going to do is set up something right now, not later. You are going to call me and we will set up a college savings plan for your children right now!

Yes, call me right now; do not postpone it,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Financial Independence Number? What is that?

Are you saving for your retirement?

If you are not it is critical that you do start saving. It is important to know what is your financial independence number; that is, how much money you need to have saved by the time you retire to then live the rest of your life with financial freedom. If you don’t know what that number is I can help you find out.

Give me a call,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

A never pay taxes plan...don't miss it!

Does TAX FREE savings sound good to you?

 
How would you like to have a savings plan that at age 65 when you retire you don’t pay taxes on the gains. Not one cent!

Call me right now to discuss it and implement it for your retirement,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Simple financial question, and the answer is simple too!

Do you value your life and your family's future?

If you do, I can show you how you can protect your family's future by having the right life insurance protection.

Call me today,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Don't delay starting your Retirement plan one more minute.

Are you over 50 and still have not started a retirement plan?

Perhaps the biggest problem in starting a retirement plan later in life is the loss of a prior significant period of time over which earlier investments could have compounded and grown. At a 5% rate, an investment doubles in 15 years; at 4%, in 18 years.

But even if you're in your 50s, you can still take advantage of the magic of compounded returns. That's because your retirement is likely to run upwards of 20 years. That's a long-enough period for investments you put away today to bear fruit.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation of your financial situation and to start your retirement plan now.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

If I'm Retired, Do I Need Life Insurance?

Or: Do I need Life Insurance if I'm still working in Retirement?

Many Americans continue to work during the traditional retirement years. Life insurance can protect your family from the loss of your income when you die.

"Whether life insurance makes sense or not for retirees depends on how much earned income would be lost due to the death of the retiree," says Hanming Fang, an economics professor at the University of Pennsylvania. "If the retiree does not have any earned income, then there is no real need for life insurance. If the retiree's death may lead to significant loss of income, then there may still be a need for life insurance even in retirement."

For more information about Life Insurance and for a FREE financial evaluation give me a call,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565"

Who doesn't need more money for Retirement?

Can Your Retirement Income Be For Life? 

Those on the cusp of retirement and those already living in retirement need to look beyond their traditional mix of stocks and bonds to building a portfolio that consists of all their sources of capital.
 
What's more, they may need to incorporate some of those not-so-well-understood products, such as longevity insurance or single-premium immediate annuities or variable annuities with guarantees, into their portfolios. Or at least, they should if they want to be prudent.

The concept of constructing a portfolio designed to accomplish multiple goals, including not outliving your assets, is a reality.

Give me a call, and let's discuss your very own financial reality.

This is a FREE financial evaluation you do not want to miss,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Are you aware of this simple and powerful financial solution?

What does Life Insurance does?

Investing in a life insurance policy is an effective way to continue to provide for your family’s safety and stability in the event that something tragic happens to you.

Term life might be the cheapest insurance, but keep in mind that it does expire. The lower price is the main benefit of term life insurance over a traditional policy. Keep in mind that traditional life insurance policies are permanent financial assets, and can be used as something you could borrow against. On the other hand, your term life insurance will vanish the moment you stop making payments.

Obtaining sufficient coverage when buying life insurance is something you should be certain to do. You will need your insurance policy to cover debts like your mortgage and any personal loans, as well as cover school fees for all of your children.

Taking care of your loved ones is the most important thing you can do. Good life insurance will ensure that they are well cared for after you have passed away. You should be informed and apprised of important information that will help you keep your loved ones covered for less.

Give me a call to do what is right for your family, and obtain a sense of security in knowing that they will be provided for.

Don't delayed this call anymore,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Make sure once you retire that you can make those years the best ever.

Living according to a personal retirement plan.

Whether you want to explore things you have never done before or take it easy, having some idea of how your retired life will look before you quit your job is a great way to focus on the things that can maximize your retirement happiness.

Think about what activities, hobbies and events will make up your days, who you will choose to spend your time with and develop a plan to maintain good physical and mental health.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation to set up a retirement plan specifically for you.

Don't postpone this call,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

If this benefit is not there, do not lose time and money with a 401(k)

And what if your employer doesn't match contributions

One of the greatest benefits of a 401(k) comes from employer matches on contributions. If you're lucky, your company will agree to match your contributions up to a certain amount. You should almost always meet the company match. It's basically free money. Whether you contribute beyond the match is a decision you'll want to make taking into consideration your other investing options.

Unfortunately, many employers that offer a 401(k) plan don't match contributions. In that case, there are often better investment strategies. Since the money you contribute to your 401(k) will be taxed later in life and often has limited investment options, you may want to opt for alternative retirement plans.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation of your financial situation and to share with you better retirement plan alternatives if you find yourself in a situation as explained in the previous paragraph.

Don't postpone it, call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Let's clarify how is your financial life, how is your retirement plan set.

Where are you in your financial life?

The number one reason, most people late in their life desperately look for financial advisors, has been to get help planning for their retirement. Also, pension funds and company 401(k) contribution match programs have been disappearing to compound the problem. And under current laws, funding for Social Security could run out in 25 years--just as many of us are approaching retirement age.

The fact is: We are more responsible now than at any time in the last century for funding our financial futures. And yet, nearly half of Americans say they aren’t contributing to any retirement plan.

In the meantime, consumer debt keeps rising--as do the prices we’re paying for just about everything. Is it any wonder that so many people are pushing off retirement?

Give me a call and let's clarify where you are; and, where you are going with respect to your financial situation at this very moment; do not be like most people desperately looking for answers when it is too late to create good solutions.

Yes, call me for a FREE evaluation of your financial situation, do not postpone it,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Never overlook inflation particularly when it comes to designing your retirement

Will your future lifestyle require millions of dollars?

It’s inevitable: the more time passes, the more expensive things get. So, when planning for the future, make sure not to overlook inflation and its impact on the value of your money in the future. 

For example: to have what feels like $1 million today in 30 years, you need to have saved nearly $2.5 million! While that sounds downright depressing--trust me, I sympathize--the bigger point here is to make sure you don’t forget that pesky 3% annual cost of living increase (on average) when you’re calculating your retirement needs.

While you’re at it, consider how much you’ll really need to live the kind of retirement you want to live. Will your future lifestyle require millions? Or could you get by with less?

Let's get your very own situation straight!

Give me a call to set up your FREE financial evaluation, do not postpone it!

Call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565  

How to take it easy when retirement comes

TIME TO RETIRE. CAN YOU DO IT?

According to a recent survey, 52 percent of the oldest baby boomers have already retired. They have left work behind and begun the next chapter of their lives. But that number also means that almost half of people who are turning 67 this year are still working. And among those who retired, 54 percent did so earlier than they originally planned to, mainly due to health issues and job loss.

Among the baby boomers who are still working, only 39 percent believe they will be able to retire as originally planned. Working boomers have increased their planned retirement age to an average of 71 in 2012, up from 66 in 2008. So, while 65 was a generally accepted target retirement age for earlier generations, you might say that 71 is the new 65 for the eldest baby boomers.

Time to retire? Do you know if you could retire any time you wish? or, Do you think you will have to do so around your 71st birthday? or, Do you believe you will have to work till you drop?

Confront this reality now! Grab the bull by the horns, don't let fear control your life.

Call me for a down to earth FREE consultation about your financial possibilities,

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565

Extremely important financial plan

EMERGENCY FUND

Everybody needs one. Before saving, spending, investing or pretty much anything that involves moving money around, start by setting up an emergency fund. In the unfortunate case of a job loss, medical emergency or other personal crisis, you'll want to have the assets necessary to carry your family through to safety.

Generally, the recommended emergency fund is equivalent to six months of income. Establishing an emergency fund first is imperative. When hardships arise, you don't want to be forced to dip into your savings or retirement plan if you have one.

Let's set up an emergency fund for you.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your very own financial situation. Don't put it off anymore.

Call me right now,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Life Insurance. When Should You Get It?

Retirement Planning for Late-Starters

It's Never Too Late

Even if you're in your 50s with nothing put away for retirement, there's time to do something. That's especially true if you're still working.

Start Saving 10% Now! Figure out a way of freeing up now a decent chunk of your gross income every month. Put it into some kind of savings. This can include paying down high-interest credit-card debt.

Grab Those Tax Breaks. Put the most you can into tax-deferred accounts, either a 401(k) offered by your employer, or if none is available, an individual retirement account (IRA) that you open yourself at a mutual fund company or brokerage. You save the income tax this year on anything you put into these accounts.

So late in life, experts say you're better off to start investing in low-cost bond mutual funds. Then you can decide on an appropriate conservative allocation between equities and bonds. Just don't gamble on high-risk investments to "make up for lost time."

Use the Magic of Compounding. True, you're not starting retirement savings in your 20s or 30s. But even if you're 10 years or less away from retirement, you hope to live a long time after that. So at least some of your investments will be able to compound their returns for 20 years or more.

So yes, it is never too late to start your retirement plan.

Do you need some help setting it up? Call me for a FREE evaluation of your very own financial situation. Don't postpone it, call me right now.

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565

Don't underestimate expenses when creating your retirement plan

The thing about retirement is that it's filled with expenses

And they can be thought of as the minimum needed to sustain a standard of living, plus extra for nonrecurring needs and amounts to help meet dreams. What's more, those expenses are likely to change over time.

So, to make your retirement plan work in reality you first have to make it work on paper. You need to compare whether you'll have enough guaranteed income to cover your essential living expenses, including food, housing and health-insurance premiums, at the point of retirement and then compare what amount of income you'll need to cover your discretionary expenses, such as travel and the like (if those are indeed what you might consider discretionary expenses).


No doubt, as you go about the process of matching income to expenses, you might find yourself having to revise your discretionary expenses, especially if there aren't enough guaranteed sources of income to meet essential expenses.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Debt is one of the biggest threats to a successful financial retirement

How to break the debt cycle and start saving

In addition to focusing on paying down high-interest debt and building an emergency fund (with enough to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses) so you can avoid going into further debt in the event of unexpected expenses, consider that choices you’re making now have a direct impact on your future stability. If you find yourself with a sudden impulse to splurge, pull back and pause to think about the larger picture. If you live below your means now, you won’t have to do it in the future when you may have fewer options (and less income).

Call me for a complete FREE analysis of your financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

The old trick for financial success is still valid...

 Save and save and then... save some more...

I know I may sound like a broken record, but more than half of all workers and retirees say they have less than $25,000 in savings, according to a 2011 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. And while we all may have a thousand and one excuses for why we can’t save, the reality is that saving something, anything, is still better than saving nothing. Saving money doesn’t have to be hard if we make it a priority and as automatic as possible. Start with the smallest amount you can put away per week, and try to increase it monthly, or quarterly, as you build a bigger and bigger savings account.

Call me soon to let you know how a particular form of investment can help you grow your savings dramatically using the power of compound interest.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565 

Do you have Life Insurance? Do you know how it works?

LIFE INSURANCE, TELL ME MORE ABOUT IT...

Life insurance is often marketed to high-earning professionals and business owners as a means to put away additional funds for retirement over and above any type of retirement plan they might already have, such as a 401(k).

The pitch is this: buy a policy with underlying investment vehicles that will build cash value over time. The client funds the policy for certain number of years and the growth in the cash value will eventually negate the need for additional premiums. At retirement the client can withdraw cash as a tax-free loan for retirement. The loans never need to be repaid and the only consequence is a reduced death benefit.

Unfortunately, the middle class hardly hears anything on this subject even though they (the middle class) constitute not just a huge market, but also with capabilities of creating plans that can be very creative and efficient for both the insured and the insurer.

This is where I enter the picture to provide you with more information and real answers to your specific issues.

Call me right now, don't postpone it,


Jesse Alvarado
Your WFG Financial Advisor
562-822-5565

Retirement And Your Future

Instead of having a debt with high interests, own an investment with high interests.

Eliminate debt as quickly as possible!

The average U.S. household has more than $15,000 in credit card debt, more than $33,000 in student loan debt, and nearly $150,000 in mortgage debt, according to statistics from NerdWallet.com. One of the most important steps in taking control of your financial life is to solidify a plan to pay down that debt as quickly as possible. It’s imperative to stop acquiring new credit card debt that you’re not paying off each month.


If you’ve already acquired a large amount of credit card debt, pay more than the minimum balances due each month and if you can’t do that, at least make the minimum payments on time. If you’re carrying a large balance with an extremely high interest rate, consider a low APR credit card balance transfer credit card (but read the fine print). If you don’t qualify, consider a debt consolidation loan. Always do your research before opening any new line of credit.

Call me for a FREE financial evaluation of your situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Early start at saving for retirement is the best!

When should you start saving for retirement?

Beginning to save for retirement at a young age makes it much easier to save enough to retire comfortably. If you save $5,000 per year beginning at age 25 and earn a 6 percent annual return on your investments, you would reach age 65 with a nest egg of $798,741. If you begin saving $5,000 per year at age 40 and earn the same return, you'll hit age 65 with just $283,161.

In fact, even if you save $10,000 per year beginning at age 40, you'll still end up with significantly less money ($566,315) than if you started saving $5,000 per year in your mid-20s. If you're younger, you should start right away because the value of compound interest is huge.

Call me for a FREE consultation, we will go over your financial situation and create a plan,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Retirement Made Easy

Another financial myth busted or never wait to save for retirement...

Financially (and elsewhere) it is better to deal with reality!

"I don’t need to start saving until I’m in my 40s or until I can afford to save big money."

Why is this myth busted?

If you put a small amount of money into a retirement account earlier, it can be just as effective as putting a lot of money in later.

A $500 contribution made at age 25, compounded annually at an 8 percent rate of return, could be worth nearly five times as much after 20 years. If you wait until age 45, you’ll have to contribute over $2,300 to equal what that original $500 may have turned into by then.

Besides, starting small is the easiest way to get the ball rolling. Saving just $25 a week for 30 years can result in over $160,000 at that same growth rate. Increase the amount you save as your financial situation allows, but if you wait until you feel you can contribute a lot of money to a retirement account, you’ll probably end up waiting too long.

Call me for a FREE analysis of your financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Think about it, as you grow older you want to enjoy life more, you want to be financially strong.

Knowledge Is Power Plus Money In Your Pocket

"Lots of people retire early; it’ll be easy for me to stop working when I’m 50"

Why is this myth busted?

Many of those who say they’re retiring early haven’t actually crunched the numbers to know that they won’t be able to sustain themselves through 40 or 50 years of retirement. Others plan to live far more frugally in retirement in order to make their money last. If you want to retire early, you need save early — and save hard.

The good news: this is a very doable goal as long as you have a plan and you also stick to it.

Call me for FREE evaluation of your financial situation and to create your plan according to your needs,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

How much do you need to save for a pleasant retirement?

The Busted Financial Myth Most People Do Not Know About 

"A couple hundred thousand dollars will be plenty to last me through retirement."

Why is this myth busted?

For some retirees today, it’s possible that amount could work; but most people currently in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or even 50s will need to save far more than that to be able to live comfortably through retirement. Again, don’t just guess. Either figure it out yourself or talk to someone who can figure it out for you, because you do not want to wait until it’s too late to find out you haven’t saved enough.

Give me a call for a FREE financial consultation.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

I can Help You Eliminate Credit Card Debt!

Even financially speaking late is better than never!

31% ages 45 to 54 haven't started saving for retirement yet

This is pretty frightening. If you're 45, you might be hoping to retire in 20 years. If you're 54, you might expect to work just 11 more years or so. And if you don't have a sizable nest egg under construction, you're probably in trouble.

The good news is that all isn't lost. A little retirement planning and some actions taken now can have a profound effect on your financial situation. You might work some additional years, for example, or take on a second job for a few years. You could reallocate your investment money, if it's not deployed effectively. You might even decide to downsize your home and perhaps even move
to a less expensive region in retirement.

Now is the time to start your retirement plan.

Call me to start creating one right now. Do not postpone it anymore.

Jesse alvarado
(562)822-5565

Motivation to save more for your Retirement

Project your retirement income

Consider calculating the annual income your current nest egg is likely to produce in retirement. A recent study of 16,881 University of Minnesota employees sent some workers a four-page color brochure with a customized projection of the additional annual retirement income that would be generated if they saved more.

Among employees who adjusted their retirement-savings contributions, those who received retirement-income projections saved $1,152 more per year than people who didn't receive the mailing. "By providing the individuals with projections about how much income they will have on an annual basis in their retirement, they actually save more. We're helping them to better understand their return on their savings," says Colleen Flaherty Manchester, an assistant professor for the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. "People often get intimated and overwhelmed by a huge number. When they see how much it actually translates into, they are maybe more motivated to make decisions."

Call me to get more information and a FREE financial evaluation of your very own Retirement Plan,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565 

Retirement Non-sense STAY AWAY FROM IT!

Middle-class Retirement Non-sense 

Middle-class Americans with an average age of 50 years old  say they will need a median of $300,000 to retire. However the same individuals say that, to date, they have saved a median of $25,000.

What is going on here?
Assuming a retirement age of 66 years, they have 16 years to save $275,000. If you assume
that the stock market goes up 5 percent per year--perhaps not the safest assumption one could make--then to hit that savings number, they need to save $11,070.69 per year, or 22.1 percent of the median income. However, 68 percent of middle-class Americans who have a 401(k) plan contribute 10 percent or less of their income to retirement.

The GOOD NEWS is that you do not have to end up stuck in such a situation.

Please call me for a FREE evaluation of YOUR specific financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Uncertain about where to Invest? I can Help!

Investing in uncertain times By Jesse Alvarado
Your WFG Financial Advisor
562-822-5565

Do you have peace of mind?

A Great Motivator For Saving More For Your Retirement

Simply Think About Your Future Self 

People who feel more connected to their future self may be more likely to save for retirement, according to recent research. Some 193 Stanford University staff members received two different messages about their retirement accounts: one encouraging them to think of their own "long-term well being" and the other telling them to think about a "future self" who is completely dependent on how much they save. A subset of participants who reported feeling closeness to their future, retirement-age selves responded to the "future self" message by saving 0.85 percentage points more of their salary annually. For a 30-year-old man earning $45,485 per year who increases his saving rate from 5 percent to 5.85 percent, this increase is equivalent to an additional $68,797 in savings upon retirement at age 65.

Write a letter to your future self. That will at least help you start thinking about your future self as a realistic person who is going to be the recipient of the decisions that you make today with regard to finances.

Call me for a FREE analysis and evaluation of your Retirement alternatives,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Let me help you come up with a retirement plan!

A simple way to motivate yourself to save more for Retirement

Want a better Retirement? Spend time with your grandparents 

Strike up a conversation with retired relatives or neighbors. Spend more time with older role models, people who may act as proxies for your future self like grandparents or older colleagues. 

They might provide some insights about what retirement is actually like, which could encourage you to plan for your own future.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your alternatives planning for Retirement,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

What causes us to save for the future?

HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO SAVE FOR RETIREMENT

Picture yourself in old age. When researchers showed people aged photographs of themselves, it made them more likely to want to save for retirement. Exposure to those images actually made people feel a bit closer to that self in the future.

In a 2011 study, after they were shown either an aged or current picture of themselves, the 50 participants were asked to allocate a hypothetical $1,000 among four choices: a retirement fund, checking account, fun and extravagant occasion, or to buy something nice for someone special. Participants who were exposed to the aged photo of themselves allocated more than twice as much money to the retirement account ($172) as those who viewed a rendering of their current appearance ($80).

Call me for a FREE financial evaluation of your very own Retirement Plan,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

How to motivate yourself to save more for Retirement.

RETIREMENT

Make It Easy By Breaking it Down Into Steps 

Instead of focusing on the final account balance you will need for a comfortable retirement, figure out how much you need to save each week or month. "It gives you something in the immediate future to focus on rather than something in the distant future that you may or may not be able to relate to," says Nicole Votolato Montgomery, an assistant professor of marketing at the College of William and Mary's Mason School of Business.

Votolato's recent online survey showed 750 individuals an advertisement encouraging them to save for retirement, then asked how much they intended to save as a percentage of their salary. Young workers between ages 18 and 34 said they were going to save the largest portion of their salary (20 percent) when the advertisement told them the biweekly dollar amount they need to save for a secure retirement. In contrast, young employees presented with a long-term retirement contribution goal said they would save 14 percent of their pay for retirement.

Call me for a FREE financial analysis of your own Retirement plan,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Words of financial wisdom...

Common sense = One million dollars

In addition to sidestepping fees, taxes, and penalties whenever possible along your efforts to grow your retirement plan, you also need to remember that as a matter of fact many individuals will be able to accumulate $1 million over the course of their career by saving consistently beginning at a young age, investing prudently, and avoiding withdrawing money early.

Call me for a FREE complete evaluation of your very own retirement plan,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

A financial secret to a million!

Secret To Becoming A Millionaire: Start Saving By Age 25

It's difficult to start saving for retirement when your entry-level salary barely covers your student-loan payments. But beginning to build a nest egg during your first job is the most painless way to become a millionaire by retirement. The more time you have, the less you have to save each year since you have longer to accumulate. If you start saving for retirement at age 25, you only have to save about $4,830 annually to reach $1 million by age 65, assuming an annual return of 7 percent after fees. If you wait until age 40 to start saving, you'll need to tuck away much more: $15,240 per year, assuming the same retirement age and annual return.

Alternatively, you could start out saving slightly less and boost your savings rate as you receive raises and bonuses. The act of saving is like developing a muscle, and if you start early with small amounts, you will build the saving muscle.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your very own financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

This is another way to increment your retirement to a million dollars.

Increment your Retirement Plan contributions, first your kids become independent

Once your children are finished with college and support themselves, you will have a newfound ability to tuck money away for retirement. Usually people don't have a lot of money when the children are in school. You usually find that the period of time in your 50s and your mid-60s is when you are really putting away a lot of money.

If each member of a couple is putting $22,500 in a retirement plan and investing it in a reasonable manner, they could probably have a pretty good shot at getting close to a million.

Call me for a FREE financial analysis of your financial situation. 

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

This is what Social Security will not tell you...

Your cost-of-living adjustments come up short

Every year, Social Security recipients get a cost-of-living adjustment, a little bump based on the current rate of inflation and designed to cover the rising cost of everything from toothpaste to airline tickets. But some critics say the current measurement of inflation does not reflect the higher costs that seniors truly face. For example, many people in retirement may spend a large share of their budgets on health care, and the adjustments might not cover the steep rise in housing costs that can occur when seniors need to move into assisted housing. Plainly said in many parts of the country, a monthly Social Security benefit isn't enough to cover basic living expenses.

The pricing pressure means some retirees could find themselves struggling to cover essentials like gas, medicine and housing, meaning they will have to cut spending in other areas. For pre-retirees, it means ramping up your savings today so that you can struggle less in your golden years. The Social Security Administration says it has been using the Consumer Price Index to measure inflation for the cost-of-living adjustments since legislation instituting automatic cost-of-living increases was enacted in 1972, and changing the benchmark would take an act of Congress.

So, what can we do about it?

A simple understanding of how you can not depend on Social Security alone for your retirement is a start.

Call me for a FREE financial analysis of your financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

What is your financial knowledge?

National averages in five key areas of financial capability

This is where MOST people are in financial knowledge, and these are national averages.

• Spending vs. Savings.
Fewer than half (41 percent) of Americans spend less than their income.

• Unpaid Medical Bills.
Over a quarter (26 percent) of Americans have unpaid medical bills.

• Rainy Day Funds.
More than half of Americans (56 percent) don’t have rainy day savings to cover three months of surprise financial emergencies.

• Credit Card Problems.
Over a third of Americans (34 percent) paid only the minimum credit card payment during the past year.

• Financial Knowledge.
On a test of five basic financial literacy questions, the national average was 2.88 correct answers.

Make sure YOU are not among MOST people in financial knowledge.

It is easy to learn and create for yourself a financial plan with the retirement that will allow you to live your best golden years.

Call me for a FREE financial analysis,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Financial Fantasy? Please don't live on it!

Do Not Live In A Financial Fantasy

Some 30 percent of Americans say they will need to work into their 80s to be comfortable in retirement.

Where is the fantasy here?

The reality is that many people won't be physically able to work into their 80s. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging's Aging Integrated Database (AGID), 22.5 percent of Americans aged 60-84 reported employment disability--they were physically unable to work and receive disability payments because of that disability.

Please say no to fantasies, live in the real world!

Call me for a FREE financial analysis.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Retire with $1,000,000

Start Saving By Age 25

It is difficult to start saving for retirement when your entry-level salary barely covers your student-loan payments. But beginning to build a nest egg during your first job is the most painless way to become a millionaire by retirement.

If you start saving for retirement at age 25, you only have to save about $4,830 annually to reach $1 million by age 65, assuming an annual return of 7 percent after fees. If you wait until age 40 to start saving, you'll need to tuck away much more: $15,240 per year, assuming the same retirement age and annual return. Alternatively, you could start out saving slightly less and boost your savings rate as you receive raises and bonuses. 

A 20-year-old may only be able to save $100 per month, but the exercise of saving $100 per month when you are 20 will make it easier for you to go to $200 a month when you are 25 or 30, the act of saving is like developing a muscle, and if you start early with small amounts, you will build the saving muscle.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your financial planning for retirement.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Why Young People Need to Save for Retirement

No, You Are Not Too Young To Start Saving

It is a common shrug among people in their twenties, the retirement meh. "I'm too young to worry about retirement." Or, "I'm too broke to worry about retirement, and I'm young so it doesn't matter." In our late-blooming culture even some thirty-somethings exhibit the same indifference. Sorry kids, but you're wrong. Name an age. That's the right age to start putting money away for a rainier day.

The fact is, you should start stashing even a small amount of money as early as possible into a tax free account. If you become knowledgeable of this type of account, you will be the envy of anyone who understands compounding.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of a retirement plan that specifically applies to you.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

When it comes to retirement alternatives, expand the Pie...

What else can I do to retire rich?

Easy. Don't just cut expenses - find a way to make more money!

By taking on side work or turning a hobby into a business enterprise, you can create additional streams of income to help fund your retirement.

In many cases, this is an excellent alternative to cutting costs because it allows you to maintain your current standard of living while providing for your future.

Give me a call for a FREE evaluation of your retirement alternatives,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Retirement And Your Future

Life Insurance. When Should You Get It?

I can Help You Eliminate Credit Card Debt!

A simple key for richness!

Time is money; start today

The most important key to retiring rich is to start saving as early as possible. Many workers, strapped for cash or eying a major purchase, tell themselves they can make up for lost time by making higher contributions in future years. Unfortunately, money does not work that way. Thanks to the power of compound interest, cash invested today has a disproportional impact on your wealth level at retirement.

To put the matter into perspective, consider two possible scenarios; both assume a retirement age of 65 and an annual compounded rate of return of 10%. John is 40 years old and invests $20,000 a year for retirement. Charlotte is 21 years old and invests $5,000 a year for retirement. By the time each of these individuals retire, they will have invested $400,000 and $220,000 respectively.

Yet, because of the power of compound interest, John would retire with half the money as Charlotte despite investing twice as much! (John would retire with $1.97 million, Charlotte with $3.26 million).

The moral of the story? Stop robbing your future to pay for today

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your own financial situation,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Financial Literacy - What exactly do you need to do about it?

How Financial Literate are you?

More than three-quarters of U.S. adults think they’re good at managing their finances, but only 14 percent aced a 5-question quiz on basic financial concepts like interest rates, mortgages and inflation (25,000 Americans participated in this survey).

The survey found disparities between states when it comes to how its residents handle day-to-day finances and save for the future. California,Massachusetts and New Jersey topped the capability list. Those states ranked in the top five in at least three of the five measures in the survey. Mississippi, Arkansas and Kentucky placed near the bottom in two or more of the five measures.

Age also played a factor. Millennials in particular showed signs of financial stress. Those 34 and under were more likely to take out a loan or hardship withdrawal from a retirement account, or make late mortgage payments.When it comes to medical bills, this age group was almost twice as likely to have unpaid medical bills than Americans 55 or older.

No doubt our financially literate levels need to improve; however, what you need to do is approach your very own financial situation as an individual. In other words, the numbers in the survey above tell a lot, but your very own financial numbers though can tell you more valuable information and in particular where exactly your focus should be.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your financial numbers, find out more about where you are and where you can and will be.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Retirement Made Easy

The worst debt, the one to avoid!

Avoid credit card debt

Digging yourself out of credit card debt is a lot harder than getting into it. Try to pay all of your credit bills in full and on time. If you cannot pay your whole monthly bill, every dollar you pay above the minimum payment can reduce your interest payments. Women in particular should make a point to be careful with credit. Compared to men, women were five percentage points more likely to carry a credit card balance, four points more likely to pay the minimum payment and six points more likely to be charged a late fee.

If you have credit card debt or no debt, or if you do not know exactly where you stand, please call me for a FREE evaluation not just on your debt, but on YOUR complete financial situation.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Start eliminating your debt today!

Why You Should Avoid Paying Off Debt With Savings

For example your debt is costing 19%, your retirement account is making 4%, you may think that by swapping the retirement for the debt you will be pocketing the difference.

The problem here is that withdrawing funds is easy, but it's very hard to pay back those retirement funds. With the right mindset, borrowing from your retirement account can be a viable option, but even the most disciplined planners have a tough time placing money aside to rebuild these accounts. When the debt gets paid off, the urgency to pay it back usually goes away. It will be very tempting to continue at the same pace, which means you could go back into debt again - but this time five years of savings will have been wiped out too.

If you are going to do it, you have to live like you still have a debt to pay - to your retirement fund. Keep that need-to-pay mentality you had with your credit cards, and create a plan to pay yourself back.

Call me today for a FREE evaluation of your specific financial situation.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Be financially prepared for the unpredictable, be prepared for an Emergency!

Why is so important to you to build an Emergency Fund

You may think that Emergencies won't happen to you, and if they do, you'll make it through with the cash in the bank or by relying on unused credit cards.

The big mistake here is that most households are living paycheck to paycheck and an unforeseen problem can easily become a disaster if you are not prepared. Many financial planners will tell you to keep three months' worth of expenses in an account where you can access it quickly. Employment loss or changes in the economy could drain your savings and place you in a cycle of debt paying for debt. A three-month buffer could be the difference between keeping or losing your house.

Please call me for a FREE evaluation of your particular financial situation and more details about building your own Emergency Fund,

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Take control of your debt today!

Why You Should Avoid Paying Off Debt With Savings

For example your debt is costing 19%, your retirement account is making 4%, you may think that by swapping the retirement for the debt you will be pocketing the difference.

The problem here is that withdrawing funds is easy, but it's very hard to pay back those retirement funds. With the right mindset, borrowing from your retirement account can be a viable option, but even the most disciplined planners have a tough time placing money aside to rebuild these accounts. When the debt gets paid off, the urgency to pay it back usually goes away. It will be very tempting to continue at the same pace, which means you could go back into debt again - but this time five years of savings will have been wiped out too.

If you are going to do it, you have to live like you still have a debt to pay - to your retirement fund. Keep that need-to-pay mentality you had with your credit cards, and create a plan to pay yourself back.

Call me today for a FREE evaluation of your specific financial situation.

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565

What is the reason for the Social Security imbalance in paying benefits?

What's Up (or Down) with this Social Security?

A single man who retired in 1980 at age 65 after earning an average wage of $43,500 would have paid about $96,000 in Social Security taxes, and probably received $203,000 in lifetime benefits.

By contrast, a single man making the same average wage today and retiring in 2030 will likely pay $398,000 in lifetime taxes but receive just $336,000 in lifetime benefits — about 16% less than he paid in. No doubt people who were first in the system got a great rate of return. It's the younger generation that is going to be in the most difficult position.

The imbalance is partly due to the fact that the earliest beneficiaries only paid taxes in the later stages of their careers.

How about yourself. Call me for a FREE evaluation of your very own retirement plan.

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565 

Is your idea to retire bigger and bigger? Watch it because your benefits may be getting smaller and smaller!

This used to be a much better deal

Today's workers — boomers, Gens X and Y — like to carp about Social Security, but it's not all sour grapes or skepticism about paying into a system with an uncertain future. Employees today pay more in Social Security taxes than previous generations did. They're also likely to get smaller benefits when it's their turn to retire.

Over the years, as the Social Security Administration has come to grips with the cost of its benefit program — and the ranks of eligible beneficiaries has swollen — taxes to fund the program have gone up and up, a trend that experts say is likely to continue over the coming years. As a result, workers now pay 6.2% in payroll taxes — nearly double the 3.6% tax rate workers paid in 1965. Over the same time period, the maximum earnings eligible for taxation have also increased from $4,800 to $106,800.

Call me for a free evaluation about your specific retirement conditions and planning.

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565

Social Security benefits are not the same for everyone!!!

Is it possible that the more you make, the less you get back?

It's common to think of Social Security as an individual account of sorts — what you pay in, you get back, more or less. That's far from accurate. By design, the Social Security Administration says, the system is tilted in favor of lower-income workers who have fewer resources to save for retirement. In practice, that means that the more money you make, the less you get back, at least as a percentage of your salary.

For example, a single, 66-year-old man who earned $50,000 per year on average and retired in 2011 would get an annual benefit payment of about $22,800, or about 45% of his annual salary. If he had earned $150,000 per year, he would get annual benefits of about $30,670 — just 20% of his annual salary.

The fact is that the percentage of benefits of your salary you get is not the same for everyone.

Call me for a FREE evaluation of your retirement planning and benefits.

Jesse Alvarado

(562)822-5565

Social Security Problems? Really?

Social Security to cover only about 75% of benefit payments through 2085.

A Social Security spokeswoman recently pointed out that interest income from the Treasury bonds held in the trust fund will allow Social Security to keep growing until 2022 — even if the agency has to siphon off some money to offset any shortages in tax revenue -- and won't be exhausted until 2036, when the first Gen Xers begin retiring. But that's already one year earlier than previous projections. After that, the agency says tax income under the current system will only cover about 75% of benefit payments through 2085.

Call me for a free evaluation about your very own financial security when you retire.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Worried about the future of Social Security? You're far from alone.

Long-term deficit? We can hardly afford our bills today.

The Social Security Administration itself has said that unless something is done to reform the system, it will burn through its funds within the next few decades. Less talked about, perhaps, is the concern about the present: the program is having a hard time paying its bills. In 2010, the Social Security Administration collected less revenue in taxes than it needed to cover its benefit payments — the first time expenditures have exceeded income since 1983. As a result, the program had to tap its $2.5 trillion trust fund, sooner than some had expected. The same is expected to happen in future years. "The depth of the recession has slowed down revenues to the system," say Eugene Steuerle, an economist with the Urban Institute, a non-partisan think tank in Washington, D.C.

Call me for a free evaluation about your very own financial security when you retire.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

When you retire you want to have peace of mind...just watch your lifestyle and enjoy your free time.

Is it Really Hard to Downsize Your Lifestyle?

Depending on the level of savings, retirees should expect to reduce their living income by 25% or more. Many people are tempted to immediately go on a vacation or make a big purchase, but these decisions can have a lasting effect on future savings. The two major areas that a retiree can address are his or her home and vehicles. Moving into a smaller house or to a less expensive region can take a large chunk out of your expenses. Reducing the family fleet to a single vehicle or acquiring a more fuel-efficient vehicle will also free up more income. This is the trade-off you make for the free time that retirement allows.

Call me for a free evaluation of your retirement plan.

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Is it possible to begin retirement debt-free?

Are You Retiring With Too Much Debt?

       
          You should make paying off high-interest credit cards a top priority when approaching retirement. It may not be possible to begin retirement entirely debt-free, but the interest payments on high-interest accounts will eat away at your savings. If you are in good health and can afford to work for a few more years, delaying your retirement may give you the breathing room to eliminate this debt. No one wants to spend his or her retirement paying off pre-retirement expenses.

Call me for a free evaluation...

Jesse Alvarado
(562)822-5565

Helping your clients secure their future!

·         Have you known them for a long time?

·         Are they currently working with the referral?

·         Did they complain about losing a lot of money in the market in the past few years?

·         Are they married, divorced, single, or widowed?

·         How do they feel about risk?

·         What are their interests?

I love referrals and would love to help you friend, family member or client plan for a more secure future.

Jesse Alvarado 562-822-5565