December 2019

Monthly News and Information for Current and Future Retirees
Presented by Polley Financial Group, LLC – December 2019

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.”

JUDY GARLAND

READY FOR MORE TIME TOGETHER?

A career-focused couple may spend as little as 5 to 6 hours interacting with each other on most days, given hours spent working, commuting, shopping, and running errands apart. Once retired, that same couple may spend as many as 15 to 16 hours together each day, with work and commuting out of the way. When you hear stories of retired spouses or partners getting on each other’s nerves, this difference may have something to do with it.

For many retiring couples, this extra time together is a gift. It offers spouses and partners a chance to savor, renew, or rekindle what is most wonderful about their relationship. Others are surprised by this abundance of time, not really knowing how to spend it and feeling like their days have a kind of inertia. Those who experience that feeling may find a remedy in part-time work, volunteering, and even starting a business. All retiring couples should be aware of this factor and think about how much togetherness or independence they may need. Many pre-retirees aspire to have financial freedom one day; many will have time freedom once they wind down their careers. In arranging their retirement transitions, it will be wise to think about how to spend and enjoy that ample time.¹

HEALTH TIP

Why good sleep matters in the winter

Getting 7 to 8 hours of solid sleep each night helps to refresh the immune system through the production of cytokines, proteins that the body needs to counter stress and infection threats. So, good sleep becomes especially important during the cold and flu season.

Source: Mayo Clinic²

RETIRING DEBT-FREE IS GREAT … BUT IS IT REALISTIC?

Ideally, we would all like to retire without a cent of debt. In reality, few of us probably will. Large loan balances may remain with many of us into our “second acts.”

The TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies says that 40% of retirees rank cutting debt as a financial priority – but not necessarily as their top priority. While reducing debt is a great financial goal, it is hardly the only goal within an overall retirement strategy. An effort to erase debt for retirement should not come at great cost to a retirement strategy’s other important financial objectives – such as adhering to an accepted and long-followed investment approach, making ongoing contributions to retirement accounts, or managing income withdrawals and linked income taxes. Some debts may be worth carrying into retirement, as they could be necessary steps on the way to positive financial outcomes. All nonrecurring debt needs to be seen in the context of a larger financial picture.³

DID YOU KNOW?

Not all ants are created equal

Male ants die soon after mating and usually only live around a week. In contrast, female ants (worker ants) live about a year, and queen ants (females that establish colonies) can live for 20 to 30 years.⁴

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

On the eve of Thanksgiving, the S&P 500 stock benchmark was up almost 25% year-to-date. If that advance can be sustained through the end of December, the index will have its best year since 2013.⁵

BRAIN TEASER

Decades ago, a historical society leased a mansion to a museum for 99 years. The mansion has already been leased for a timespan equal to four-fifths the time remaining on the lease. How much time is left on the lease?

STUMPED? CALL 480-921-7706 FOR THE ANSWER!

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty.

CITATIONS.
1 – forbes.com/sites/josephcoughlin/2019/10/29/these-are-retirement-numbers-every-couple-should-plan-on-but-dont/ [10/29/19]

2 – mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757 [11/28/18]

3 – kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T025-C000-S004-tips-for-dealing-with-debt-in-retirement.html [8/30/19]

4 – theconversation.com/six-amazing-facts-you-need-to-know-about-ants-100478 [6/20/19]

5 – cnbc.com/2019/11/25/stock-market-wall-street-in-focus-amid-earnings-and-economic-data.html [11/25/19]