Financial Experts Weigh In On Retirement Trends in America

LAKEVILLE, MN - 3/30/2016 -- New trends in retirement have been unfolding at increased rates as Baby Boomers now enter their golden years. This generation tends to make their own rules and that will inevitably become the legacy they leave behind. Retirement has been no different.

The new trends in retirement have been unfolding at increased rates as Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) now enter the golden years of retirement. This generation has been marked by one consistency: their unique ability to be inconsistent. In other words, Baby Boomers tend to make their own rules and that will inevitably become the legacy they leave behind. This appears to include how they prepare for retirement as well.

This generation has historically taken pride in challenging the status quo and this is proving true as Baby Boomers approach their retirement years. In addition, other factors have contributed to the current retirement trends in America. One significant factor is the advancement in medicine and health care. As the gender gap shrinks, so does the number of women who will become widows before retirement.

The population across the U.S. can expect to live longer and be healthier throughout their lives. With new scientific breakthroughs coming down the road almost annually, it may not be long until humans can live well into their 90’s while maintaining a good level of health. These facts are already impacting the way people handle retirement. For instance, if an individual retires today at 65 years old and lives to be 85 (which is highly possible), that’s 20 years where a person may still be making a mortgage payment, paying car payments, experiencing increased health care costs and other routine bills. In addition, future inflation or the “silent tax” will continue to affect the purchasing power of the dollar. It’s likely that more dollars will be needed in the future just to maintain one’s standard of living of today.

In addition, expect continued stock market changes, along with a perceived uncertainty with the state of affairs surrounding the stability of Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid** federal programs. When combined with the current status of the unprecedented national debt levels in the US, many believe there’s a strong potential for future increases in personal income tax rates. For retirees, these facts can be alarming and cause them to question whether they’ve adequately prepared for those golden years.

David Tillou of Tillou Financial Group comments, “The answer to these complex questions can be just as complicated as the questions themselves. For most people, it’s a multi-tiered response that entails greater planning both during one’s working years and more importantly into one’s retirement years. The fact of the matter is that when one retires, they will need income that must last a long time (20 – 30 years). The process of creating a retirement income strategy can involve exploring insurance products and financial vehicles designed to supplement retirement income by creating a guaranteed* lifetime income stream that also limits your market risk exposure.

He adds, “One should actually plan for at least 25 to 30 years of retirement. With advances in medicine, people could begin to live to the ripe old age of 95 or so in the near future. Those years should be years spent with financial confidence. These issues should urge Americans to take retirement planning more seriously.”

*Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

With over 30 years of experience, Tillou cautions his clients to be realistic. “In the process of creating a retirement income strategy, it is necessary to evaluate your comfort with stock market exposure, and to explore efficient asset distribution strategies, understand your Social Security** claiming options, and consider if long-term health care planning makes sense for you. These events do occur and those who prepare for such variables will not be caught off guard in the event of a long-term illness or economic uncertainty.”

David Tillou is the founder of Tillou Financial Group. Their primary focus is to create fresh, innovative financial strategies for their clients by using a variety of investment and insurance products to help suit their needs and objectives. They believe that successful relationship between a financial professional and a client is built upon a basis of trust and integrity. Their focus is always client centered and advice is based upon an honest analysis of current facts and reasonable assumptions. They are an advocate to their clients to assume an ownership role today for their financial tomorrows. The organization strives to create personal relationships with each client. They are committed to earning client trust, while helping them develop a retirement income strategy that’s specific to each individual’s needs. The firm offers 18 Workshops about Retirement Income Strategies each year where interested individuals can get more information about retirement income strategies. Complimentary white papers are available at www.tilloufinancialgroup.com.

Information may be offered regarding the purchase of investment and/ insurance products.

** David R. Tillou, as well as the information presented, is not related to, endorsed by, nor connected with and not approved by any government agency or organization including the Social Security Administration. We do not provide tax, legal, or advice regarding Social Security. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor, attorney, or the Social Security Administration.

For more information about us, please visit http://www.tilloufinancialgroup.com/