{"id":15716,"date":"2023-08-16T09:03:26","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T14:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/johnsonwim.com\/?p=15716"},"modified":"2023-08-16T09:03:26","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T14:03:26","slug":"helping-protect-your-retirement-investments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/johnsonwim.com\/helping-protect-your-retirement-investments","title":{"rendered":"Helping Protect Your Retirement Investments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Retirement marks a significant turning point in life, especially for those who have spent years accumulating assets and building a comfortable financial cushion. But no matter how careful you are about saving, there\u2019s always the chance that something could happen to your money.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

As you progress to retirement, the importance of shielding and cultivating the wealth you\u2019ve worked hard for only accelerates. Here, we will delve into key strategies that can help retirees and pre-retirees navigate risk and help secure their financial future. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tailoring Risk Tolerance to Your Stage of Life<\/b><\/h4>\n

A recent <\/span>TIAA study <\/span><\/a>reveals that over half of American adults lack awareness of the typical duration of retirement years. So understanding your savings goal and the level of risk you’re willing to take to get there is a crucial step of retirement planning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk tolerance<\/span><\/a> changes when retirees shift from the accumulation phase to the distribution phase during retirement. Your risk tolerance is mostly lower when you’re younger, allowing you to take a more aggressive investment approach as you have time to return from losses. But as you get closer to your golden years, you should switch from aggressively investing to a more conservative approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important to assess your risk tolerance based on your financial goals and adjust your investment strategy accordingly. Working alongside a financial advisor can help you align your portfolio with your level of risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Embrace a Long-Term Perspective<\/b><\/h4>\n

During retirement, it\u2019s essential to maintain a<\/span> long-term perspective on investments. <\/span><\/a>Markets may experience short-term fluctuations, but history shows<\/a> they tend to recover over time. A great example of markets fluctuating was when we entered a bear market in 2022.<\/span> The S&P 500 dropped 20%<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> and it left many wondering if they would be able to retire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many investors have a tendency to panic during volatile phases like these, selling certain investments to avoid further loss. But even though panic may set in initially, the markets usually remain resilient. <\/span><\/span><\/span>This is why while cautiously modifying your strategy can be beneficial in certain circumstances, always consult with your trusted advisor first<\/em> to help you avoid making emotionally-led decisions based on momentary market movements, which could lead to missed opportunities or unnecessary losses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might also consider incorporating defensive investment approaches into your strategy. For example, bonds are generally less volatile than stocks and can provide a more stable income stream. Dividend-paying stocks can also be a valuable addition, offering both potential for growth and consistent dividends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Help Guard Against Inflation<\/b><\/h4>\n

Savings play a pivotal role in maintaining your financial well-being, but what happens when you look down the barrel of inflation? <\/span><\/p>\n

Inflation’s impact on purchasing power holds substantial weight, especially during retirement. As of <\/span>July 2023, the inflation rate experienced a notable uptick of 3.2%<\/span><\/a> compared to the previous year. <\/span>To help mitigate the effects of inflation, retirees should explore<\/span> alternative investment avenues. <\/span><\/a>Here are a few options to consider that could help safeguard your assets against inflation:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n