Big government agencies, cities and municipalities are becoming larger and financially unsustainable. Many jobs performed by humans are being eliminated. As an employee of a government entity, it’s important to insulate your retirement against the impending robot revolution. Here are 4 common mistakes before retirement to avoid:
# 1 – Pension Equals Security
The most common mistake government employees make is thinking that a pension equals financial security. Because of a false sense of security, employees often fail to have a retirement strategy. This illusion creates a heartbreaking situation very late in ones career. By the time an employee plans for retirement, they realize their miscalculation. This calculation is often too late to correct. Employees often overlook the incredible advantages offered by their 457b, 403b or 401k. Utilized properly, these supplemental retirement options can provide flexibility on when or how to retire in the future. Instead of being dependent on the pension, with proper planning, you could retire early and comfortably.
#2 – Pension Credit Knowledge
It’s important to review your pension credits annually with a fiduciary financial advisor. You need to make sure your credits have been calculated correctly. Employers make mistakes that must be caught by the employee or their financial advisor, BEFORE they retire. Each pension varies on their calculation method, so it’s important that you know how to maximize your credits. If you transfer jobs, will your credits come with you? Are you looking to retire early and move out of state? Do you need to buy credits? A financial advisor can help you devise the right exit strategy, maximize your investment, and avoid penalties.
# 3 – Portfolio is Weak Sauce
It’s important to invest in higher yielding assets for greater returns. Without proper guidance, many employees will only yield 1 or 2% a year from a stable fund, money market, or low paying CD. This is very detrimental to long term portfolio growth. If you have just landed a job with these great benefits, you will need a more aggressive approach. If you are close to retirement, a more conservative strategy can be applicable. Your portfolio needs to be customized by a retirement professional, for the time you plan to invest and your risk suitability.
#4 – Retirement Account Collecting Dust
A retiree that wants to generate more income to keep up with inflation may want a portfolio with high paying dividend stocks and various bonds ranging from high yield to corporate bonds. Rolling a 457b, 403b, or 401k into an IRA can offer that flexibility.
With proper planning and strategy, your retirement portfolio can provide you with healthy options. Don’t wait until you are unhappy with your job to find out you made poor investment decisions and you’re trapped. Talk to an investment advisor and let them help you plan for unexpected crisis, layoffs, promotions, and early retirement. There are lots of options that can help you plan for a safe and comfortable future.
Information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell securities, or personalized investment, tax or legal advice. The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however no guarantee is made or implied with respect to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness. Authors may own the stocks they discuss. The information and content are subject to change without notice. Treveri Capital LLC is a California registered investment advisor. For information about Treveri Capital LLC’s, please consult the Firm’s Form ADV available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov