Watch Out for Bonds! Part 1

So, let’s get this out there … I love Warren Buffet.  He’s just so inspirational, down to earth, folksy, and legendary … all at the same time.  What’s not to love!?!?  Not to mention he’s a “G”, for genius, of course.  So, I’m always reading about him to continue to gain as much wisdom as I can.

I especially love his retirement advice because it’s not just for the wealthy; it works for everyone.  It’s practical, easy to understand, and makes sense.  Here are 4 Top Retirement Planning Tips from Warren Buffet.  “Watch Out for Bonds” further emphasizes Brian’s article last month titled “The Conservative Catch 22”.  How fortuitous!

• Think Long Term – Investing isn’t for the faint of heart. It can be nerve racking, especially if you’re watching the ups and downs of the market on a daily basis.  Investing is for the long-haul.  Thinking long term will help you stay the course.
• Watch Out for Bonds – Bonds and other cash based investments may seem safe, but Buffet believes they are anything but. They are based on the dollar, and the value of dollar falls over time.  Think … inflation!  It takes more money to buy a car now than it did 20 years ago, right?  Why?  Because the value of the dollar has fallen.  This is even more pronounce now that we are in low-interest rate environment, headed for inflation.
• Remember to Plan Your Next Phase – Retire with a purpose! Retirement isn’t the end.  If it was, you wouldn’t need to spend so much time planning for it!  Be sure to think about what you want to DO in retirement (the next phase of your life).  As Chuck in our office says, “You want to retire TO something, not FROM something.”  Your health will thank you for it too.
  

• Be Cautious about Financing the Family – Retirement is about your life! While it’s great to plan to leave some money to your family or support them along the way, it’s also important to balance that with your security and happiness.  Your family members should be working toward their own independence.  Don’t rob them of that.  In “Tap Dancing to Work,” Buffett suggests that “the perfect amount is enough money so they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.”

If you would like help planning for your retirement, we are here to partner with you every step of the way with a practical, long-term, easy-to-understand approach that makes sense, just like Warren Buffet!