Half of Americans see market swings as opportunities to cash in

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Half of Americans see market swings as opportunities to cash in
Although volatile markets mean opportunities for some investors, most clients will be better off ignoring market corrections if they are investing for the long term, according to this article on CNBC. Instead, they should keep their portfolio diversified and boost assets in cash, certificates of deposit and high-quality short-term bond funds as they approach retirement, says an expert. Consulting a professional is also recommended to assess their goals and risk as well as develop a sound investment strategy.

NYSE stock by Bloomberg News
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. U.S. stocks rebounded after the biggest rout since June wiped about $500 billion from the value of equities, while Treasury yields held near two-month highs before the Federal Reserve's Lael Brainard official speaks. Emerging-market assets slumped. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

Young savers can’t assume Roths are right for them
Generally, younger investors will be better off contributing to a Roth IRA than in tax-deferred retirement accounts, according to this article from Kiplinger. Unlike a traditional 401(k) or IRA, a Roth IRA offers no upfront tax deduction on the contributions, but clients will be in a lower tax bracket, which means that their tax bill will be lower than when they put and withdraw the funds from a traditional account. However, making pretax contributions to a traditional 401(k) or IRA is recommended to clients with hefty loans, as they need all the savings they can get to pay off the debt.

How can women better prepare for the 'Golden Years'?
A study by MassMutual found that preparing for retirement is more difficult for women than it is for men, according to this article on Fox Business. An expert with MassMutual says that there are many barriers that female clients face to secure their golden years. “MassMutual’s study shows that many women are less comfortable with financial issues and money in general, so it’s critical for them to have access to more education, professional financial advice, planning tools and other resources to meet these challenges head on.”

Longevity re-explained: It's taking longer for people to feel old
Clients will be able to appreciate the concept of longevity if they don't simply view it as a longer period of time, writes a Forbes contributor. "In its most basic form, [increased longevity] means that it is taking longer for people to feel old," writes the expert. "It’s a more useful and concrete way of saying 60 is the new 40 or that 70 is the new 50 because it opens up the door for those at or near retirement age to continue what they are doing, or venture down a new path. It helps break the stigma of traditional retirement age and can serve as a major step for addressing ageism in society and the workplace."

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Retirement income Roth IRAs IRAs Volatility Investment strategies Longevity strategies Longevity
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