Blog Posts

4 Plan Review Best Practices for Plan Sponsors

4 Plan Review Best Practices for Plan Sponsors

By Jessica Kmetty

Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service requires most employers to restate their retirement plan documents every 6 years? This helps ensure that retirement plans are operating under the most recent laws governing plans and all regulations are being met. Even though Searcy Financial manages retirement plans for other businesses, we also have to restate our own company plan. Our plan came up for restatement this year so we are sharing some best practice guidelines we follow or suggest during a restatement period.

Are You Mentally Prepared for Retirement?

Are You Mentally Prepared for Retirement?

Are You Mentally Prepared for Retirement? How to Thrive Before and After the Transition

Retirement is about much more than money. It’s also about finding a new path in life and a new identity as a retiree.

For most investors, retirement is their primary financial goal. As financial professionals, we help our clients chart a course to get them to retirement. We work together with our clients to answer financial questions like: When can I afford to retire? How much money will I need to live comfortably? Surveys show that many Americans are woefully unprepared for retirement and financial worries can make the retirement transition stressful. Fortunately, working with a professional can help ensure that you enter retirement with confidence in your financial future.

3 Questions to Ask About Your Long-Term Care Needs

3 Questions to Ask About Your Long-Term Care Needs

If you’re like many Americans, you might be worried about how to prepare for your own or your loved ones’ long-term healthcare needs. In previous generations, elderly parents and grandparents could count on moving in with relatives when they became unable to live alone. However, today’s family dynamics have changed and many Americans are reluctant to burden their families with caregiving duties.

Financial Lessons from the Mall

Financial Lessons from the Mall

Financial Lessons from the Mall: Teaching Your Teens About Credit

By Jessica Kmetty

I was in Kohl’s the other day with two of my sons with the intent to only purchase a few articles of clothing for my daughter, but they happened to be having some great sales so we ended up purchasing quite a few clothing items for each of my children.

Financial Lessons from Shark Tank and Uber

Financial Lessons from Shark Tank and Uber

Financial Lessons from Shark Tank and Uber: Teaching Your Teens (and Maybe Yourself) About Business

By Michael J. Searcy

All the time, I hear people say, “I just don’t understand all that business stuff” and “I’m no good at business, how am I qualified to teach my children about it?” I tell them the answer could be as simple as watching some television, reading and just plain observing your surroundings. If you become more aware of business around you, you should start noticing trends and asking more questions. This is helpful for teenagers, young adults, and yourself to start THINKING about business. I am not talking about accounting statements, banking or business structure here, just a practical understanding of how things work.

The Financial Funnel

The Financial Funnel

By Michael J. Searcy

Yes, you have seen some variation of this image before. Yes, some long time clients tease us about drawing it too often. And yes, it is pretty simplistic. However, it gets the point across, is easy to understand, and it impacts everybody, including those with substantial six-figure incomes.

The Value of Objective Planning

The Value of Objective Planning

We found the following article from financial author Bob Veres to be important content and wanted to share it with you. Although the words and thoughts are his, we feel the message helps illustrate what clients should expect from their advisor, and should know they have options if they aren’t receiving the level of service they expect.

What is the value that people get when they work with an objective, client-focused financial planner?

Is It Actually a Good Idea to Pay Off a Low-Interest Mortgage?

Is It Actually a Good Idea to Pay Off a Low-Interest Mortgage?

Home loans frequently make up significant amounts of household debt, and reducing as much debt as possible before entering retirement can seem like a good idea. A 2013 survey found that 40% of Americans age 55 and older believe that paying off their mortgage was the smartest financial move they ever made. There’s also a certain peace of mind that can come from having one less bill to pay in your later years.

Should You Rollover That Old 401(k)?

Should You Rollover That Old 401(k)?

Do you have an old 401(k) sitting around from a previous job? If so, you have a few options to consider. You could cash out your account, but if you don’t put the cash back into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other qualified account within 60 days, you’ll owe income taxes (and possibly penalties) on your withdrawal. If your current employer permits rollovers into its retirement plan, you may also be able to move your savings over to a new 401(k) and consolidate your investments.