And Pat, here's one from Suzanne
Suzanne, this would not be due to the Fed buying mortgage securities as the payments, which consist of interest AND principal, are guaranteed. However, many borrowers are refinancing at lower rates, so if there is a lot of prepayment going on, with new mortgages coming on board at lower rates, that will affect your dividend. GNMA funds give the best returns when interest rates are stable; right now you are seeing the effect of lower interest rates working their way through the system. And the net asset value of GNMA funds can still go up and down based on interest rate conditions, although not usually as much due to their unique features.
Rich, here's another one for you from Gregg
Social Security is pretty complex.
Below is a web site that you can go to for details on your unique situation. It does cost $20 but is priced to be a service to anyone that wants to use it. Don't worry about phoning or emailing to customer support people there. They are super helpful.
Mob2, be wary of chasing yield in the quest for higher income. You will be adding risk without the higher expected return of equities. I prefer to follow a total return approach.
There are several ways to get income from your portfolio. One is the didend paying, high yield bonds, REIT option. Another, that is more recent and now has been strongly research is the "Systematic Sustainable Withdraw Rate" method. This is taking a certain % of a diversified portfolio.
The most recent research has indicated that using a diversified retirement portfolio including small company stocks, international stocks and bonds, corporate bonds may in the long run result in a longer run net benefit.
Advisors, when you're ready, here's a question from Brad
Brad, it is overall a good idea to manage your income during retirement to stay in the lower tax brackets. When you have room, you can withdraw from your 401(k), or, if you do not need the income, convert to a Roth. Using your taxable funds first is a good overall guideline but it depends on the circumstances.
Brad, you are correct. There is more research coming out where you don't just pull from the taxable account first. You pull from a mixture. In addition, before you are retired, you may want to look into Tax Diversification where you calculate what % for taxable, tax deferred and tax exempt funds.
Brad, your question points out the importance of good tax planning throughout your lifetime. Lots of moving parts here. One thing I will say is that it is important to have taxable, tax deferred and, if possible, tax exempt (Roth) investments at retirement to allow you maximum flexibility to tax plan. This is particularly critical if you are single given the steeper tax brackets.
Brad, I agree that article was good! The issue is that setting up the taxable balances and knowing how to pull them efficiently is conplex. For my clients, I use a specialized CFP/ CFA consultant (Midwest) in this topic that has the computer models set up. The group must individualize the models for the unique client.
Cole, consider more bonds, with perhaps an allocation to TIPS..but it is hard to say without knowing you better.
Cole, when you say 1/3 in five large funds do you mean 5 Large Company(Growth, Value, Blend funds) or do you mean the the 5 largest Mutual Funds like PIMCO Bond, Fidelity Contra Fund, American Funds?
The allocation in your variable annuity-what does that look like? Mostly stocks?
Here's our next question from Bobbie
Bobby, may I ask your age? The closer you are to retirement, the more accurate you may want to be.
One idea is to look at how much you spend right now. Subtract retirement savings.
Bobbie, thanks for your age.
Bobbie, I look at living expenses before retirement assuming that reflects the standard of living you wish to maintain going forward. I also factor in taxes in retirement.
Yes, your taxes now may be different than what they are in retirement. So that likely needs to be considered.
Bobbie, at this point you should focus on saving 10% of your gross income and taking advantage of Roths and 401k/403bs at work. You should invest with a long term perspective in a well-diversified portfolio.
Bobbie, of course whether and how much you can save into a Roth or Trad IRA depends on your tax situation. The point is to save as much as you can now and take advantage of tax deferral in the process.
As you get closer to retirement your standard of living, living expenses may change. But a way to start is to look at your living costs now. Then ask yourself if you'd like to travel in retirement? Are you traveling now? What do you see yourself doing in retirement? Hobbies? rough costs? No answers required here-just brainstorming questions!
You may also want to consider investing annually in an IRA-2013 maximum is $5,500.
A Traditional IRA may reduce your income, a Roth IRA may be a benefit if you can leave the funds there for a" long time" and a Non Deductible IRA is available for those above the income limits of the prior two.
Thanks, Joe, Margot and Heidi! Looks like we have just one more question!
Cashin, I cannot comment off hand but do see it is a pricey fund at almost 1% expense ratio...
Alright, well thank you to everyone who participated today and asked such wonderful questions!
And a special thanks to Margot, Joe, Heidi, and all of the advisors who helped out today. We REALLY appreciate your service!!
This was fun. Good luck to all.
Suzanne, this would not be due to the Fed buying mortgage securities as the payments, which consist of interest AND principal, are guaranteed. However, many borrowers are refinancing at lower rates, so if there is a lot of prepayment going on, with new mortgages coming on board at lower rates, that will affect your dividend. GNMA funds give the best returns when interest rates are stable; right now you are seeing the effect of lower interest rates working their way through the system. And the net asset value of GNMA funds can still go up and down based on interest rate conditions, although not usually as much due to their unique features.
Social Security is pretty complex.
for Grace...Kiplinger's has partnered with Social Security Solutions to offer customized, personalized help with claiming strategies...take a look at kiplinger.socialsecuritysolutions.com for more info
Brad, it is overall a good idea to manage your income during retirement to stay in the lower tax brackets. When you have room, you can withdraw from your 401(k), or, if you do not need the income, convert to a Roth. Using your taxable funds first is a good overall guideline but it depends on the circumstances.
