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Read more about the article Real Life Investment Strategies #3: What is the Difference Between a Lifestyle Reserve and an Emergency Fund / Financial Cushion?

Real Life Investment Strategies #3: What is the Difference Between a Lifestyle Reserve and an Emergency Fund / Financial Cushion?

Post published:March 27, 2024

Both Emergency Fund and Lifestyle Reserve Planning are Crucial Whether You are Accumulating Wealth or Getting Ready to Retire Having an emergency fund is common advice, whether you are reading this in the financial media or hearing it from a financial advisor. Many people who are later in life and feeling comfortable with their financial situation might disregard this advice, assuming it only applies to those that don’t have as much financial stability. The truth is that an Emergency Fund is something that everyone (even you!) should have. In addition, the added financial security planning of a Lifestyle Reserve should also be part of your financial plan. So, let’s explore exactly what an Emergency Fund is, how a Lifestyle Fund is different, and why both should be in place to ensure long-term financial alternatives and adaptability. Most importantly, I’ll highlight how this applies to Suzie & Trevor Hall (The Accumulators) and Jim & Carol Oates (Almost Ready to be Retirees), so you can see how it can work for you.

Real Life Investment Strategies #2: Debunking Retirement Financial “Rules”

Post published:March 19, 2024

Should You Plan Your Retirement Savings According to the 4% Withdrawal Rate Rule or 70% of Pre-Retirement Income Rule? Whether you’re an accumulator or preparing for retirement, how do you plan for saving AND spending your hard-earned cash in retirement? My Answer: It depends. All those popular retirement spending rules you hear about in the popular press or through your favourite financial guru really should be called guidelines. Augmenting blunt estimates with finer-pointed planning may not be as quickly accomplished. But it’s a far more effective way to plan for how much to save as you accumulate wealth, and how much to spend as you withdraw it. In fact, it’s best to consider retirement spending as being a variable process, versus a one-and-done equation. Which is why it depends. LET’S BEND SOME RULES: THE 4% WITHDRAWAL RATE RULE & THE 70% PRE-RETIREMENT INCOME RULE

Real Life Investment Strategies #1: Will Geopolitics Ruin My Financial Plans?

Post published:February 9, 2024

Timeless financial tips are well and good - but how do they apply to my investment decisions in real life? To address that question, I’m launching Lowrie Financial’s “Real Life Investment Strategies.” Each post in this new series will use case studies to illustrate the choices real people are making, as they contemplate money management concerns in real time. Many have active concerns around geopolitical events and their impact on their financial futures - clear theme emerges: • worrying thoughts about current events, • what the geopolitical climate may mean to your money, and • what investment strategies to avert setbacks for your financial future So, let’s address some of the more worrisome flash points looming large at this time: the world, its politics, and its politicians.